Associate Director Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio State University's motto, "education for citizenship," is central to its mission. The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society (the Chase Center) was established in 2023 as a multidisciplinary university center focused on teaching, research, and public programming related to Western civilization, the American and Ohio political order, and responsible leadership and informed citizenship. As an independent academic unit, the Center is a leader in the growing field of civic thought. In its second year, the Center has rapidly become a dynamic academic community with world-class faculty. The upcoming year will see the launch of its first major (alongside its minor), the development of three new academic programs, and the expansion of its course offerings. The Center will also deepen its outreach through public events, professional development for K-12 educators, and study abroad opportunities. Supported by a growing Chase Society student community and generous funding, the Center is on track for full maturity within three years. The Chase Center is conducting a nationwide search for up to two Associate Directors to join its leadership team and enhance its capacity, with positions starting Fall 2027 or earlier. The Associate Director will be a tenured Full or Associate Professor within the Chase Center and will have three primary roles: managing Chase Center operations (functions dependent on interests and capacities), teaching and conducting scholarly research aligned with their expertise and the Center's mission, and building and maintaining strategic relationships with outside scholars and peer institutions. The ideal candidate will be an extraordinary scholar with research and teaching experience in a discipline relevant to civic thought (such as law, philosophy, history, political theory, theology/religious studies, economics, literature, and sociology), actively engaged in the Center's and Ohio State's intellectual life. They should be a public-spirited scholar committed to fostering an academic community where civic life and intellectual pursuits flourish, embracing the Center's mission as defined by ORC § 3335.39. Salary and benefits are competitive. Candidates must be willing to work a flexible schedule and are expected to primarily work in person.

Requirements

Ph.D., J.D., or other terminal degree in a field related to the Center’s mission.
Experience in program administration in a higher education setting.
Record of publishing high-quality and impactful scholarship in prestigious academic outlets in the faculty member’s discipline and other impactful outlets.
Record of developing and effectively teaching courses that will advance the Center’s mission.
An extraordinary scholar with research and teaching in a discipline relevant to civic thought, including (but not limited to) law, philosophy, history, political theory, theology/religious studies, economics, literature, and sociology.
Actively engaged in the Center’s and Ohio State’s intellectual life.
A public-spirited scholar who is committed to building an academic community in which civic life and the life of the mind flourish.
Familiar with and embrace the Center’s mission as defined by ORC § 3335.39.

Nice To Haves

Developing a young academic or professional program or organization.
Engaging in development activities.
Excellent management and organizational skills—task oriented and deadline conscious.
Flexibility to adapt to changing goals and priorities.
Ability to independently assess, respond to, and follow up on inquiries, and advise faculty, students, donors, and guests.
Ability to interact comfortably and confidently with broad internal and external constituencies and maintain a professional demeanor in representing the Center and the University.
Relevant prior professional experience developing programming consistent with the Center’s mission, including (but not limited to) developing curriculum, activities that promote research productivity and innovation, academic community building, and activities that engage students and other community members.

Responsibilities

Help the Executive Director manage Chase Center operations.
Teach and publish scholarly research in line with his or her expertise and the Chase Center’s mission.
Help the Center build and maintain strategic relationships with outside scholars as well as peer programs, departments, and institutes across higher education.
Contribute and demonstrate a commitment to the Chase Center’s statutory mission through administration, research, teaching, and service.
Work collaboratively and in a coordinated way with the Center’s Executive Director.
Build the Chase Center into an academic community that secures its mission through excellent teaching, research and scholarship, and service.
Continue to build a strong scholarly reputation in a discipline relevant to civic thought.
Publish high-quality and impactful scholarship in prestigious academic outlets in the faculty member’s discipline and other impactful outlets.
Develop and effectively teach courses that advance the Center’s mission.
Engage in service to the Chase Center, the University, and the broader community.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently, proactively handle issues, and make decisions benefiting the Center.
Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrate organization, attention to detail, and ability to respond to deadlines in a timely manner.
Demonstrate poise, professionalism, and good judgment.
Demonstrate adaptability to changing goals and priorities.