American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) · 3 months ago
Director, American Democracy Project
WASHINGTON, DC, USA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$110K/yr - $125K/yr
8+ years expThe American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) represents over 350 public colleges and universities focused on expanding student access and success. The Director of the American Democracy Project will lead initiatives to prepare informed and engaged citizens through civic engagement programming and collaboration with member institutions.
AssociationEducationNon Profit
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
The Director will be 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
The incumbent is responsible for managing current programming and developing new programming, collaborating with subject matter experts from the campuses and partner associations, and coordinating and implementing new civic engagement and academic leadership projects as assigned
The Director is responsible for planning and executing regional and national convenings for ADP initiatives, and the annual ADP conference in coordination with internal and external partners
The Director is responsible for supporting the development and dissemination of reports and research that support the ADP network and AASCU member institutions, including collaborating with dissemination partners, and works with the ADP Civic Fellows to support and amplify their research projects
The Director manages all aspects of the Civic Engagement awards presented annually by the American Democracy Project
The Director oversees and coordinates the ADP Steering Committee, recruiting members and maintaining a balance of membership, including faculty, staff, and leadership
The incumbent assists in developing and implementing program assessment strategies and conducting ongoing assessments of various ADP initiatives, programs, and services
The Director provides fiscal management of project budgets in coordination with AASCU’s Accounting Office
The Director is responsible for managing and coordinating AASCU’s relevant advisory committee, including the ADP Executive and Steering Committees and the Presidents’ Committee on Sustainability, to engage key stakeholders and inform programs and services
Qualification
Required
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, and direct management and coordination of civic engagement programming at an association or in higher education
Direct experience collaborating with faculty, developing curriculum and professional development initiatives for faculty and higher education staff, including webinars, institutes, and/or conferences
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, particularly scheduling and planning workflows cross-departmentally
Proven success in cultivating relationships with partner universities, organizations, colleagues, and community members to expand collaborative efforts and implement and evaluate progress
Superior presentation, writing, and verbal communication skills. Strong proofreading and editing skills and experience with academic journals are a plus
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, including cultivating strong relationships cross-departmentally and with high-level external stakeholders (e.g., senior-level higher education administrators)
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 to design innovative and relevant programming
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, including clear and consistent communication of the organization's beliefs, mission, and strategy
Ability and willingness to travel periodically, when needed, including at off-site meetings
Commitment to upholding AASCU's mission, vision, and values
Preferred
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, including program planning, coordination, and training for speakers, facilitators, and moderators
Experience and success in fundraising and sponsorship that support national civic engagement programming and events
Proven success in cultivating funder and sponsor relationships that contribute directly to funding renewal
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 is accessible for all employees at their own expense
Company
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Chuck Welch
President & CEO
José A. Cabrales, Ph.D.
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
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