Visiting Managing Director, SDSN

Position Summary

The Managing Director provides leadership for advancing the mission and growth of the United States chapter of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN USA), hosted by the University of Illinois System. Working closely with the Executive Director, Network Chair, Leadership Council, and SDSN global leaders, the Managing Director translates the strategic vision into an actionable work‑plan. The role leads day‑to‑day operations, network engagement, membership support and expansion, national and regional programming, communications strategy, budget planning, fundraising support, governance coordination, and collaborative initiatives aligned with progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Managing Director represents SDSN USA, cultivating relationships among member institutions, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enhancing visibility and influence across the network.

• Lead implementation of SDSN USA’s annual and multi‑year strategic plan with Executive Director, Network Chair, Leadership Council, and SDSN Global.
• Develop and manage a national network growth strategy, including member recruitment, partner engagement, working‑group development, and re‑engagement of inactive members.
• Identify opportunities for SDSN USA to serve as a national platform for applied research, data tools, policy engagement, education, and implementation support.
• Translate SDSN USA priorities into measurable annual goals, work plans, deliverables and performance metrics.
• Develop platforms to provide evidence‑informed advice and practical guidance to subnational leaders (states, cities, regions, local public agencies) as they adapt SDGs to local priorities.

• Mobilize SDSN USA member institutions by fostering collaboration, facilitating engagement opportunities, and supporting cross‑institutional initiatives that advance progress on the SDGs.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to broaden the network through outreach, partnership development, and recruitment of new member institutions.
• Develop and implement strategies for onboarding new members and re‑engaging passive or under‑active members.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date database with contact information for all members and partners, mapping the expertise of the network.

• Plan, organize, and execute at least one annual national conference, convening key stakeholders from across the country and region to identify and promote solutions aligned with the SDGs.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, faculty, member institutions, and external partners to design and implement an annual program of activities across multiple modalities.
• Explore the development of an SDSN USA Fellows Program to extend the capacity of the hub, engage emerging and established leaders across sectors, and advance applied research, policy engagement, and collaborative action in support of the SDGs.

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop annual network goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and success metrics aligned with SDSN USA priorities.
• Monitor progress and prepare comprehensive annual reports on network performance and outcomes.
• Prepare and submit quarterly activity reports to the SDSN Global Secretariat.

• Represent SDSN USA in SDSN Global Network meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives as requested by leadership.
• Facilitate alignment between SDSN USA activities and global SDSN priorities.

• Supervise the Communications Specialist and oversee the development and execution of a strategic communications plan.
• Ensure communications efforts effectively engage current members, attract new members, and enhance the visibility and impact of SDSN USA.
• Write and support dissemination content in multiple formats (reports, briefs, op‑eds, case studies, web content, publications) to raise awareness of SDSN USA’s work and advance understanding of effective approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Represent SDSN USA at relevant national meetings and engage with…