Director, American Democracy Project

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES • Washington, DC

102d • $110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

AASCU represents over 350 public colleges, universities, and systems united in the mission to expand student access and success, promote experiential learning, and advance economic and community development. Our member institutions are at the forefront of academic innovation, serving a diverse student population committed to excellence in public higher education. The Division of Academic Innovation and Transformation (AIT) provides programming, services, and expertise to assist members in their academic missions. Through grant-funded scaling initiatives, leadership development programs, and large and small convenings, the Division supports institutional transformation in the areas of civic and global engagement, student success, teacher education, and other career preparation for workforce development. Through innovative programming and strategic partnerships, the Division is dedicated to preparing students who are responsible and engaged global citizens. The Director’s core responsibilities are primary leadership of AASCU’s American Democracy Project (ADP). For over 20 years, AASCU’s nonpartisan American Democracy Project has helped state colleges and universities prepare informed, active citizens who engage different viewpoints and perspectives. The Director will have responsibility for the planning, coordination, and implementation of ADP. The Director works as part of a team of professionals in the Division of Academic Innovation and Transformation, providing support to help members achieve their goals to prepare globally engaged citizens.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent graduate credential.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in civic or democratic engagement in higher education or a related field.
• 8 years in higher education with a minimum of 5 years of experience in civic or democratic engagement.
• Proven project management skills, including program support and development, preferably in higher education or the association industry.
• Direct experience collaborating with faculty, developing curriculum and professional development initiatives for faculty and higher education staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strong intercultural communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and possess excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Proven success in cultivating relationships with partner universities, organizations, colleagues, and community members.
• Superior presentation, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, as well as work collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Ability to stay abreast of trends in higher education and civic engagement fields.
• Proven success in convening faculty, staff, students, and/or higher education leaders.
• Ability to deliver quality work on tight deadlines, with strong organization and priority-setting skills.
• Ability to effectively represent AASCU at external events.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically, when needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading a successful national-level civic or democratic engagement initiative.
• Experience leading large-scale programming across multiple higher education institutions.
• Some experience leading programs and initiatives that explore civic engagement in a global context.
• Experience planning and running large national in-person and virtual conferences.
• Experience and success in fundraising and sponsorship that support national civic engagement programming and events.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Director of all ADP activities, collaborating with members, external partners, and others to maintain and support the variety of initiatives and projects that are carried out as part of ADP programming.
• Responsible for managing and cultivating strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, businesses, and civic leaders to advance ADP’s mission.
• Serve as the principal point of contact for institutional members for American Democracy Project (ADP)-related matters.
• Supports the Assistant Vice President in identifying and cultivating funders and maintains relations that support ADP programming and the annual conference.
• Responsible for managing current programming and developing new programming, collaborating with subject matter experts from the campuses and partner associations.
• Responsible for planning and executing regional and national convenings for ADP initiatives, and the annual ADP conference in coordination with internal and external partners.
• Responsible for supporting the development and dissemination of reports and research that support the ADP network and AASCU member institutions.
• Manages all aspects of the Civic Engagement awards presented annually by the American Democracy Project.
• Oversees and coordinates the ADP Steering Committee, recruiting members and maintaining a balance of membership.
• Assists in developing and implementing program assessment strategies and conducting ongoing assessments of various ADP initiatives, programs, and services.
• Provides fiscal management of project budgets in coordination with AASCU’s Accounting Office.
• Responsible for managing and coordinating AASCU’s relevant advisory committee, including the ADP Executive and Steering Committees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance.
• Fifteen paid holidays plus additional annual leave.
• Above market contribution to company sponsored 403(b) retirement plan.
• On-site fitness facility.
• 24/7 building security.
• Secured bike storage.
• Available underground public parking at employee's own expense.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees