Executive Director, MCAAD chez Milken Institute

About the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.

The Milken Institute’s events and programmatic activities, involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event.  

About the Center for Advancing the American Dream 

The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), the most recent center within the Institute, catalyzes and amplifies the mission of the Institute as a new type of cultural center in the heart of Washington, DC. MCAAD celebrates the ideal of the American Dream and explores its ongoing challenges and opportunities through exhibitions, events, research, and public and educational programs. At the Cetner, we focus on four pillars of the American Dream: access to education, public health, finance, and an entrepreneurial mindset. MCAAD's physical home, recently opened, is a remarkable renovation of several 120-year-old historic bank buildings, including Riggs Bank, known as the “Bank of Presidents.” The Center's main halls are in the National Register of Historic Places, and our stewardship of the property—along with adjacent buildings on 15th St NW—showcases and recognizes the history of these buildings while adapting them for use as a modern cultural center with immersive exhibit galleries. As part of the public experience there is over 70,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, a state-of-the-art theater, event and lecture spaces, a holodeck experience, shop, and an atrium with café. The six-building complex features nearly 300,000 square feet of space also includes a conference center, recording and broadcast studios, and the Washington, D.C., headquarters and offices of the broader Milken Institute. 

About the Position

The Executive Director reports directly to the CEO while maintaining a close, collaborative working relationship with the Founder and Chairman, who is actively engaged in the Center’s development. In this highly visible role, the Executive Director will shape MCAAD’s vision, lead its programs, and ensure its position as a world-class cultural hub.

This leader will be the chief ambassador of the Center, engaging with global audiences, philanthropists, policymakers, and high-profile partners. The Executive Director will oversee exhibitions, public programs, events, digital engagement, and strategic partnerships—while driving fundraising and organizational growth. This is a rare opportunity to define the identity and long-term trajectory of a major cultural institution with a global mission.

Key Responsibilities

Ideal Candidate

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

This person will also be required to travel occasionally to other offices and/or venues to assist with events as needed, requiring occasional work outside of traditional hours. International along with domestic travel is possible. Additionally, this position requires interacting virtually on a regular basis with Milken Institute staff based in other locations in the United States and around the world. 

Note

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. 

We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Our Culture

The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran. 

Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone. 

Benefits