Dean, McCourt School of Public Policy

Dean, McCourt School of Public Policy

Georgetown University seeks a visionary leader to serve as the next Dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy (MSPP), a diverse community of problem-solvers, committed to moving bold ideas to action.

Ranked among the best public policy schools by U.S. News and World Report, Georgetown is at the center of the policy world in Washington, D.C., with unmatched geographical access to the White House, U.S. Capitol, federal agencies, international organizations and major corporations. MSPP was founded in 2013 through a $100 million gift from alumnus Frank McCourt (C’75), who then supplemented his gift with another $100 million in 2021.

The McCourt School prepares students to be leaders who advance the common good in the private, public and non-profit sectors. MSPP envisions becoming one of the most inclusive schools of public policy in the nation, in service to its mission to strengthen the pipeline of future problem solvers, advance solutions to complex policy problems, and deepen Georgetown’s impact. In this context, MSPP seeks an entrepreneurial, visionary Dean to provide leadership in growing the School and advancing its national and international reputation.

The McCourt School has an entrepreneurial spirit and a tradition of strong faculty governance. Current faculty disciplines include political science, economics, sociology, public management, ethics, and data science. The more than 50 full-time faculty instruct nearly 500 graduate and soon undergraduate students, nearly half of which are international students. Current and former faculty members include eminent academics and policymakers, such as U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives, senior officials from the Department of State, and a Nobel Laureate.

As the McCourt School continues to flourish, there is a strong commitment to pursue new pillars of academic excellence such as environmental policy and technology policy, increase the number of faculty, offer full scholarships to the country's most qualified future public policymakers and scholars, host high-profile conferences and seminars, and capitalize its new home at the heart of the DC policy space.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean will provide visionary leadership to advance the McCourt School of Public Policy’s national and international reputation. S/he will work with the School’s faculty, administrators, staff, and students to develop the McCourt School into the world’s premier public policy school. The Dean’s primary objective is to provide innovative leadership to the McCourt School (faculty, administrators, staff and students) in all aspects of its operation, including academic affairs, administration and planning, student recruitment and career placement, enrollment management and financial aid, financial management, and institutional advancement.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an established record of visionary, inclusive, and collaborative leadership and a strong international reputation in academic and policy-relevant work. They will exhibit a focus on student-centered education, and a track record of fostering a diverse student body. Additionally, this individual will have demonstrated experience in operational and financial management, team management, and fundraising, with an understanding and respect for the University's mission and Catholic and Jesuit identity. Candidates from academia will be required to meet the credentials for appointment at the Full Professor level, including a terminal degree and a distinguished record of research success, while those from outside academia may meet alternative qualifications.

Initial screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Georgetown University will be assisted by Jackie Zavitz, Bill O’Leary, Meghan Ashbrock, Sulli Cressler, and John Kenchelian of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.

Nominations and applications should be directed to: [email protected]

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Expected compensation range for the Dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy: $500,000 - $575,000