Director, South Asia Center

The Atlantic Council seeks a dynamic, policy-oriented, intellectual entrepreneur to serve as Director of its South Asia Center. A combination of U.S. government and private sector experience would serve the new director well, along with business development skills, proven talent management, and advanced written and verbal communication skills.

The Director will lead the South Asia Center’s strategy, business development, and manage the Center’s staff and network of non-resident senior fellows. This individual will enhance the Center’s impact on the most important challenges and opportunities in the greater South Asia region, but with a key focus on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and their international relations.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the Center, the Director will enhance the Council’s presence throughout the region with key stakeholders, while strengthening our programming in Washington as we seek to become the “go to” organization on South Asia.

As India prepares for this year’s G-20, the Director will leverage key partnerships in Washington, throughout the region, and globally to enhance the Atlantic Council’s work on India’s growing role in the world, particularly on matters of trade, economic relations, and digital cooperation. Beyond this, the Director will oversee the Pakistan Initiative, which sits within the South Asia Center, to strengthen its programming and operations, particularly key projects on US-Pakistan tech and commerce collaboration.

Most importantly, the Director will have an entrepreneurial spirit to build new work as the key driver of business development for the South Asia Center to broaden the resources of the Center through innovative programming. Working with the Council’s executive office and development team, the Director will be responsible for creating a compelling strategy for the Center’s next phase of growth.

Experience living and working in the region is required as is knowledge of at least one regional language, in addition to English. Proven written and verbal communication skills are crucial. The position requires domestic and international travel. This position is based in our Washington, DC headquarters on a hybrid schedule. Pay is commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers starting at $150,000.

Job Responsibilities

The Director will be specifically responsible for:

Intellectual Leadership: Play the leading role in developing the substantive framework for advancing the South Asia Center’s mission through strategic planning and innovative programming to support that mission. Represent the Center and Council in external policy debates through publications, speaking/media engagements, and other thought leadership.

Business Development: Work with Council leadership and Development team, build the Center’s financial base by pursuing opportunities with foundations, corporations, high net worth individuals, government agencies, and international organizations. The Director should be a relentlessly creative, entrepreneurial manager prepared to drive growth within the Center.

Programmatic Operations: Develop programming and new initiatives designed to shape policy and the public discussion about South Asia, including its relations with North America and Europe. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, often involving senior experts and policy leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society.

Center Management: Recruit, manage, and develop a robust bench of talent consisting of full-time staff, Young Global Professionals (paid interns), and resident/nonresident senior fellows. Integrate board members, members of the Council’s networks, and supporting partners into the Center’s programming, while leveraging the expertise of the Council’s 16 programs and centers to enhance the Center’s global network. Maintain strong oversight of Center finances and administrative obligations, working with the Council’s finance and operations staff.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should possess:

• A minimum of 10 years relevant work experience in South Asian affairs and/or other relevant areas within government service, private sector, and/or academia;
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, and doctorate is highly desirable;
• Significant expertise in South Asia with a strong and current network in Washington, South Asia, and Europe among government, business, and civil society;
• Experience in governmental/private sector decision-making processes and policy development;
• Extensive management experience coupled with strong business development skills and interpersonal skills to lead network of staff, fellows, and Young Global Professionals;
• Superior writing and communication skills;
• A track record of significant leadership in government or private sector positions;
• Experience living and working in South Asia and at least one regional language, beyond English.

Learn more here