Director for the Center for Civic and Public Engagement

Director for the Center for Civic and Public Engagement

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Please Note:

• A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
• If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
• Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
• Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
• Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
• If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call .

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Position Classification Title Director, Subdivision/Unit/Program AD, Academic Affairs

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Position Class

Position Class 89723

Position Overview

Position Summary

The Director for the Center for Civic and Public Engagement

The Director for the Center for Civic and Public Engagement will work to address critical social challenges, promote civic engagement, volunteerism, and public service by creating connectivity between Winston‑Salem State University (WSSU) and the surrounding community through engaged scholarship and applied learning opportunities for the student body of WSSU. The director is expected to elevate this work such that WSSU becomes a national leader in community engagement and community‑based service delivery. Moreover, the director will work to amplify WSSU’s motto “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve” through the work of this center.

The director will serve as the primary ambassador for civic engagement, volunteerism, and public service throughout the university and in the Greater Winston‑Salem community. This role will require a dynamic, focused, and multi‑talented leader who can build strong relationships, manage complex partnerships, understand the non‑profit and governmental sectors, and inspire faculty and students to support and participate in civic engagement activities, volunteerism and public services as an experiential learning opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for civic engagement, service‑learning, international education and study abroad as an experiential learning tool and opportunity.
• The ability to serve as an ambassador of community engagement for students and to increase student visibility within the Greater Winston‑Salem community.
• A professional presence that garners participation and notoriety by representing the university at regional, state, and national levels related to civic engagement, public service and volunteerism.
• Strategic Leadership, Program Development & Management
• Oversee the design, coordination, and assessment of civic engagement, volunteerism, and community‑based learning experiences that align with the university’s strategic plan and learning outcomes, coupled with best practices that lead to the creation of WSSU’s Leadership and Service Certificate Program.
• Develop and manage signature programs such as alternative break experiences, civic leadership academies, voter engagement initiatives, and community service events.
• Work with faculty in designing a process to create a seamless structure for embedding this experiential learning experience within the curriculum.
• Identify external funding opportunities to support the work of the center.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external organizations, community partners and employers for student placements.

Community & Campus Partnerships

• Build and sustain mutually beneficial relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies and schools.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the university and community partners, ensuring clear communication, shared expectations, and collaborative problem‑solving.
• Work closely with faculty to support the integration of service‑learning into academic courses, including curriculum development, training, and partnership coordination.
• Collaborate with the Divisions of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and other campus units to embed civic engagement into leadership development, orientation and student success initiatives.

Student Development and Support

• Foster a student‑centered environment that promotes civic identity, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
• Mentor and advise student leaders involved in civic engagement programs, service organizations, and community‑based initiatives.
• Support students in developing reflective practices that connect service experiences to academic learning and personal growth.

Assessment & Reporting

• Develop and implement assessment strategies to measure program effectiveness, student learning outcomes, and community impact.
• Prepare annual reports and data summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure for compliance with risk management protocols, community partnership agreements, and institutional policies.
• Maintain accurate records of student participation, community partnerships, and service hours.

Fiscal & Operational Management

• Design and oversee the center’s budget, including forecasting, resource allocation, and financial stewardship.
• Supervise professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees, providing coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Ensure the center operates efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Provide necessary support to direct reports to facilitate the above.

Position Information

Position Number

Position Number

Working Position Title

Working Position Title Director for the Center for Civic and Public Engagement

Building and Room No.

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited.

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Not Mandatory

Normal Work Schedule

8 am – 5 pm some evenings and weekends

Department Required Skills

• Doctoral degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Human Development.
• Experience creating or coordinating academic initiatives, programs, internships, or service‑learning programs.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and resource development.
• Proven success in theoretical approaches in leadership development training, organizational development, and community resources and relations.
• Experience working in the field of higher education

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation abilities.
• Commitment to the principles of civic engagement.
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License

Valid US Driver's License No

Commercial Driver's License Required

Commercial Driver's License Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required No

List any other medical/drug tests required

Internal Posting Only

Internal Posting Only No

Time Limited Position

Time Limited Position No

Salary Commensurate with education and experience

Open Date

Open Date 03/06/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  
  • Public Job Posting
  • Internal Job Posting
  • Agency Referral
  • Advertisement/Publication
  • Personal Referral
  • Website
  • Other

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy

Winston‑Salem State University
601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Winston‑Salem, NC 27110

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