What is MEI?
The Middle East Institute is an independent, 72-year-old academic institution in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to promote greater understanding of the Middle East in the United States and in the region itself, thereby to advance the causes of peace and security. MEI is a non-partisan NGO which prizes its independence and academic freedom.
MEI is not a U.S. Government organization and does not engage in classified or private audience research. As an NGO, the Institute does not lobby the U.S. Congress or Government.
MEI is organized around three centers. The Policy and Research (P&R) Center is home to MEI Scholars, experts on the Middle East, its politics, economy, history and security. P&R publishes studies and issue papers, hosts frequent conferences, and creates extensive social media and online content. It also acts as a convener for Track II Conferences and action programs in the region. MEI’s frequent conferences are open to the public and attract scholars, government officials, Congressional staff, embassy officers, journalists and concerned citizens.
The Arts and Culture Center (A&C) brings Middle Eastern artists and their works to audiences in the United States. A&C features modern painting, music and film to promote greater understanding of the region.
The Academic Center (TAC) teaches language and regional studies classes, publishes the peer-reviewed Middle East Journal, and is home to the largest private library on Middle East studies in Washington. TAC also hosts a year-round internship and professional development program.
Where is MEI?
While the Institute runs programs around the United States and in the region, its headquarters is in the Think Tank neighborhood of Washington, D.C., near Dupont Circle. In 2019, MEI will move into a new facility on the historic property it owns there, now with expanded space, including modern conference rooms, classrooms, an art gallery, a library, scholar offices, and a television studio.
What are MEI’s Funding Sources:
MEI’s finances, including all donations, are a matter of open access record. MEI solicits and accepts gifts, grants, and contracts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments.
Qualifications for MEI President:
Candidates for the position of president of MEI should be American citizens, with extensive experience with the Middle East region and demonstrated management capability running governmental or academic organizations or NGOs. They should be skilled at public presentation, briefing senior officials, soliciting donors, and managing teams. Fluency in a Middle Eastern language is desirable.
MEI President Responsibilities:
The MEI president functions as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute and is appointed by and responsible to the Board of Governors. The president supervises the vice presidents in charge of the three centers, as well as the administrative support staff, including the CFO and the Vice President for Development.
The MEI president is the primary public face of the Institute, leads the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan, is the creative force behind the Institute, and is the lead MEI official in soliciting and allocating funding.
The MEI president is responsible for maintaining a civil culture at the Institute respectful of human rights and dignity, civil rights, diversity, openness, and academic freedom.
Terms of Office:
The salary, benefits, and tenure of the MEI president is set by the Board of Governors.
Applications and Expressions of Interest:
Applicants should submit letters of interest and resumes by August 1, 2018 to searchcommittee@mei.edu and/or to The Middle East Institute, Board of Governors, Search Committee, 1319 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.
