Advertisement for the position of Director
Summary
- Position: Director / Legal representative
- Type of contract: National Collective Labour Agreement under Italian law - Tertiary, Distribution and Services - 'Quadri' level - full-time. Possibility to consider other contract types upon request of the candidate, including on an autonomous or para-subordinate basis.
- Duration: the statutory term of office is three years, renewable twice for equivalent periods (Article 8.10 of the IAI Bylaws)
- Location: Rome, IAI, Via dei Montecatini, 17
- Deadline: 30 June 2025
- Expected start day of collaboration: 1st May 2026
Main responsibilities in the position
In light of its statutory provisions and with the aim of sustaining and developing its activities, IAI seeks a new Director who will report directly to the Board of Directors and the General Assembly. The successful candidate will share and promote the Institute’s founding values (“[...] advancement of European integration and human rights, international security and sustainable development through multilateral cooperation.” - Art.1 of the IAI Bylaws) and safeguard its integrity and independence.
The ideal candidate should have strategic vision, public standing, social and managerial skills and a solid fundraising experience and track-record.
The main responsibilities of the successful candidate, who will assume the legal representation of the Institute with regard to third parties (art. 8 of the IAI Bylaws), include:
- developing and ensuring the implementation of a strategy aligned with IAI's profile as an independent think tank, in collaboration with the Institute's boards and staff
- fostering relations with representatives of governments, institutions, the private sector, academia, and the media, both in Italy and abroad, to enhance IAI’s visibility and impact
- providing effective fundraising
- ensuring the financial sustainability of the Institute by overseeing the development and implementation of budget and reporting on this to the Board of Directors and the General Assembly
- augmenting the membership base of approximately 500 members (both individuals and companies)
- managing a staff of over 50 employees and collaborators, developing a high-performance team
- ensuring the Institute’s compliance with all regulations governing its activities (transparency, workplace safety, data protection, etc.).
Qualifications
- A PhD in international studies
- 10 to 15 years of relevant experience, both in Italy and abroad, with at least 5 years in a managerial role
- Proven experience in fundraising and financial management
- Academic and policy-oriented publications on international affairs, in English and Italian, of a recognised high standard
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Italian.
The successful candidate will need to reside in Rome.
Other requirements
- Entrepreneurial attitude
- Ability to effectively manage strategic relations and partnerships at a senior level
- Leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills
- Communication abilities
- Organisational skills
- Willingness to travel regularly
Preferential qualifications
- Prior experience within private research organisations or think tanks
- Extensive network of contacts within academia (both Italian and international), the private sector, the media, and national and international institutions
- Proficiency in languages other than English and Italian.
What we are offering
- Stimulating work environment;
- Remuneration commensurate with the candidate's profile and relevant experience.
Application
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 (CEST) on 30 June 2025, to jobs(at)iai.it, with the email subject line: [Last Name] – Ref. Director-2026. Please attach the following documents in a pdf format:
- curriculum vitae including a statement authorising the processing of personal data in accordance with GDPR (Regulation (EU) 2016/679)
- cover letter
- list of publications
- two reference letters from an academic referee or employer that attest to the candidate’s academic and/or professional abilities
- signed consent form for the processing of personal data in accordance with the GDPR 2016/679 (IT, downloadable here).
No phone calls, please.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which will take place in Rome at IAI’s headquarters from September onwards.
Preliminary online interviews may be conducted in July.
A public speaking test may be requested during the final interviews.
Regrettably, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We thank all other applicants for their interest.
Kindly note that the proceedings and deliberations of the Selection Board are strictly confidential.
This announcement is open to applicants of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds, in accordance with Italian law.
Candidates' personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679).