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The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education serving more than 162,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Through a constellation of 13 universities statewide, the Universities of Wisconsin are a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.

The Universities of Wisconsin Administration assists in establishing policies, planning the programmatic financial and physical development of the Universities. UWSA supports the Universities in delivering transformative educational outcomes and research that expands the boundaries of knowledge. We work to extend the value of our universities beyond the boundaries of the campuses, seeking to enhance the quality of life for all in Wisconsin and beyond, in fulfillment of the Wisconsin Idea.

The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) provides resources, opportunities, and support for teaching, learning, and practicing viewpoint diversity; freedom of expression; academic freedom; civil dialogue; and civic participation within our universities and communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) collaborates with Universities of Wisconsin administration, university colleagues, and a Board of Advisors in the development of policies, plans, and practices that promote and protect and encourage free expression, academic freedom, civil dialogue, and related subjects.  Given current controversies and political polarization, we seek an experienced leader and excellent collaborator who will provide non-partisan, innovative, high impact services and resources to make the Universities of Wisconsin a national leader in the field.  The Director will lead the WICCD team within the Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) in the Division of University Relations (DUR).

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Administer allotted grant program providing funding to UW campuses to support research; events and related activities; assessment, and professional and curriculum development.
  • Administer and facilitate workshops, trainings, and presentations on free expression / academic freedom, civil dialogue, and related subjects primarily to UW audiences, but also to local, regional, and national audiences where appropriate.
  • Collaborate with an internal Steering Committee and campus coordinators.
  • Actively engage in professional development on related topics.
  • Serve as a resource to senior leadership for trends and innovative ideas in higher education on relevant topics.
  • Develop and implement communication plans, including WICCD website, email notifications, and other communication vehicles in collaboration with the Office of Civic Engagement.
  • Represent the Universities of Wisconsin and contribute to local, statewide, and national organizations/events related to free expression, academic freedom, and civil dialogue in higher education, as well as serve on committees/workgroups as appropriate.
  • Create and sustain a workplace culture that promotes excellent communication, healthy group process, and goal-centered accountability.
  • Assume accountability for overall budget management for assigned areas and work with unit/team leads to ensure fiscal responsibility, including pursuing external funding.
  • Perform employee evaluations and manage disciplinary issues in coordination with Human Resources.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the VP for the Division of University Relations and the Executive Director of the Office of Civic Engagement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree from accredited institution of higher education in related field.
  • Experience as director or assistant director of an academic center, business, or non-profit organization.
  • Knowledge of issues and national trends related to free expression, academic freedom and civil dialogue, and related topics.
  • A substantial record of program or project management, including effective planning, staffing, resourcing and budgeting.
  • Evidence of facilitating cross-campus/cross-department collaboration.
  • Evidence of strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, strategic, and leadership skills.
  • Experience recruiting, training, and supervising staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working in a complex, multi-system environments.
  • Proven success partnering with colleagues and entities both within and outside of the organization.
  • Demonstrated success in leading groups of diverse individuals to reach common solutions.
  • Sound judgment, discretion, tact, and the ability to collaborate easily with senior leaders within higher education, charitable, government, and business sectors.

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

Inclusive Excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for Universities of Wisconsin. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community.  We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, community service, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

Universities of Wisconsin fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who serve the State of Wisconsin and the public good.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and the reference check process that includes questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not sponsor a work visa for this position at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.

WORK LOCATION

This position has the potential to be performed from any location within the state of Wisconsin via hybrid work schedule; however, travel to Madison and Wausau, Wisconsin is be expected. Specifics regarding work location requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (Official Title: Outreach Program Manager) is a full-time, salaried (exempt), academic staff, position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $85,000 – $101,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (FA/AS/LI). Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through 11:59 pm, Friday, November 8, 2024. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.

  1. Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants  and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
  2. To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:
  • Resume (PDF Format)
  • Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)

Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.

3. Submit your application.

SPECIAL NOTES:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting Sarah Haen, HR Business Partner, at sarah.haen@uwss.wisconsin.edu.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.  We promote excellent through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Questions may be addressed to: Sarah Haen, HR Business Partner, at sarah.haen@uwss.wisconsin.edu