Executive Director, Center for Civics, Culture, and Workforce Development

Executive Director

Center for Civics, Culture, and Workforce Development

Wright State University

Dayton, Ohio

In January 2024, the Ohio Legislature established the Wright State University (WSU) Center for Civics, Culture, and Workforce Development ( the Center ) and appropriated $4 million in initial funding.

The Center is an independent academic unit physically located on the Dayton Campus. The Center has a seven-member Academic Council of distinguished community and military leaders appointed by the WSU Board of Trustees and confirmed by the Ohio Senate.

The Academic Council is conducting a nationwide search for the Center’s inaugural Executive Director.

The Executive Director will operationalize the Center’s mission and vision through the development of curriculum in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society and the United States Armed Forces as set forth in Ohio Revised Code Sec. 3352.16.

• The Executive Director will focus initial curriculum development on The books and major debates which form the intellectual foundation of free societies, especially that of the United States;
• The principles, ideals, and institutions of the American constitutional order, including the United States Armed Forces;
• The foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship; The origins, purpose, and role of Wright-Patterson air force base and surrounding defense-related industries in supporting the United States;

and The workforce needs of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and industries that support the base. Id.

The Executive Director will leverage Wright State University’s partnership with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the State of Ohio’s largest single-site employer, and unique statutory authorizing language to create certificate and degree programs that complement the workforce needs of the Base and Dayton’s defense community.

Further, the Executive Director will prioritize an aggressive, centralized set of standards and procedure to maximize the granting of academic credit for military training, experience, and coursework.

A primary role of the position is to facilitate strong relationships between the University and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and identify and execute innovative strategies to further the relationship.

The Executive Director will be the principal administrative officer of the Center, tasked with directly hiring and managing staff as appropriate, overseeing the development and implementation of curriculum offered at the center, and creating a variety of innovative educational and collaboration opportunities for students and faculty from across the university.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Academic Council and administratively report to the President of the University.

The Director will consult with the Provost on academic matters and will submit an annual report to the Academic Council, Board of Trustees of the University, and the Ohio General Assembly.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will be responsible for :

• Operationalizing the Center within the framework of the authorizing legislation
• Consulting with the Academic Council on programmatic initiatives within the Center
• Developing the Center’s budget in consultation with University’s Financial Operations division and presenting to the University President
• Creating a centralized University process for the maximizing recognition of military education and service for academic credit
• Positioning the Center to be a strategic university liaison with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and developing curriculum around their workforce needs
• Leveraging relationships with the Center’s current and potential stakeholders, including students, faculty, administrators, legislators, and donors
• Collaborating with individuals and programs at Wright State University to facilitate interdisciplinary course offerings, scholarly exchanges, and collegial working relationships
• Coordinating and cooperating with other centers of civic thought in Ohio
• Providing an annual report on the Center’s development and operations to the Academic Council, University President, University Board of Trustees and the Ohio General Assembly

Required Education and Experience Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a discipline related to the Center’s mission and 8-10 years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative ability
• Experience in higher education and with curricular development and administration
• Ability to work effectively with others to identify opportunities for growth and leverage resources
• Demonstrated commitment to the Center’s legislated mission
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree
• Record of working in the United States Armed Forces or with leadership of the United States Armed Forces, particularly with respect to academic partnerships
• Knowledge and understanding of recognition of military service for academic credit within the guidelines of accreditation
• Active-duty service in the United States Armed Forces
• Experience working with veterans, their families, and dependents in an academic environment
• Knowledge and understanding of the Department of Defense Joint Services Transcript
• Advanced leadership role within the United States Armed Forces
• Advanced knowledge of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and its missions executed there
• Experience working in the Air Force Institute of Technology
• Experience in navigating administrative challenges and working with colleagues from a variety of viewpoints and disciplines
• Ability to create and define an ambitious vision
• Ability to work effectively with others to identify opportunities for growth and leverage resources in a complex organization
• Experience in developing organizations, systems, and staffing for newly established and / or growing enterprises

To Apply

• A current and comprehensive curriculum vitae that includes names and contact information for at least three references
• A letter of interest explaining why the applicant is interested in the role of Executive Director, why the applicant is a good fit for the position, and why the applicant is committed to the Center’s mission.

This letter should describe the applicant’s preparation to lead, support, and develop the Institute’s teaching, research, and public programming.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority review will occur for applications submitted by November 1, 2024.

For additional information, please contact Mr. Greg Sample, Chair of the Academic Council, Wright State University Center for Civics, Culture, and Workforce Development, at [email protected] .

Letters of interest should be addressed to :

The Academic Council

Center for Civics, Culture, and Workforce Development

Wright State University

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway

Dayton, Ohio 45435

To apply, go to https : / / jobs.wright.edu / postings / 20326 . Wright State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.