The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Robert Hurd is NDI’s director of program development, supporting the Institute’s efforts to design, develop, and secure new program and funding opportunities. Before joining NDI in 2004, Mr. Hurd managed program development efforts at the Institute of International Education (IIE), where he was responsible for identifying new business opportunities, proposal design and development, and liaising with program partners. Before IIE, Mr. Hurd spent 10 years at America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST), where he served progressively as senior program officer, coordinator and director of business development services. In the latter capacity, he directed and managed all U.S. government, foreign government, and private sector bids and proposals, including the evaluation of individual business prospects, the organization of proposal teams, the development of marketing strategies and the design of new commercial services. Mr. Hurd earned a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.