Cornell University invites internal nominations and applications for the position of Director of the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies. Reporting to the Vice Provost for International Affairs, the director will provide leadership and direction for an established international studies center and, more generally, for the support and integration of international studies into the intellectual life of the university. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to develop a strategic vision and utilize and build resources to position Cornell at the forefront of global research and education.
The Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies was established in 1961 as the Cornell Center for International Studies. Its mission was to enhance Cornell's research and teaching about the world's regions, countries, cultures, and languages and to help prepare students and faculty to contribute in the international sphere. In 1990, it was named for its founding director, the political theorist Mario Einaudi.
Today, the center houses area studies and thematic programs; organizes workshops, conferences, and public events; provides grants, fellowships, and training to faculty and students; offers minors and other courses of study; publishes papers, briefs, and books; and brings together scholars from many disciplines to address complex global issues. The resources and opportunities for innovative and interdisciplinary collaborations across the center and the university are extensive.
Position summary
The Einaudi Center director is a 12-month dual appointment. The director holds the John S. Knight endowed chair for the position term. The successful candidate will be appointed for three years with the potential for renewal. Responsibilities will be split 50/50 between the Einaudi Center and home department.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic and experienced academic leader and world-renowned researcher working on issues with global implications. The candidate should have a successful track record in obtaining external funding, including grants and philanthropy. We will consider candidates with limited development experience who are eager to grow into donor and gift stewardship to build a sustainable future for the Einaudi Center.
Major responsibilities
- Works with the Vice Provost for International Affairs, Einaudi Center program directors and faculty advisors, college deans and associate deans, department chairs, faculty, and staff to develop and implement a strategic vision for international studies at Cornell.
- Oversees the Einaudi Center's area studies and thematic programs, providing leadership for the program directors, helping build synergies and collaborations, and assisting with strategic program growth and long-term sustainability.
- Provides direction for the center’s thematic research areas, curricular initiatives, public programming and outreach, grant and fellowship programs, graduate student training, and other initiatives.
- Supervises the Einaudi Center’s senior staff.
- Stewards a sizeable budget appropriately.
- Works with the academic deans and leaders of Cornell’s colleges, schools, centers, programs, and institutes to develop cross-disciplinary partnerships aimed at enhancing international research and education.
- Develops and supports relationships with institutions beyond the university to address urgent economic, environmental, social, cultural, and political challenges.
- Mobilizes resources for international studies, both within the university and externally, and advocates for the Einaudi Center’s vision and mission.
- Represents the center to other institutions and groups, the media, government, and the public.
- Participates as a member of the senior leadership team in the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs, providing input and direction for Global Cornell initiatives, identifying and sharing best practices, implementing priorities as directed by the vice provost, and representing the vice provost’s office on university projects and committees.
Start date: July/August 2026 or as feasible
Rank: Associate or Full Professor (tenure track)
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Statement of interest
- CV
Applicants should apply prior to May 7, 2026, via the following email address: vpia@cornell.edu.
Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2026. Finalists will be asked to meet with the search committee in late May. Any questions regarding the job position should be directed to the Vice Provost for International Affairs at vpia@cornell.edu.