The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) at NC State University is building a more vibrant and prosperous state by bringing North Carolinians together across sectors, regions and perspectives to find innovative solutions to the state’s most pressing issues. IEI operates as a nonpartisan connector, working at the crucial intersection of economic development, healthcare, education and our natural and built environments. The Associate Director plays a key role in developing IEI’s strategy and oversees program planning and implementation, formulating broad initiatives that elevate critical conversations to achieve measurable policy outcomes and long-term community impact across North Carolina. Reporting to the Director and serving on IEI’s Leadership Team, this role will use their understanding of North Carolina’s political and economic landscape and community development to manage IEI’s policy efforts and community initiatives. The successful candidate will be a results-driven leader dedicated to ensuring that every IEI initiative translates into outcomes that improve the lives of North Carolinians. This is an exceptional opportunity for an adaptive leader who excels in collaboration, is knowledgeable about public policy and examines issues from various perspectives, and understands that local communities are integral to shaping public policy solutions. We seek an ideal team player who is stimulated by complexity, thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, champions a culture of team-based learning and mutual accountability, and is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of North Carolinians. Specific duties and responsibilities include:Strategic Policy Leadership & Engagement (50%) Lead efforts to identify emerging statewide trends, policy shifts, and stakeholder needs to position IEI as a proactive leader in North Carolina’s public policy landscape. Ensure that the needs and ideas of those most impacted by these issues are meaningfully represented in IEI’s policy and programmatic work. Represent IEI at public policy and professional events across the state and nation. Proactively identify and evaluate potential political, reputational, or operational risks to IEI’s nonpartisan status and mission. Advise the Director on navigating complex relationships with key stakeholders while maintaining organizational neutrality. In the absence of the Director, lead the work of IEI. Program & Initiative Oversight (40%) Oversee the lifecycle of the annual Emerging Issues Forum, from nonpartisan framing and high-level theme development to the strategic engagement of campus partners, local leaders, and relevant community networks, to the development of impactful solutions. Oversee the development and implementation of IEI’s community-focused programs, including communications with funders, writing proposals, serving as PI/co-PI, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Support internal alignment across current and past programs. Ensure all programmatic content, forums, and publications maintain the highest standards of nonpartisan integrity and objective analysis. Operational Alignment (10%) Lead the development of a framework to measure short and long-term outcomes on a quarterly, annual and five-year basis, to ensure alignment and drive impact with IEI’s strategic plan and organizational priorities. Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing team to support event outreach and identify compelling examples that amplify the tangible results of IEI’s community work. Other Responsibilities Serve on IEI’s Leadership Team, working with the director, finance and operations director and communications and marketing director to ensure that work is mission-focused, coordinated across functional teams, and programs are positioned for success. Directly supervise policy and community initiative staff, fostering a culture of team-based learning, cross-functional coordination, and mutual accountability. Directly (or through a direct report) supervise one or more student interns each year. Model and promote a culture where staff at all levels feel empowered to provide upward feedback and challenge assumptions. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s or graduate degree in a related field (social science, law, or public policy preferred). Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in organizational leadership, public policy, economic development and/or community development. Other Required Qualifications An ability to engage effectively with leaders across regions, sectors and perspectives. Exceptional facilitation skills to mediate differing viewpoints among a wide range of stakeholders and community perspectives to find common ground. Experience in scenario planning, SWOT analysis, or similar strategic frameworks used to assess organizational and programmatic risks and opportunities. Experience in change management and the ability to institutionalize continuous improvement processes. An ability to coach staff toward high performance through regular, constructive, transparent two-way dialogue. An ability to design and implement outcome-based programming and evaluation strategies that demonstrate community and economic impact. An ability to deploy creative thinking skills to problem solve or develop new ideas. An ability to build relationships and leverage resources to advance the mission of the organization. Experience managing budgets. Strong project management experience and organizational skills. Outstanding speaking and writing skills, with a proven track record of issue research and publication. High degree of motivation, initiative, optimism, and reliability; proven ability to work independently, quickly and efficiently with limited supervision. Preferred Qualifications 10 years of experience working in applied public policy, economic development and/or community development. Proven ability to deliver direct, actionable feedback with empathy and clarity. Deep understanding of the economy and politics of North Carolina. Deep understanding of community-based development principles. Significant and progressively responsible, relevant professional experience Required License(s) or Certification(s) Valid Driver’s License. Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions Job Open Date 04/23/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants Please include as attachments a resume/ CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references. Position Details Position Number 00101671 Position Type EPS/ SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 371001 - Institute for Emerging Issues EEO