Executive Director Williams Institute Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law

Position: Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and [...]

Position Overview

Executive Director of The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law & Public Policy

Salary range:
See UC Salary Table 34 at UC Salary Table 34. A reasonable estimate 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)
Final date: Friday, Jan 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will be accepted continuously until this date.

Position Description

The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law seeks an Executive Director to provide vision, leadership, and operational excellence. The Director will build fundraising capacity, oversee research programs, engage partners, and represent the Institute to the public, press, and policymakers.

About the Williams Institute

The Williams Institute is a UCLA Law research center dedicated to rigorous, independent study of LGBTQ law and public policy. Founded in 2001, the Institute produces high‑quality research, policy briefs, amicus briefs, and expert testimony. With more than 24 staff and scholars, a budget exceeding $4 million, and an endowment over $29 million, the Institute disseminates research to judges, legislators, policymakers, media, and the public.

About

the Executive Director

The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibilities for staff, research, fundraising, budget, programs, and mission. The Director will set a strategic vision, guide staff and scholars, oversee high‑quality research, cultivate donor relationships, manage finances, and engage policymakers, media, and the public.

Qualifications

• A terminal degree: J.D., Ph.D. in social science, or M.D.
• At least 7+ years of senior management and leadership experience, with a record of innovation and program building.
• Deep knowledge of LGBTQ law and policy issues.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, managing a budget, and building a strong team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to represent the Institute to the press, policymakers, and the public.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience engaging people of color, transgender people, women, and people with disabilities.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Vision & Strategy – Articulate a compelling vision, lead execution of world‑class research and programs, stay informed of LGBTQ law and policy, and balance research priorities.
• Leadership & Management – Coach senior staff, foster an organizational culture of creativity and mutual respect, energize staff and funders, and maintain advisory boards.
• Programs & Operations – Oversee research and program excellence, ensure quality finance and administration, support the annual operating budget, and monitor progress.
• Fundraising – Develop and lead public and private grant giving, major donor engagement, events, giving campaigns, and endowment initiatives.
• Communications – Provide strategic leadership for dissemination of research, serve as principal spokesperson before policymakers, media, and the public, and strengthen the Institute’s brand.
• Collaboration & Engagement – Build effective partnerships and collaborations, engage stakeholders in government, private sector, nonprofit sector, academia, and media.

Title, Role, and Location

Title: Executive Director and Roberta

A. Conroy Scholar of Law and Policy
Role: Report to the Williams Institute Faculty Chair and the Dean of UCLA School of Law; work closely with the Founders Council and advisory councils.
Location: Los Angeles, CA; must live and work full‑time in Los Angeles; extensive international travel.

Application Requirements

• Cover Letter – Discuss your interest, qualifications, and experience.
• Curriculum Vitae – Most recently updated resume or C.V.
• List of References – Names and addresses for at least five professional references.
• UCLA Mission Statement – Reflect on past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA’s mission.

Reference Requirements

• 5–7 required reference contacts (contact information only).

Apply Link and Contact

Apply Link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
10692
Help Contact: douvana.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 any other protected status under state or federal law.

Job Location

Los Angeles, CA

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