Executive Director National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI)

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The University of Mississippi seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI). The NCNI is a critical interdisciplinary research hub, exploring the origins, evolution, strategic application, and technology intersection of narratives in the digital age, with an emphasis on national security and workforce development. The Center brings together the triad of academia, industry, and government to develop actionable insights into narrative intelligence and technologies, equipping future leaders with the tools to understand and shape modern information environments.

 

The Executive Director will be responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the center, working to ensure close alignment with the University of Mississippi and NCNI stakeholders. This includes developing partnerships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors, leading cutting-edge research initiatives, providing policy input, and fostering collaboration between experts in academia, government, and industry. The successful candidate will be a seasoned leader with the ability to manage large-scale projects, build diverse teams, and promote NCNI as a leading authority in narrative intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Vision and Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans that support NCNI growth in alignment with its mission to advance research, policy, and workforce development.

• Policy Development: Collaborate with the NCNI Governance Board, University of Mississippi (UM) leadership, and the NCNI leadership to establish policies and long-term organizational objectives.

• Thought Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert in narrative intelligence, representing NCNI’s mission at conferences, workshops, and legislative and media engagements.

 

2. Operational Management

• Program Oversight: Oversee NCNI activities, including research initiatives, workforce development programs, and the NCNI internship program. Ensure effective execution of the center’s strategic initiatives.

• Compliance: Maintain adherence to university, state, and federal regulations, as well as ethical standards in all NCNI activities.

 

3. Team Leadership

• Staff Management: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing, interdisciplinary team that includes academic, industry, and government experts.

• Culture Building: Create and sustain a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative working environment that reflects NCNI’s commitment to excellence and diversity.

• Performance Evaluation: Establish and maintain robust systems for evaluating NCNI staff performance and program effectiveness.

 

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Community Outreach: Engage with the NCNI governance Board and key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry, promoting NCNI’s mission and fostering long-term partnerships.

• University Relations: Serve as the key point of contact between the NCNI staff and the UM leadership, facilitating effective communication and alignment of goals.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the role of narrative intelligence in national security and information warfare through public engagements, research publications, and policy input.

 

5. Resource Development

• Lead efforts to secure funding for NCNI through grants, donations, and partnerships with private and public sector entities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., national security, military studies, public policy, political science, communications).

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of senior leadership experience in government, military, nonprofit, or academic sectors, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Industry Knowledge: Significant experience in information warfare, psychological operations, national security policy, or narrative intelligence, with experience in high-level project management.

• Financial Acumen: Proven experience in financial management, including budget oversight and resource allocation for large-scale projects.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience in public speaking, advocacy, and media relations.

• Lead