Director of Civic Engagement

Position Details

Position Information

Budget Title
Director of Special Student Programs

Campus Title
Director of Civic Engagement

School/Division
Academic Affairs, Division of

Department
Civic Engagement Office

Staff Sub-Type
Staff & Administration

Salary Level
SL4

Salary Range
$78,000+ depending on experience

Salary Determination

Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.

Position Effort
Full-Time

If Part-Time, enter FTE:

Is this a temporary position?
No

If Temporary, enter End Date:

Position Summary

The Director of Civic Engagement for the Barbara A. Galpin Institute provides strategic direction and implementation of initiatives that foster in students a sense of social, civic, and personal responsibility as citizens of their community, country, and world. The Director leads programs that connect students, faculty, staff, and community partners in meaningful, reciprocal engagement that strengthens community and prepares students to be informed, active citizens and community members. The Director will head the office, including leading strategic planning and assessment, inclusive program design, and budget oversight. The Director will represent the Institute at campus, SUNY, and national venues and cultivate existing and new collaborations with community and campus partners.

Salary Range: $78,000+ depending on experience

Major Responsibilities

Program Development, Implementation, and Assessment:

• Develop and implement a campus-wide civic engagement strategy aligned with campus priorities, mission, and regional needs.
• Design, promote, deliver, and assess high-impact experiential learning opportunities that promote civic learning, democracy engagement, and service learning across curricular and co-curricular settings. Examples include internships, service-learning activities, voter engagement efforts, community-based research partnerships, and civic leadership programs.
• Coordinate faculty/staff professional development programming related to experiential learning and teaching, service learning, and civic education.
• Pursue grant opportunities to support campus initiatives related to civic engagement, civil discourse, and experiential learning.

Student Development and Support:

• Mentor and supervise students involved in civic engagement programs.
• Develop and deliver workshops, trainings, and opportunities for dialogue focused on civic skills, democracy participation, and social responsibility.
• Promote inclusive engagement opportunities that support diverse student populations.

Community and Government Partnerships:

• Build and sustain reciprocal partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, and local/state government agencies.
• Support and strengthen university-community relations as a resource and liaison for community partners, collaborative programming, and student intern placements.
• Represent the university in community organizations, regional coalitions, advisory boards, and civic networks
• Ensure that partnerships reflect ethical, equitable, and mutually beneficial practices.

Program Administration:

• Lead administration of the Institute, including developing and articulating a cohesive vision and strategic plan, managing the budget, publishing web and print resources, assessing programs and services, and annual reporting.
• Coordinate sponsored university civic engagement intern placements, scholarships, and stipends in partnership with the Cortland College Foundation.
• Provide university service as advisor to student clubs, as a member of campus committees, and as a participant in campus events and initiatives.
• Represent SUNY Cortland as a liaison with SUNY System Administration, other SUNY campuses, and external organizations on policy and practice initiatives related to civic engagement and experiential learning.

Assessment, Reporting, and Compliance:

• Coordinate a campus-wide process for designating and assessing courses with an applied learning/high-impact practice attribute
• Collect and analyze data on civic engagement participation, learning outcomes, and community impact.
• Coordinate compilation of campus applications for campus recognition and engagement, such as All In for Democracy, Voter Friendly Campus, and the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition membership.
• Ensure compliance with SUNY policies, state regulations, and risk-management protocols related to off-campus engagement.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise Institute staff.
• Articulate a vision that unites team members and define departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose.
• Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed. Plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion.
• Hire, onboard, and train staff. Provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching. Communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner. Nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development.
• Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws.
• Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions. Facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office. Address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

The position reports to the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Achievement, Academic Affairs
Supervises administrative staff and student interns

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, public administration, social sciences, community development, or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership experience in civic engagement, community partnerships, service-learning, public service, or related areas
• Nine years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a mission-driven, community-based, or public sector organization
• Experience advising, mentoring, or teaching students
• Experience managing administrative operations, including budget management, supervision, and strategic planning
• Demonstrated experience leading programs or initiatives with measurable impact
• Experience using data systems and digital platforms to manage programs, track outcomes, and inform decision-making

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in a field related to public administration, social sciences, community development, or a related field
• Experience leading a center, institute, or campus-wide initiative related to civic engagement
• Experience securing external funding, including grants, partnerships, or philanthropic support
• Experience designing and implementing assessment strategies for civic learning and community impact

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of civic engagement theory, democratic participation, and community-based learning
• Knowledge of ethical and reciprocal university-community partnership practices
• Knowledge of higher education structures, governance, and accreditation considerations related to civic learning
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory, risk management, and compliance considerations
• Ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that advance civic engagement across institutional and community contexts
• Skill in designing, implementing, and scaling programs aligned with institutional mission and community needs
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, and community organizations

Job Close Date

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
S26022

Review Start Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11475