Director of Institute Operations

Director of Institute Operations

About the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology (WAWI)

Founded in 1943, the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology (WAWI) is an internationally respected center for psychoanalytic training, clinical services, and scholarly inquiry. Rooted in the Interpersonal tradition, WAWI is guided by the belief that psychological growth emerges through authentic, collaborative human relationships. For more than 80 years, the Institute has advanced an approach to mental health that honors the complexity of individuals, the social conditions that shape their lives, and the ethical responsibility of clinicians to promote healing with dignity.

WAWI offers a full spectrum of rigorous training programs for clinicians at all stages of their careers, including its flagship psychoanalytic training program, specialized psychotherapy programs, continuing education, and clinical internships. Faculty members are nationally recognized leaders in the field and are deeply committed to mentorship, reflective practice, and the integration of contemporary theory with real-world clinical experience. This academic and clinical environment fosters curiosity, intellectual exploration, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

In addition to its educational mission, WAWI provides high-quality, affordable mental health services to diverse communities through its outpatient clinic. The Institute aims to expand access to care by offering treatment that is responsive, compassionate, and grounded in its relational model. Through conferences, publications, and community programming, WAWI also serves as an influential voice in the broader mental health landscape, contributing to public conversations around trauma, identity, inequality, and the evolving practice of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.

Today, the William Alanson White Institute continues to uphold its founding values while actively engaging with the urgent issues facing contemporary society. With a commitment to inclusion, ethical practice, and interdisciplinary dialogue, WAWI remains a vibrant home for clinicians, scholars, and students dedicated to advancing relational, socially attuned approaches to mental health.

Learn more about WAWI at https://wawhite.org/.

The Opportunity 

WAWI seeks a Director of Institute Operations (Director) to steward the daily operations of a historic and highly respected institution. Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Executive Director and a dedicated and long-tenured staff, the Director will play a central role in ensuring the Institute’s stability, efficiency, and continued excellence. The Executive Director and Director function as a deeply collaborative leadership team, working in concert to guide the Institute and support the staff and community.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly capable operational leader to join a mission-driven organization deeply committed to clinical training, scholarship, and mental health care. The Director will serve as the primary administrative presence for the Institute, supporting faculty, trainees, leadership, Trustees, and staff while managing functions ranging from fiscal oversight and regulatory compliance to facilities management and educational accreditation.

The ideal candidate will bring both strategic and hands-on leadership, thriving in an environment where no task is too big or too small. As WAWI advances its educational programs, modernizes its operations, and preserves its historic building, the Director will be instrumental in shaping the Institute’s next chapter.

Responsibilities Include:

Operational & Financial Leadership

• Oversees daily administrative and operational functions within a complex educational and clinical institution.

• Provides strong financial stewardship, including budgeting, forecasting, and audit readiness.

• Leads planning and oversight for organizational infrastructure, including facilities and capital projects.

• Strengthens internal systems and processes to improve efficiency, communication, and continuity.

Relationship Building & People Management

• Builds and sustains trust-based relationships with staff, trainees, faculty, Trustees, and external partners.

• Brings a calm, steady presence that supports collaboration and stability across the Institute.

• Supervises administrative staff with clarity and accountability, supporting effective performance and professional development.

• Navigates a diverse and distinctive organizational culture with diplomacy, respect, and good judgment.

Problem-Solving & Adaptability

• Moves fluidly between strategic planning and hands-on operational problem-solving.

• Responds resourcefully to emerging needs related to technology, facilities, or program support.

• Anticipates challenges and develops practical, effective solutions.

• Adjusts priorities in real time within a dynamic environment with competing demands.

Regulatory, Risk & Compliance Excellence

• Oversees compliance with legal, financial, HR, accreditation, and institutional requirements.

• Manages continuing education and accreditation documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ensures effective administration of SEVIS and visa-related processes.

• Maintains discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information and situations.

Candidate Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile; we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Operational Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

The Director of Institute Operations will oversee the organization’s core administrative and operational functions, ensuring that systems and processes continue to support the mission effectively. This includes responsibility for finance and budgeting, administrative operations, facilities, technology, scheduling, and internal coordination. As part of the leadership transition, the Director will help document and strengthen existing practices so that institutional knowledge is shared and sustained over time. The emphasis is on continuity and reliability—supporting what is already working well while ensuring that operations remain clear, accessible, and resilient in a complex nonprofit or academic setting.

Mission Alignment & Organizational Context

Deep alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and intellectual traditions is central to this role. The Director will approach the work with respect for the organization’s history and culture, recognizing the importance of scholarship, teaching, service, and community engagement. This leader will take time to listen and learn, building credibility through presence, curiosity, and humility. Any change or evolution will be approached thoughtfully, ensuring that decisions are grounded in the organization’s purpose and long-term vision.

Interpersonal Wisdom & Adaptive Leadership

The Director will serve as a trusted partner and connector across a diverse and engaged community of stakeholders. Working closely with the Executive Director, this leader will support strong relationships among staff, board members, faculty, fellows, volunteers, and committees. High emotional intelligence, discretion, and patience are essential, particularly in environments where collaboration, dialogue, and differing perspectives are part of daily life. The ideal candidate brings a calm, steady presence and is skilled at navigating complexity, fostering trust, and supporting constructive conversation.

Governance & Organizational Savvy

This role requires comfort and fluency in shared governance environments typical of nonprofit and academic institutions. The Director will understand governance structures, decision-making processes, and the importance of clear roles and boundaries. During a time of leadership transition, this individual will help sustain confidence in governance systems by supporting alignment, transparency, and respectful collaboration among boards, councils, committees, and leadership partners. 

Regulatory, Compliance & Risk Management Expertise

The Director will oversee regulatory, compliance, and risk-related responsibilities within a highly specialized environment. This may include accreditation, continuing education requirements, licensing, visa administration, and records management. The role plays an important part in ensuring continuity as institutional knowledge transitions, maintaining high standards while strengthening documentation and systems that support long-term sustainability and accountability.    

In addition, strong candidates will offer:  

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• 5+ years of relevant experience, including staff supervision, financial oversight, and responsibility for multi-departmental operations.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and comfort interfacing with a diverse set of staff, faculty, clinicians, and students.

• Proficiency with technology tools (Word, Excel, Zoom) and the ability to collaborate with IT staff and troubleshoot basic tech and AV needs.

• Ability to meet CE/CME reporting standards and willingness to learn accreditation and visa compliance requirements (SEVIS, APSA, NYSED, APA).

• Availability to work in person, Monday–Friday, 9:00–5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $145,000 - $165,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact 

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Kim Dukes and Judene Hylton. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22786. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process. 

WAWI is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's https://www.dsgco.com/industry/nonprofit-and-social-impact/

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6861184