Executive Director National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI)

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The University of Mississippi seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI). The NCNI is a critical interdisciplinary research hub, exploring the origins, evolution, strategic application, and technology intersection of narratives in the digital age, with an emphasis on national security and workforce development. The Center brings together the triad of academia, industry, and government to develop actionable insights into narrative intelligence and technologies, equipping future leaders with the tools to understand and shape modern information environments.

The Executive Director will be responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the center, working to ensure close alignment with the University of Mississippi and NCNI stakeholders. This includes developing partnerships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors, leading cutting-edge research initiatives, providing policy input, and fostering collaboration between experts in academia, government, and industry. The successful candidate will be a seasoned leader with the ability to manage large-scale projects, build diverse teams, and promote NCNI as a leading authority in narrative intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Vision and Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans that support NCNI growth in alignment with its mission to advance research, policy, and workforce development.

• Policy Development: Collaborate with the NCNI Governance Board, University of Mississippi (UM) leadership, and the NCNI leadership to establish policies and long-term organizational objectives.

• Thought Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert in narrative intelligence, representing NCNI’s mission at conferences, workshops, and legislative and media engagements.

2. Operational Management

• Program Oversight: Oversee NCNI activities, including research initiatives, workforce development programs, and the NCNI internship program. Ensure effective execution of the center’s strategic initiatives.

• Compliance: Maintain adherence to university, state, and federal regulations, as well as ethical standards in all NCNI activities.

3. Team Leadership

• Staff Management: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing, interdisciplinary team that includes academic, industry, and government experts.

• Culture Building: Create and sustain a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative working environment that reflects NCNI’s commitment to excellence and diversity.

• Performance Evaluation: Establish and maintain robust systems for evaluating NCNI staff performance and program effectiveness.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Community Outreach: Engage with the NCNI governance Board and key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry, promoting NCNI’s mission and fostering long-term partnerships.

• University Relations: Serve as the key point of contact between the NCNI staff and the UM leadership, facilitating effective communication and alignment of goals.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the role of narrative intelligence in national security and information warfare through public engagements, research publications, and policy input.

5. Resource Development

• Lead efforts to secure funding for NCNI through grants, donations, and partnerships with private and public sector entities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., national security, military studies, public policy, political science, communications).

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of senior leadership experience in government, military, nonprofit, or academic sectors, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Industry Knowledge: Significant experience in information warfare, psychological operations, national security policy, or narrative intelligence, with experience in high-level project management.

• Financial Acumen: Proven experience in financial management, including budget oversight and resource allocation for large-scale projects.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience in public speaking, advocacy, and media relations.

• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team of experts.

• Citizenship. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Position Details

If the individual has qualifications appropriate for appointment in an academic department, the department will be asked to consider the rank and track of the candidate at the time of hire.

Tenure or tenure track is not guaranteed and will depend on the candidate.

The Executive Director appointment will be reviewed formally every four years with a quadrennial review.

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Application Procedures

Qualified applicants should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant qualifications.

• A current curriculum vitae or equivalent resume.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For full consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply early. Finalists will be invited for an on-campus interview.

Please attach all application materials with your application.

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.