The Cornell College of Human Ecology invites an entrepreneurial, strategic, and collaborative leader to join the Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange as Managing Director. This is an exciting opportunity to help build an emerging initiative at the intersection of pioneering research, innovation, and impact.
Established in 2025, PSiX is built on the simple yet powerful premise that the science of purpose can drive human flourishing. This effort is committed to rigorous and pioneering research and fostering an innovative ecosystem that accelerates the translation of purpose insights into solutions. Working alongside the founding Director, Purpose Commons, Lab of Labs faculty members, and PSiX researchers and staff, you will help advance a shared mission: to establish PSiX as a leading global hub for purpose research and transformative discovery. Our work receives generous support from national foundations and alumni donors.
What We Are Looking For
As Managing Director, you will play a central leadership role in shaping PSiX’s strategic direction, organizational development, and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the founding Director, you will translate ambitious ideas into actionable strategies, build partnerships that expand the initiative’s reach, and establish the operational and financial foundation needed for lasting impact.
This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage an established organization. You will help build, shape, and grow a new initiative, developing its business model, cultivating external partnerships, advancing funding opportunities, strengthening communications, and guiding the day-to-day work that moves its mission forward.
Key Responsibilities
Shape strategy and drive execution: Partner with the founding Director to develop and implement PSiX’s vision, strategic priorities, and sustainable business model.
Build strategic partnerships: Cultivate relationships with researchers, collaborators, funders, and external organizations to expand PSiX’s network and impact.
Advance funding and resource development: Lead and contribute to grant development, proposal writing, pitches, and strategies for securing external funding.
Oversee operations and financial performance: Manage day-to-day operations, financial oversight, project coordination, and organizational effectiveness.
Lead the team: manage the work of multiple PSiX team members; oversee the work of many others on a project/as-needed basis.
Create and steward a culture of collaboration: Coordinate across researchers, staff, and partners while keeping the team aligned around shared goals and priorities.
Strengthen communications and visibility: Develop compelling communications that convey PSiX’s mission, research, and potential for real-world impact.
Represent PSiX across Cornell and beyond: Serve as a key representative of the initiative, attend internal meetings on behalf of the Director, and act as a primary point of contact for collaborators and partners.
Required Qualifications & Success Factors
Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experiences.
Demonstrated leadership and management including mentoring and relationship building skills.
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to translational research and community partnerships.
Passion and vision for improving the science of purpose, together with the skills required to share this vision with scientists and supporters.
Exceptional project management skills.
Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.
Preferred Qualifications
MPA, MPH, MBA, JD, or Doctoral/terminal Degree preferred.
Experience in higher education innovation or translational science organizations.
Business management experience.
This is a one-year, fixed-term, benefits eligible, in-person position based in Ithaca, NY on Cornell University’s campus.…