The executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership leads a uniquely positioned, university-based institute at the forefront of a movement to engage the full diversity of residents in solving local government challenges. With the support of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy and an advisory council composed largely of local government practitioners, the executive director will lead the Institute’s mission to help build stronger communities by promoting public participation in local governance.
The executive director oversees the Institute’s three major program areas: training, thought leadership, and convening. In addition to managing budget and programs, the executive director seeks new opportunities for program development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising. They will serve as supervisor for the Davenport Institute staff (including student employees) and oversight of consultant and partner efforts. In addition, the executive director seeks to expose Pepperdine School of Public Policy students to this important field through a variety of student-facing activities as well as connections to local government professional development, mentors, and internship and job opportunities.
The ideal candidate will work from our Malibu, CA location. We will also consider candidates who want to work virtually, but remote workers would need to travel regularly (at least quarterly) to Malibu.
