Seeking a part-time Program Manager to implement the Middle East Studies Association’s Global Academy, an interdisciplinary initiative to sustain essential research collaborations and knowledge production between MENA-based scholars and their counterparts outside the region. The program awards competitive fellowships to displaced scholars from the MENA region to attend meetings, workshops and conferences, and supports research activities through university and publication partnerships as well as a mentoring program. The MESA Global Academy draws upon the strengths of MESA’s institutional and individual members to support the careers of individual researchers whose academic trajectory has been adversely affected by developments in their home context.
The Program Manager is key personnel in maintaining and expanding the infrastructure of the initiative and in administering the day-to-day activities of the Academy. The Program Manager works closely with an advisory committee that includes MESA member faculty and reports to the chair of the advisory committee. Primary duties include budget and project management in addition to strategic planning, event planning/facilitation, publication facilitation, and grant writing/reporting. The ideal candidate would have an independent and resourceful work ethic, proven project/program management skills, and 5+ years of experience in a higher education-related or parallel field. Candidates must have a growth-oriented attitude; and development experience is a plus. Academic Middle East Studies training or International Studies specialization is desired, although not required.
This professional part-time position (20 hrs/week) is funded through at least June 30, 2026, potentially longer and potentially full-time subject to further funding. The position is fully remote and carries an annual salary of $35,000-40,000 and a competitive benefits package as issued through the Research Foundation of the City University of New York: https://www.rfcuny.org/RFWebsite/employees/explore-enroll-in-employee-benefits/
Program Manager Responsibilities
- Oversee the MESA Global Academy website, social media channels, and email list
- Manage MESA Global Academy budget and oversee payments
- Liaise among MESA Secretariat, university partners, and with MESA Global Academy advisory committee members
- Oversee communications with MESA Global Academy Fellows
- Grant writing and reporting duties as assigned
- Plan and execute in-person MESA Global Academy events at MESA annual meetings and assist with online events at university partner locations
- Plan and execute professional development workshops for MESA Global Academy Fellows
- Coordinate opportunities for MESA Global Academy Fellows with publication partners
- Manage faculty mentorship program
- Contribute to strategic planning for the MESA Global Academy initiative
Program Manager Requirements
- Bachelor degree required, graduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies or similar field preferred
- Proven experience in program and budget management
- Proven external communications (stakeholders) skills
- Proven grant writing and reporting skills, experience with development a plus
- Experience using computers for a variety of tasks
- Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
The deadline is rolling until the position is filled.