Assistant Vice President for Civic and Global Engagement

AASCU is the collective voice of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems that hold students and the community at the heart of their mission.  The association works to expand student access, success, and opportunity, promote world-class teaching and experiential learning tied to career advancement, and support applied research and service that advances economic development and quality of life in communities nationwide. 

ABOUT THE DIVISION  

The Division of Academic Innovation and Transformation (AIT) develops and manages academic initiatives and activities that aim to transform institutions and individual students. The Division advances academic initiatives at AASCU’s member campuses, which serve a vital and diverse student population nationwide.  

EXPECTATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES 

Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: commitment to inclusion, excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, accountability, ownership, and adherence to policies and procedures. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION 

The Assistant Vice President for Civic & Global Engagement reports to the Vice President of Academic Innovation and Transformation. The AVP for Civic & Global Engagement will lead the integration of AASCU's civic engagement and international education programs designed to help members prepare students who are globally engaged citizens. The AVP ensures that programming in civic and global engagement is aligned with AASCU's strategic goals and the needs of AASCU's members. The AVP is responsible for successfully managing the staff and budget resources of the Civic & Global Engagement team. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Provide executive leadership for designing, implementing, delivering, and assessing all civic and global engagement initiatives, projects, and programs. 

• In consultation with the Vice President, with input from the team, establish a multiyear strategy for civic and global engagement in line with AASCU's strategic plan. 

• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise a team of professional staff to support our members' civic and global engagement needs. 

• Lead the integration of the American Democracy Project with international education so that we can work as one team, united by a single purpose, helping our members prepare globally engaged graduates. 

• Ensure positive, collaborative relationships among program staff across AIT and other AASCU divisions. 

• Coordinate consistent, integrated, and effective communications promoting civic and global engagement programs and services. 

• Establish and execute a research and publication agenda supporting and promoting civic and global engagement work at regional public universities. Oversee developing, implementing, and rigorous, consistent assessment of programs and services in Civic and Global Engagement to provide the highest quality experience for our members. 

• Oversee convenings (e.g., symposia, webinars, etc.) on civic and global engagement topics. 

• Ensure that relevant and timely civic and global engagement content is integrated into the Division's leadership development programs.

• Identify and secure external funding for current and new initiatives promoting and supporting civic and global engagement at regional public universities. 

• Represent AASCU in meetings with external partners, stakeholders, and corporate and nonprofit funders related to civic and global engagement. 

• Establish and nurture external partnerships that further civic and global engagement work, including democracy nonprofits, think tanks, embassies, the US government agencies, etc. 

• Represent AASCU on external committees and boards related to civic and global engagement. 

• ​​​​​​​Serve on AASCU presidential and member committees related to civic and global engagement.

• Provide oversight and coordination for AASCU Innovation and Excellence Awards in civic and global engagement. 

• Conduct research to curate and provide relevant information and resources to assist members maximize their international partnerships and activities. 

• In collaboration with AASCU Consulting, oversee and coordinate campus evaluations of international education programs at member institutions. 

• Provide oversight for all civic and global engagement budgets, ensuring that all program spending conforms with AASCU and/or funded project guidelines. 

SKILLS AND  ABILITIES 

• Excellent written, verbal communication, and public speaking skills effective with a broad and diverse audience.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and manage a diverse team of highly knowledgeable professionals. 

• Ability to articulate a compelling vision and strategy for civic and global engagement at AASCU. 

• Ability to work with staff and other divisions to identify and develop appropriate innovative solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, organizations, and institutions. 

• Understands and appreciates the values, beliefs, knowledge, and capabilities of our staff, partners, and the people we serve.

• Embraces diverse and inclusive perspectives and disciplines across the organization and collaborates with partners at all levels to achieve a shared vision and realize transformational change.   

• Ability to engage effectively with institutional stakeholders, including Presidents and cabinet-level leaders.  

• Experience managing multiple, complex budgets. 

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Doctorate from an accredited institution, preferably in a field relevant to civic engagement or international education (e.g., international studies, political science, etc.)

• At least seven years of higher education leadership experience in a university setting.

• Demonstrated commitment to the transformative power of experiential learning such as study abroad, service learning, and civic engagement to foster a student's feelings of agency and belonging. 

• Record of public speaking and publication on matters of civic and/or global engagement. 

• Understands the interconnectedness of local, regional, and global issues and the interrelatedness of international education and civic learning. 

• Experience developing, implementing, and assessing civic and/or global engagement programs and services. 

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equitable student success in postsecondary education. 

• Experience successfully leading campuswide change initiatives as part of larger institutional transformation. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Strong knowledge and understanding of challenges and issues facing regional public universities.  

• Knowledge and expertise on equitable student success in college, as demonstrated by public speaking and publication.  

• Higher education experience at a regional public university. 

• Success in external fundraising to support change initiatives.  

• Experience developing and implementing professional and leadership development for higher education leaders, faculty, and staff.  

• Experience providing thoughtful, informed guidance and support to campus leaders on challenges and issues.  

• Experience navigating complex collaborative partnerships across multiple organizations.    

• Success in leadership, management, and implementation of externally funded programs.  

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND LOCATION

The salary range for this exempt position is between $140,000 and $160,000. The generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; fifteen paid holidays plus additional annual and sick leave; above-market contribution to company-sponsored 403(b) retirement plan; tuition assistance; an on-site fitness facility; 24/7 building security; secured bike storage; and more. Additionally, underground public parking is accessible for all employees at their own expense.

This is a full-time position at AASCU’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. AASCU staff are currently required to be in the office in a hybrid schedule of two days and three days of optional remote work. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. If applicable, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Constantly operates a computer or laptop; standing and walking may be required when attending in-office meetings or events.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with team members via email, phone, or virtual meeting room and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 
• Lift and carry a minimum of 15 lbs. occasionally.
• Occasional travel to an office/conference event.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

AASCU is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, matriculation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, D.C., or local law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodation requests may be made to peopleandculture@aascu.org.