Director, McCourtney Institute for Democracy, and Associate Professor/Professor in the College of the Liberal Arts, Penn State

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University, College of the Liberal Arts, in University Park, PA, USA, invites applications for the position of Director of the McCourtney Institute of Democracy, which will be filled at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure within an appropriate academic department within the College. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027, with flexibility. The McCourtney Institute for Democracy promotes scholarship and practical innovations to understand, preserve, and advance democracy. Through research, teaching, and public outreach, the Institute leverages the resources of Penn State and the College of the Liberal Arts to conduct research on democracy and society, defend democratic practices, and foster democratic citizenship and educate for democratic engagement. Some of the regular activities of the Center include awarding the Brown Democracy Medal annually, publishing the Podcast “Democracy Works,” providing funding to support for faculty and student research, recruiting students in the Nevins Fellows program, and connecting with other institutions studying democracy. The institute supports two research centers, the Center for Democratic Deliberation and the Center for Research on Democratic Resilience. We seek a thoughtful Director who will lead the Center administratively and intellectually by supporting rigorous research on democracy, expanding the connections and research activities of the Center around campus, devising new research and outreach initiatives, engaging alumni to support the Center, growing the community of scholars engaged with the Center, and maintaining current signature activities. The Director manages four Institute staff (the managing director, communications specialist, podcast group manager, and administrative assistant). The Director will be expected to maintain an active research agenda and to be part of their academic unit and disciplinary community. A teaching release and supplement will be provided during the successful candidate’s term as Director.

Requirements

Ph.D. in a relevant humanities or social science discipline by date of appointment
Research should align with the Institute’s interest in promoting research and knowledge about democracy in the United States or global context, broadly defined
Excellent publication record in their field
Commitment to securing external funding
Commitment to working with alumni and development
Track record of excellence in teaching, mentoring, and academic service
Experience in developing and maintaining institutionally sustainable research centers or other initiatives
Ability to productively engage and support the research of scholars from other disciplines
Demonstrated excellence as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in a relevant field
Established reputation in scholarly achievement (for Associate Professor rank)
Evidence of a substantial record of advanced research as well as leadership in their field of specialization (for Professor rank)

Responsibilities

Lead the Center administratively and intellectually
Support rigorous research on democracy
Expand the connections and research activities of the Center around campus
Devise new research and outreach initiatives
Engage alumni to support the Center
Grow the community of scholars engaged with the Center
Maintain current signature activities
Manage four Institute staff (the managing director, communications specialist, podcast group manager, and administrative assistant)
Maintain an active research agenda
Be part of their academic unit and disciplinary community