Description

The W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (AIAR) in East Jerusalem welcomes applications for the position of Dorot Director. The successful candidate should possess an energetic spirit with proven experience in institutional leadership and be prepared to serve as the Institute’s public face, leading it with sensitivity, sound judgment, and resilience within a complex and rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

In terms of responsibilities, the Director is the chief executive officer of the Institute and is in charge of all its operations, including managing the staff who are in place. As such, the Director is expected to coordinate with an expanding professional team, including working on financial strategy and budgeting with the Financial Director; on academic programming with the Assistant Director; and on general operations with the Operations and Administration Manager. The Director also works with the US-based Director of Philanthropy to promote the Institute's development efforts and provides institutional leadership on various US government grants, each managed day-to-day by its respective Project Manager. Building and sustaining institutional relationships is a key element of the role, including with the US Embassy, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and relevant Palestinian and Israeli educational and cultural institutions. In addition to all the above, the Director oversees the maintenance of the Institute's historic facilities and campus in East Jerusalem and works closely with the Board of Trustees to steward the Institute's dual legal structure as a US 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and an Israeli Public Benefit Company.

The AIAR welcomes applications from candidates who possess a graduate degree and have familiarity with the region. The ideal candidate will be a scholar and leader in the field of Near Eastern Studies and/or related disciplines, which include (but are not limited to) anthropology, archaeology, biblical studies, history, museology, and religious studies. Demonstrated experience in fundraising, financial management, and institutional administration is highly desirable. The official application deadline is 1 September 2026, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. Preliminary interviews will begin in mid-to-late September and interviews for finalists will be conducted in October 2026. The new director will take up the post beginning 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary and benefits are competitive and will be based on individual experience and qualifications. Details of the contract will be negotiated at time of job offer. The appointment will be for up to five years with a review in the second year. Benefits include a renovated three-bedroom Director's apartment on the AIAR campus, in which the Director is expected to reside during their tenure. The outgoing Director will remain available in the region to support an orderly transition.

Requirements

• Graduate degree.
• Familiarity with the region.
• Proven experience in institutional leadership.
• Ability to serve as the Institute’s public representative with sensitivity, sound judgment, and resilience in a complex geopolitical environment.
• Ability to oversee the Institute’s staff, finances, academic programming, administration, fundraising, grant-funded projects, facilities, and external relationships.
• Ability to work closely with the Board of Trustees and steward the Institute’s US and Israeli legal structures.
• Willingness to reside in the provided Director’s apartment on the AIAR campus during the appointment.
• Availability to begin on 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Commitment to an appointment of up to five years, subject to a second-year review.