Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual ...

Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law Apply now to Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law Job #JPF10692 + Law / School Of Law / UCLA Position overview Position title: Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law & Public Policy Salary range: See UC Salary Table 34 at for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $260,000 to $290,000 Application Window Open date: November 4, 2025 Next review date: Friday, Jan 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Friday, Jan 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date. Position description The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law is seeking an Executive Director to provide vision and creativity to build its future; to lead a team of talented and experienced researchers and staff; to engage a committed group of volunteers, donors, and advisory councils; to represent the Institute to the public, press, and policymakers; and to oversee its core programs, fundraising, and operations. About the Williams Institute The Williams Institute is dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. A research center at UCLA Law founded in 2001, the Williams Institute produces high-quality research with real-world relevance and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. Experts at the Williams Institute have authored dozens of public policy studies and journal articles, filed amicus briefs in key court cases, provided expert testimony at legislative hearings, been widely cited in the national media, and trained thousands of lawyers, judges and members of the public. Today, the Williams Institute has more than 24 staff and scholars, a budget of over $4 million, and an endowment of over $29 million. For more information about the Williams Institute, please visit About the Executive Director The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibilities for the Instituteu2019s staff, research, fundraising, budget, programs, and mission. The Executive Director will develop and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the Instituteu2019s mission and goals; guide and support staff and visiting scholars; oversee and produce high-quality research that informs public policy and advocacy efforts; cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and other stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals; oversee the Instituteu2019s budget and financial management; and engage with policymakers, the media, and the public to disseminate the Instituteu2019s work. In addition to successful experience as a manager and innovative leader, the Executive Director must have the capacity to collaborate and engage with the broad spectrum of the Instituteu2019s partners and audiences, and the substantive expertise and communication skills to serve as an effective representative of the organization, as well as the ability to work effectively within and create synergies with other parts of UCLA Law School. The Executive Director must have passion for the mission of the Williams Institute, appreciation for its institutional voice and values, highly developed research and writing skills, and deep knowledge of policy issues facing LGBTQ communities. The Executive Director will report to the Williams Institute Faculty Chair and the Dean of UCLA School of Law. In addition, the position will work closely with the Instituteu2019s Founders Council, which provides strategic leadership and development support for the Williams Institute, and the Instituteu2019s other advisory councils. Depending on interest, qualifications, experience, and balanced by other program priorities, the Executive Director may teach a course focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law at UCLA Law to be developed and determined in consultation with the Faculty Director of the Williams Institute and the Vice Dean for Curricular and Academic Affairs. The Executive Director must live and work full-time in Los Angeles. The position travels extensively, including internationally. Qualifications The successful candidate must have either a J.D. or a social science Ph.D., or an M.D. The ideal candidate will have at least 7+ years of successful senior management and leadership experience, a track record of innovation and program building, and knowledge of current LGBTQ law and policy issues. We are also looking for candidates with demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, and success in fundraising and managing a budget. Successful candidates will be creative, motivated, committed to diversity, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and be passionate about the Williams Instituteu2019s mission. The individual will have an established track record for organizing and leading a strong team; be able to generate investment and enthusiasm; have strong interpersonal skills; and have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, constituents, donors, and advisory board members. Extremely strong verbal and written communications skills are essential, and the successful candidate will be able to represent the Williams Institute to the press, policymakers, and the public. Applicants whose work focuses on people of color, transgender people, women, people with disabilities, children and youth, and/or people of low socio-economic status are encouraged to apply. The University of California seeks candidates committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities and to a campus climate that supports equality and diversity. This is a full-time, year-round, non-tenure track, academic position. This appointment is subject to the rules and regulations of the Regents of the University of California which are mostly embodied in The UCLA CALL and the University of California Academic Personnel Manual. (See and As a normal requirement, the appointee should have the terminal or top degree in the appointeeu2019s field, e.g., J.D., Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or the highest degree that is commonly expected for appointment in the activity. See UC Salary Table 34 at for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $260,000 to $290,000. The salary and level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes research and travel support. Position Specification The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law is seeking an Executive Director to provide vision and creativity to build its future; to lead a team of talented and experienced researchers and staff; to engage a committed group of volunteers, donors, and advisory councils; to represent the Institute to the public, press, and policymakers; and to oversee its core programs, fundraising, and operations. The Williams Institute The Williams Institute is dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. A think tank at UCLA Law founded in 2001, the Williams Institute produces high-quality research with real-world relevance and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. Experts at the Williams Institute have authored dozens of public policy studies and journal articles, filed amicus briefs in key court cases, provided expert testimony at legislative hearings, been widely cited in the national media, and trained thousands of lawyers, judges and members of the public. Today, the Williams Institute has over 24 staff and scholars, a budget of over $4 million, and an endowment of over $29 million. For more information about the Williams Institute, please visit UCLA School of Law The Williams Institute is a department of UCLA School of Law, the youngest top-ranked law school in the United States. UCLA Law has established a number of think tanks, including the Williams Institute, that have consistently promoted the highest standards of intellectual discourse. These centers focus on many areas that intersect with and enhance the work of the Williams Institute, including public interest law, reproductive justice, criminal justice, critical race studies, tribal law, and environmental law. Through research and published articles, UCLA Lawu2019s centers offer invaluable information for legislators, the judiciary, and the public while providing critical training for UCLA students and the broader community. The Williams Institute also benefits from being part of UCLA, which has a vibrant intellectual community focused on LGBTQ-related scholarship. This includes the LGBTQ Studies minor, Gender Studies, the Center for the Study of Women, and the LGBTQ Campus Resource Center. With an undergraduate and graduate population of about 41,000 and a faculty of more than 4,800, UCLA consists of one college and a dozen professional schools that offer 125 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. The Williams Instituteu2019s Organizational Values: u2022 Impact - We are committed to research that has real-world law and policy impact and application. u2022 Innovation - We foster new areas of inquiry and anticipate the future of research and legal reform for the LGBTQ community. u2022 Rigor -We conduct original, empirical research that meets the highest standards of excellence, and base our findings on expertise and documentable evidence. u2022 Independence - We are committed to independent inquiry and integrity. u2022 Engagement - We engage with the LGBTQ, research, and legal communities to address current and relevant issues. Our Core Strategies: u2022 Conducting and fostering research and analysis; u2022 Providing strategic education for key audiences; u2022 Developing and supporting new experts and scholars; u2022 Disseminating research to policymakers, press, and the public; and u2022 Engaging with communities, stakeholders, and the public. Our Current Priorities: Priority Issues u2022 Data Collection & Demography: improving data collection on sexual and gender minorities and understanding the demographics of LGBTQ people u2022 Non-Discrimination Protections: informing efforts to expand protections at the local, state, and federal level, with a particular focus on states that do not have non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity u2022 Religious Exemptions: evaluating the impact of religions exemptions to non-discrimination and other laws u2022 Poverty in the LGBTQ community: understanding and addressing poverty in the LGBTQ community u2022 Criminal Justice Reform: including interactions of LGBTQ people and law enforcement, criminalization of sexuality and people living with HIV, and incarceration and detention u2022 LGBTQ Health Disparities: including mental and physical health disparities, HIV/AIDS, etc. Focus Populations In all of its work, the Williams Institute distinctly considers lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and other sexual and gender minorities. In addition, we consider LGBTQ peopleu2019s intersectional identities u2013 including race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, class, religion, age and disability. We are currently prioritizing research on the following populations: u2022 People of Color: addressing disparities facing LGBTQ People of Color u2022 Transgender People: increasing data about transgender people and analyzing laws, policies and programs that impact them u2022 Youth: laws, policies, and programs impacting LGBTQ youth, including the institutions they most frequently interact with such as schools, foster care, homeless service providers, and prisons and jails u2022 Older People: understanding the needs of older LGBTQ people, informed by a better understanding of the entire life course of LGBTQ people u2022 Families: understanding LGBTQ families and analyzing laws and policies to support a variety of LGBTQ family formations, including foster care, adoption, family planning, and assisted reproductive technologies u2022 Immigrants: addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ people who are undocumented or recent immigrants to the United States Geographic Focus While our work will continue to be predominately focused on local, state and federal policy in the U.S., weu2019re building our research portfolio in the following areas: u2022 South & Midwest: areas of the U.S. that have lagged behind in terms of law, policy, and social acceptance for LGBTQ people u2022 International: we will continue to expand our international work, taking what we do best domestically, and working with partners to do similar research, education, and training programs around the globe. POSITION Working with the Instituteu2019s Faculty Chair, Founders Council, and other Advisory Committees, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibilities for the Instituteu2019s staff, research, programs, fundraising, budget, and mission. The Executive Director will help to map out the overall goals of the Institute and be responsible for their day-to-day implementation. The Executive Director will also help expand a sustainable fundraising framework for the Institute. In addition to successful experience as a manager and innovative leader, the Executive Director must have the capacity to collaborate and engage with the broad spectrum of the Instituteu2019s partners and audiences, and the substantive expertise and communication skills to serve as an effective representative of the organization. A passion for the mission of the Williams Institute, appreciation for its institutional voice and values, and a commitment to a programmatic portfolio that embraces the full diversity of LGBTQ communities are essential. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES This position carries the following duties and responsibilities. However, other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or duties may be removed to respond to Institute and Law School needs. Key responsibilities will include: Vision & Strategy u2022 Through a collaborative process, articulate a compelling vision for the future growth and development of the Institute u2022 Help develop and lead the execution of world-class and innovative public policy research, programs, and initiatives that advance the mission of the Williams Institute. u2022 Stay informed of, and engaged with, LGBTQ law and policy to ensure Williams Institute research remains relevant and timely u2022 Help balance the Instituteu2019s overall research and programs in terms of topical areas and relevance to sub-populations within the LGBTQ community Leadership & Management u2022 Lead, coach, and develop the Instituteu2019s excellent senior management team u2022 Create an organizational culture of cooperation, creativity, mutual respect, and professional development u2022 Actively engage and energize Williams Institute staff, volunteers, and funders u2022 Working with the Instituteu2019s Faculty Chair, develop, maintain, and support strong advisory boards, including the Instituteu2019s Founders Council, Faculty Advisory Council, and Legal Council Programs & Operations u2022 Ensure ongoing research and programmatic excellence, including overseeing effective systems to track progress u2022 Ensure consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems u2022 Help create and monitor the Instituteu2019s annual operating budget Fundraising u2022 Develop and lead fundraising activities to support the Instituteu2019s mission, including public and private grants, major donors, events, annual giving, planned giving, endowment campaign, and in-kind support u2022 Nurture effective relations with existing donors and reach out to potential donors Communications u2022 Provide strategic leadership and direction for the dissemination of our work and promotion of the Institute u2022 Serve as the principal spokesperson for the Williams Institute before a variety of audiences including policymakers, the media, and the public u2022 Maintain and strengthen the Williams Instituteu2019s brand Collaboration & Engagement u2022 Lead the Institute in maintaining and building effective partnerships and collaborations u2022 Engage with stakeholders in government, the private sector, the nonprofit sector, academia, and the media to support and inform the William Instituteu2019s research and programs IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will have at least 7+ years of successful senior management and leadership experience, a track record of innovation and program building, and deep knowledge of LGBTQ law and policy issues. We are also looking for candidates with demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, and success in fundraising and managing a budget. A J.D., Ph.D., or M.D. is required; significant law and policy related experience is required. Successful candidates will be creative, motivated, committed to diversity, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and be passionate about the Williams Instituteu2019s mission. The individual will have an established track record for organizing and leading a strong team; be able to generate investment and enthusiasm; have strong interpersonal skills; and have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, constituents, donors, and advisory board members. The ideal candidate has strong verbal and written communications skills and will be able to represent the Williams Institute to the press, policymakers, and the public. Applicants whose work focuses on people of color, transgender people, women, people with disabilities, children and youth, and/or people of low socio-economic status are encouraged to apply. More specifically we are looking for: An experienced and motivated organizational leader u2022 Experience in navigating organizations through strategic discussions and priority setting u2022 Specific examples of having developed and operationalized programs and strategies u2022 Successful experience with budgeting and financial stewardship u2022 Commitment to quality programs and program evaluation An orientation towards collaboration and teams u2022 Ability to build teams in a culture that values independence and initiative u2022 Proven leadership, coaching, and management experience u2022 Experience with mentoring and training junior scholars and administrative personnel u2022 A proven track record of developing successful partnerships among diverse groups u2022 Past success working with a Board of Directors or similar groups or committees An expert who is passionate about our mission and work u2022 A deep knowledge about LGBT law and policy u2022 Experience informing public policy with research and/or expertise An accomplished fundraiser u2022 Experience creating, implementing and leading a range of fundraising strategies, including major donors, grants, events, planned giving and building an endowment u2022 Have existing relationships with foundations and donors nationally and locally An impressive spokesperson who has established networks u2022 A compelling communicator to articulate the Instituteu2019s mission to diverse audiences u2022 Strong marketing and public relations experience u2022 Excellent written and verbal communication skills u2022 An excellent reputation with extensive networks among relevant stakeholders A creative and hard-working entrepreneur with outstanding character u2022 Entrepreneurial, innovative, and creative u2022 Adapts easily to changing situations and priorities u2022 Positive attitude and a sense of humor u2022 Good judgment and a track record of high integrity A commitment to diversity u2022 A commitment to diversity throughout the Williams Institute u2022 Dedication to work addressing the most vulnerable parts of LGBTQ communities TITLE Executive Director and Roberta A. Conroy Scholar of Law and Policy ROLE The Executive Director will report to the Williams Institute Faculty Chair and the Dean of UCLA School of Law. In addition, the position will work closely with the Instituteu2019s Founders Council, which provides strategic leadership and development support for the Williams Institute, and the Instituteu2019s other advisory councils. LOCATION The Executive Director must live and work full-time in Los Angeles. The position travels extensively, including internationally. Program: Qualifications Basic qualifications A J.D., or a social science Ph.D., or an M.D. Application Requirements Document requirements + Cover Letter - A cover letter discussing your interest, qualifications and/or experience + Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated resume or C.V. + List of References - The names and addresses for at least five professional references + UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education. The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution Prompt for candidates for recruitment: Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service Reference requirements + 5-7 required (contact information only) The names and addresses for at least five professional references Apply link: Help contact: About UCLA As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. + u201cMisconductu201d means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicantu2019s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. + UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy ( + UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties + APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment ( Job location Los Angeles, CA

Created: 2025-11-07