The Director of Engagement leads the five-person Community and Alumni Affairs (CAA) Section. The Community and Alumni Affairs section conducts participant recruitment and registration, manages alumni relations, manages the alumni database, prepares and compiles course evaluations, and conducts key stakeholder outreach for the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. He/She works closely with Africa Center alumni to create and catalyze alumni chapters and communities of interest as dynamic vehicles for ongoing professional education, peer-to-peer engagements, and security sector governance norms reinforcement. He/She serves as a member of the Leadership Team of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies and as such represents and interfaces with members of the diplomatic community, colleagues and students at the National Defense University, and other key stakeholders in the US Government and elsewhere.
- The incumbent supervises the CAA team to recruit and manage participants for all academic and outreach programs, maintain participant and alumni databases, sustain alumni relationships, support alumni community chapters, and build networks with US Embassies and US government stakeholders necessary to manage the Africa Center’s participant affairs. Develops internal operating procedures, checklists, milestones, and metrics for the CAA section to effectively plan and coordinate across Africa Center sections to execute program requirements. Works closely with faculty to develop recruiting strategies and profiles to promote diverse, engaged participants who are, or will be, leaders in African security sector institutions. Oversees the development and implementation of alumni and outreach programs. Manages the CAA section to accomplish all assigned tasks in support of the Africa Center’s mission and vision.
- He/She develops and executes engagement strategies to interact (both virtually and in person) with alumni, partners, and stakeholders. This includes designing and executing events and engagements for alumni and key stakeholder audiences such as the African diplomatic community in Washington, DC, US government interagency and congressional colleagues working on Africa, and the National Defense University community. He/She will leverage the Africa Center alumni network to create and enhance alumni chapters and communities of interest to be force multipliers in strengthening security sector institutions on the continent.
- He/She provides guidance and direction for conducting program evaluations to include the evaluation content and questions, compilation of responses, and analysis of responses. He/she contributes to strategic planning and assessing Africa Center mission impact through timely analysis and reports on enrollment, participation trends, and changes in stakeholder interests and priorities. Proposes and develops innovative approaches and tools to enhance engagement, recruitment of participants, and sustainment of relationships.
- He/She is a member of the Leadership Team for the Africa Center. He/she represents the Africa Center at external events as requested by the Director. He/She may moderate sessions and serve as a subject matter expert speaker or panelist during Africa Center programs, and may serve as a facilitator for small group discussions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications (Required)
- Possesses an earned Master’s degree in International Relations, Public Policy, African Studies or a related field.
- Experience as a leader and supervisor with at least 10 years experience managing a team of at least 5 or more subordinates.
- Supervisory experience administering and conducting performance counseling, career counseling and professional development for team members, and preparing performance appraisals.
- A minimum of 10 years professional experience working on African political, security, or development issues.
- Extensive knowledge of US-Africa policy.
- Experience living and working on the African continent.
- Possess excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language with a demonstrated ability to express clear, concise concepts and findings.
Qualifications (Desired)
- Possesses a PhD in International Relations, Public Policy, African Studies or a related field.
- Established network of professional contacts, especially with African security sector institutions, think tanks, universities, NGOs, strategic centers, diplomatic community.
- Fluency in French or Portuguese.
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a US Citizen
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.ssa.gov/)
- Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
- The position is governed by 10 USC 1595 and NDUI 1416.0l dated March 2017.
- Must be able and willing to travel both domestically and internationally. Travel is seldom required. 20-30% of the time.
- The incumbent must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Apply by December 6, 2024: USAJOBS – Director of Engagement