Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.
Requirements
Job Overview
The Managing Director (a one-year renewable term position) serves as the senior administrative, operational, and strategic leader of the Prisons and Justice Initiative (PJI), a complex and multi-faceted academic and programmatic unit delivering higher education, workforce training, and reentry support services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. In partnership with the Director, the Managing Director leads the development and execution of organizational strategy and oversees all aspects of internal operations, including finance, human resources, compliance, partnerships, and program implementation.
PJI currently operates multiple programs—including a bachelor’s degree program and credit-bearing courses within two carceral facilities, certificate programs for recently incarcerated individuals, and reentry and alumni support services—across correctional facilities and campus-based environments, with most student services delivered internally. The Managing Director ensures that the infrastructure, systems, and resources are in place to support these programs and plays a central role in the Initiative’s transition to the Center on Prisons and Justice. This role exercises substantial independent judgment and serves as a key decision-maker across operational, financial, and personnel matters.
Additional duties include, but are not limited to:
Lead organizational strategy implementation and oversee day-to-day operations across all programs and functional areas
Direct financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, grant administration, and compliance across multiple funding streams
Oversee human resources functions, including organizational design, hiring, supervision, and performance management
Establish and maintain systems, policies, and processes to support program delivery, compliance, and growth
Develop and manage partnerships with university departments, correctional agencies, funders, government agencies, and community organizations
Ensure compliance with university, legal, and regulatory requirements, including correctional facility protocols
Lead cross-program coordination and organizational planning
Support the transition from Initiative to Center
Work Interactions
The Managing Director reports directly to the Director of the Prisons and Justice Initiative and serves as a primary leader responsible for internal management and operational execution. The position supervises multiple professional and administrative staff and provides oversight across all program areas and administrative functions.
This role works closely with senior leadership within PJI, including the leads of various programs and components, to ensure alignment across academic programming, student services, and administrative functions. The Managing Director regularly liaises with Georgetown University offices including Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, General Counsel, Advancement, and Information Technology, as well as with faculty, university leadership, and external stakeholders.
Externally, the Managing Director maintains relationships with correctional partners (including the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and facility leadership at institutions such as Patuxent), government agencies, foundations, and community-based organizations. The position represents PJI in institutional and external settings and advances Georgetown University’s mission through the expansion of educational access and justice-focused programming.
Requirements and Qualifications
Post-Secondary degree (Masters, PhD, etc.)
5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, operations, or program management
Demonstrated experience managing complex organizations, programs, or departments with multiple stakeholders
Significant supervisory and personnel management experience, including hiring and performance management
Experience managing budgets, financial systems, and multiple funding streams (e.g., grants, gifts, institutional funds)
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Commitment to or experience working in criminal justice, higher education, or related fields
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education administration, nonprofit leadership, or multi-site program management
Familiarity with correctional systems, policies, and institutional operations
Experience with grant prospecting, writing, administration, and reporting
Experience managing contracts, MOUs, and institutional partnerships
Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks, including financial and regulatory requirements
Experience leading organizational growth, transition, or restructuring
Proficiency with financial and project management tools (e.g., Excel, Google Suite, Airtable, Workday)
Work Mode Designation
This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.
Cover letter and resume required for consideration.
Pay Range:
The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:
$80,429.00 - $157,238.93Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
Current Georgetown Employees:
If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
Need Assistance:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
EEO Statement:
GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits:
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.