President

The East-West Center (EWC) seeks an entrepreneurial and visionary leader to serve as its next President. Headquartered in Honolulu, HI, the East-West Center is a leading education, research, training, and convening organization dedicated to strengthening international relations and understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. At a defining moment in world politics, fueled by global political unrest, health crisis, and increased attention to the world’s interconnectedness, the President will propel the Center into its next era of growth and distinction, fulfilling its promise to be a central force and unbiased entity in the advancement of global security, environmental stewardship, and a stronger network of Pacific Island nations. Furthermore, in a world hungry for nonpartisan solutions, leadership, and foreign diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, the Center is poised for tremendous impact. By leveraging its convening power and applying its educational and research strengths, the President will continue to build on the Center’s mission of promoting better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. The vision of the East-West Center, in collaboration with partners, is to be the premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. 

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 as the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange between East and West, the East-West Center is an independent, public, nonprofit organization with core funding from the U.S. government, and additional support from foundations, corporations, other public agencies, and international organizations.  A truly nonpartisan entity, the EWC is governed by an 18-member board with appointees of the U.S. Secretary of State, the Governor of Hawai‘i, five elected international members, and three ex-officio members. Conducting advanced educational, research, and professional development programs for scholars and fellows from the United States and the Indo-Pacific region, the Center boasts an alumni base of more than 68,000 distinguished leaders, many of whom are located throughout Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. Based in Honolulu, on 21 acres adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the EWC is comprised of numerous residential, research, and conference facilities, in addition to its Washington, D.C. office which provides connection and programming to congressional offices and other agencies. The Center has a multinational, multidisciplinary staff of 164, including members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSME) trade union. The EWC also serves as a critical communicator and bridge builder to the local and native Hawaiian communities through various arts and educational outreach initiatives.

The President will further invigorate and extend the East-West Center’s influence, expanding its visibility and partnership activity with a wide range of stakeholders (including regional government leaders in Asia, NGOs, businesses, think tanks, military leaders, and academic partners). In so doing, the President will be expected to address a wide range of opportunities and challenges, outlined below:

● In close collaboration with the Board and other key stakeholders, advance the mission, vision, and the 2023-2027 Foundational Strategy established by the bipartisan Board of Governors at the time the strategy was approved in 2022; 

● Expand and sustain the revenues and resources necessary to fulfill the Center’s aspirations, including clarifying and strengthening the role of the EWC Foundation Board;

● Continue to build upon the elevated status of the East-West Center as the “go-to” organization for thought leadership and capacity development on critical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region;

● In collaboration with the Board and other stakeholders, align programs and activities with the East-West Center Strategy to meet the established goals and objectives outlined in the implementation plan; 

● Provide inclusive leadership and support to fellows, staff, and administration as they implement the strategy; 

● Further steward EWC’s key relationship with the State Department, the U.S. Congress, the Hawai‘i State Legislature, and donors as well as establish and expand ties with other U.S. and international agencies and organizations;

● Develop key partnerships and affiliations to fully leverage a broader set of intellectual assets in the Indo-Pacific region and Hawai‘i;

● Establish a close working relationship with the EWC Board of Governors, fully leveraging the many assets of the governing body;

● Be a positive and visible representative of the Center in the civic, military, and business communities in Hawai‘i, the region, the U.S. Mainland, especially Washington, DC; and

● Fortify U.S./Indo-Pacific relations and multinational cooperation into this decade and beyond.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, as well as application packets (CV and cover letter) should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is required.  

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is US$250,000 – US$350,000. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

David Bellshaw is leading this search with Silvia Cheng and Salem Adisu. 

All qualified persons, especially women, members of minority groups, veterans, and persons with a disability, are encouraged to apply. As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including in admissions and employment.