About Scholars in the Nationâ™s Service Initiative (SINSI)

Established in 2006, SINSI is designed to encourage, support and prepare Princeton undergraduates to pursue careers in the U.S. government. This highly competitive program provides these students the rigorous academic training and the practical work experience in federal service needed to succeed in public policy careers.

The SINSI program has two separate components:

• The internship program: Selected Princeton undergraduate students (6-12 in recent years) spend their summer in a SINSI-funded federal government internship.
• The SINSI Graduate program: Selected Princeton seniors and MPA 1 students (4-5 in recent years) follow a two-year Masterâ™s in Public Affairs (MPA) program at the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and a two-year SINSI-supported fellowship with one or more federal government agencies, between their 1st and 2nd academic years. The core competencies gained during that first year on campus enhance the studentsâ™ readiness for placements.

Position Summary

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) seeks a Director, located in the DC area or Princeton under the supervision of the Dean and the Vice Dean of SPIA, to administer the SINSI program and associated fellowships.

The Director must be dedicated to supporting extraordinary young people who are passionate about their academic careers and committed to impactful government service experiences.

The responsibilities of the Director include:

Building Partnerships â“ Will work to expand partnerships throughout the Princeton community in order to increase the number of applicants, majors and skills of the SINSI community. Student groups, residential advisors, fellowship programs, and more are among those reached.

Recruiting of Applicants â“ Will look for representation from every part of the Princeton community through an aggressive outreach program with the intent to offer federal departments and agencies a full spectrum of talent. On campus meetings, open houses, information tables at larger events, social media, news articles and communications to Princeton departments are essential.

Interviewing and selection â“ With a faculty committee, will lead the review of all applications (essays, letters of recommendation, academic records and resumes), narrow the field and then interview and select the finalists. The Director will call those chosen and the others to let them know of the decisions made and offer guidance on next steps.

Mentoring â“ This begins during the recruiting process and continues throughout with individual meetings where the studentâ™s interest in public service is measured. Person to person consulting/advising and discussion of possible assignments/opportunities is discussed. Calling upon SINSI mentors is a main feature.

Placement in federal departments and agencies â“ Will provide a customized plan for each SINSI, identify prospective offices, offer personal introductions, guide through Leadership Connect and other directories, and help the student with clearances and work plans. A major part of the SINSI experience is the job search and learning how to manage the bureaucratic process, with the constant attention and assistance of the Director.

Building community â“ The care and feeding of a growing community of 130 SINSIs, donors, recommendation letter writers, SPIA deans, undergraduate and graduate offices, professors and administrators and others is a central part of this job. Regular meetings, communications and thank yous are the foundations for success. Special events, like the graduation brunch, the summer picnic, year round special guests (virtual and in-person), welcome luncheons, how to briefings, informal dinners and more are among the current ways to bring people together.

Work place and Team

The Director will be expected to be on campus periodically during the academic year. The Director will also have access to the new SPIA office at 1333 New Hampshire NW, Washington, DC.

The Director will supervise the SINSI Program Manager who works on the Princeton campus.

Demonstrated program management, supervisory and administration skills;

⢠Excellent organizational skills, written communication skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated comfort in interacting with a broad constituency;
⢠Demonstrated tact, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism and a strong customer-service orientation required;
⢠Knowledge of and passionate interest in Government service;
⢠Masterâ™s or doctoral degree in public policy, public affairs, or related discipline. [ STRONGLY PREFERRED)

Preferred Qualifications:

⢠Experience working within a university environment or other large bureaucracy, especially in program management and service delivery;
⢠Experience working in the U.S. government, domestically or internationally;
⢠Experience in providing student services and/or mentoring students and young professionals.

NOTE: This could be an either 50% or 60% duty time position.

We at the School of Public and International Affairs believe that it is vital to cultivate an environment that embraces and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion - fundamental to the success of our education and research mission. This commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment and hiring as we actively seek colleagues of exceptional ability who represent a broad range of viewpoints, experiences and value systems, and who share Princeton University's dedication to excellence.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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About Princeton University

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation's service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering.As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 2,600 graduate students. The University's generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.

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