Executive Director, Center for Ethics & the Rule of Law

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Executive Director, Center for Ethics & the Rule of Law

Job Profile Title

Director D, Academic Affairs, Academic Center

Job Description Summary

The Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law is a non-partisan interdisciplinary institute dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rule of law in twenty-first century warfare and national security. CERL draws from the study of law, philosophy, and ethics to answer the difficult questions that arise in times of war and contemporary transnational conflicts. The Center unites scholars and policymakers from various fields in a multi-disciplinary conversation on some of the most challenging issues of our time.

Reporting directly to CERL’s Faculty Director and collaborating with CERL’s Executive Board, CERL's Executive Director helps to design and implement a long-term growth strategy to advance CERL's mission. The Executive Director also helps to conceive and implement a strategic series of events, conferences, publications, and policy papers designed to enhance CERL's role as a purveyor of cutting-edge topics at the intersection of national security and ethics. The CERL Executive Director oversees day-to-day operations for the Center both substantively and administratively, directing a team that includes a Director of Engagement, the Center Coordinator, CERL’s fellows, temporary hires and students. Additionally, the Executive Director leads CERL's Summer Internship Program, working with a cohort of 12-14 graduate and law students to produce high-level written product and advance student understanding of the rule of law in public life. The CERL Executive Director assists the fundraising efforts of the CERL Faculty Director, members of the Executive Board and others in the university to grow and support the Center, as well as to help implement communications strategies to expand CERL's visibility and influence. Finally, CERL’s Executive Director directs the Center’s blog, managing submissions and running the selection process, preparing pieces for publication, managing the peer review process, and helping to solicit contributions of interest.

Job Description