Executive Director, Ending Pandemics Academy, Jeff Skoll Endowed Chair in Ending Pandemics (CT)

Future pandemics will continue to emerge and destroy lives and livelihoods. Training a new generation of leaders in pandemic preparedness will change this trajectory towards a healthier and more secure world. The Ending Pandemics Academy's mission is to equip global leaders with proven and innovative approaches to predict and prevent pandemics.

The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director (ED) and Professor of Practice of the newly established Ending Pandemics Academy. The ED will drive the Academy's mission to end pandemics by advancing applied epidemiology, innovative uses of technology, and sharing best practices that enhance global readiness, response, and resilience to emerging infections. The Academy will be building tomorrow's workforce, today. The workforce to end pandemics expands well beyond public health to include nursing, medicine, veterinary, wildlife and fisheries, and environmental sciences. The Academy will support a One Health approach to pandemic preparedness.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact, interdisciplinary, unique academic program serving students and faculty at the University of Arizona and beyond. The ED will use established or create strategic partnerships across the United States and the globe within governments, academic centers, non-profits, technologists and others within the private sector to advance the mission of the Academy. The ED will serve as a resource to the students and faculty at the University of Arizona, the greater Arizona community, and beyond to share the work of the Academy, attract donors, and recruit new enrollees.

Among other duties and responsibilities, the ED will build and lead a dynamic core team; set and oversee the execution of operational and programmatic budgets; and develop and execute innovative programs in pandemic preparedness. The ED will lead development of experiential learnings, actively participate in leading Academy workshops and immersive trainings, and continuously evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the program for constant improvement.

This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a compelling vision and strategy for the Academy, aligning with the mission and priorities of the College of Public Health and the broader university.
• Program Development: Design and oversee research, education, and outreach initiatives that address critical challenges in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
• Team Building: Recruit, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team including a Director of Programs and Operations to advance the Academy's mission.
• Budget and Resource Management: Develop and oversee the Academy's budget, ensuring financial sustainability. Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grants, philanthropic contributions, and other partnerships.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Cultivate collaborative relationships with academic departments, external stakeholders, and global health organizations to expand the Academy's impact.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Engage with policymakers, thought leaders, and the public to promote evidence-based strategies and inform global health policies related to pandemic prevention.
• Accountability: Report regularly to the director of the global Health Institute and to the Dean of the College of Public Health on progress, challenges, and opportunities for the EP Academy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of infectious disease prevention and control; outbreak early detection and rapid response; applied epidemiology; and a robust understanding of the global health systems that make up the pandemic prevention and preparedness infrastructure.
• A strong understanding of the complex interactions among humans, animals, and the environment in pandemic prevention is critical.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage various audiences and foster collaboration.
• Entrepreneurial spirit in designing teachings, programs, and products for ensuring a healthy and safer world.

The Executive Director will be thoroughly committed to the
Ending Pandemics Academy's mission. All candidates should have significant and proven
leadership and deep knowledge and expertise in pandemics.

• Education: A doctoral degree in public health, medicine, veterinary, epidemiology, infectious disease, or a related field is required.
• Experience: A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in global health, public health, or related fields, including substantial experience managing complex programs and budgets. Demonstrated expertise in addressing epidemics and pandemics across the globe in an active role. Experience and interest with local emerging infectious disease issues within Arizona is strongly preferred.
• Leadership and Vision: Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams, develop strategic initiatives, and achieve measurable outcomes. Demonstrated success with public-private partnerships essential for pandemic preparedness. Demonstrated experience designing trainings for various audiences, executing experiential learnings, and has a passion for sharing knowledge through teaching, experiential learnings, workshops, and other avenues.
• Fundraising: Proven ability to secure funding from government agencies, foundations, and private donors.

• Experience in developing and applying innovations in early detection and response to emerging infectious diseases at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health both domestically and internationally.
• Established global network of academic, research, private sector, and governmental partners.
• Established relationships with global health organizations and policymakers including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOHA), and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
• Graduate of a Certified Applied Epidemiology training program such as the Epidemic Intelligence Service of the U.S. CDC.
• Board certification in Public Health and/or Preventive Medicine.
• Policy experience at the local, state, national, or international level related to pandemic prevention and response.
• Track record of scholarly contributions to the field of global health, especially as it relates to disease surveillance, early detection, rapid response.