Director of the Office of Civic Engagement

Director of the Office of Civic Engagement

Job No: 497223
Position Type: full-time
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Categories: Other, Academic Affairs

The mission of the Office of Civic Engagement is to initiate, promote, and support educational experiences that further the intellectual maturation, personal growth, sense of civic responsibility, and critical thinking of our students, staff, and faculty through community engagement. Community-based programs enhance participants' leadership capacity, promote the ability to work together effectively toward a common goal, and engage students as educated citizens in public work that serves both community and campus constituents. Community-based learning involves these activities and enhances academic learning through problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills; promotes increased knowledge of course concepts and a broader understanding of the field of study; and cultivates a greater sense of civic responsibility. The office functions as both a resource and a liaison for students, employees, and community organizations and agencies. The Director will work closely with the Faculty Director of Academic Civic Engagement, a faculty-held position, to more wholly integrate civic engagement within the curriculum. This position reports to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusive Excellence.

This is a full-time, 12-month position. The Director is responsible for the overall implementation of civic engagement and community-engaged learning at Bucknell. They will serve as a consultant to staff, students, and community organizations, promoting meaningful group and individual volunteer efforts that enhance learning opportunities while meeting identified community goals, promoting civic responsibility among students and staff, working with community partners to develop mutually beneficial projects and relationships, overseeing some university-sponsored community outreach and alternative break programs, and managing the regular operations of the Office of Civic Engagement. The Director will work closely with the Faculty Director of Academic Civic Engagement, a faculty-held position, to more wholly integrate civic engagement within the curriculum. This position reports to the VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Job Duties:
● Leading the Office of Civic Engagement in accordance with the OCE's mission, and values as aligned with the Civic Action Plan and Bucknell's strategic plan; as well as aligning with best practices in the field of civic and community engagement.
● Cultivating support for community-engaged learning among various constituents, promoting opportunities for civic and community engagement, and overseeing the smooth and professional daily operation of the Office of Civic Engagement.
● Co-Chairing the Engaged Bucknell Coordinating Council (EBCC), with the Faculty Director for Academic Civic Engagement, which includes reviewing, and as needed, revising the mission and goals of the EBCC (in consultation with members).
● Managing, hiring and supervising three OCE staff: the Office & Program Coordinator, Assistant Director of Community Based & Engaged Service Learning, and Associate Director of Community Engaged Leadership. The Farm and Garden Manager reports to the Associate Director. Maintain a collaborative relationship with the Faculty Farm Director regarding strategic initiative with the Bucknell Farm and the Lewisburg Community Garden.
● Serving as a liaison with community agencies and organizations to publicize their goals on campus and educate them about potential partnerships available through group and individual projects. Maintain regular contact with community partners and leaders about community assets and priorities in the Susquehanna Valley. Convene local community engaged partners in the Susquehanna Valley region in support of Engaged Bucknell initiatives such as a community advisory board, networking events and regional summits.
● Promoting the inclusion of community based learning in Bucknell's off-campus and study abroad programs by working with the Global Education, faculty, and community partners as appropriate.
● Collaborating with appropriate university committees and work with departments such as Student Affairs, Residential Colleges, Office of Sponsored Programs, Teaching and Learning Center, Religious and Spiritual Life, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, etc.,
● Working with University Communications, Admissions, and University Advancement, and other stakeholders to increase the visibility of civic engagement projects, faculty initiatives, and student efforts to demonstrate the positive benefits of community-based learning
● Publicizing the availability of resources, conferences, calls for papers, etc. to appropriate groups and individuals .
● Supporting the implementation of GivePulse software to collect data on community based service-learning and volunteer efforts at Bucknell to document and assess the impact of our work and inform about campus and community needs, collaborating with Institutional Research as appropriate. Work in collaboration with the Faculty Director of Academic Civic Engagement to collect assessment data and complete the Carnegie Classification process.
● Serving as the university representative to national and regional organizations such as Partners for Campus- Community Engagement and Campus Compact.
● Ensuring representation of Office of Civic Engagement at public events such as the Admissions Fair, community focus groups, presentations to student and alumni groups.
● Supporting immersion trips and experiences offered through other offices and departments by sharing expertise and best practices for topics such as mini curriculums, reflection and other learning experiences.
● Overseeing the application and maintenance of the Bucknell's Carnegie community engagement classification
● Overseeing and manage the office's operating budgets in consultation with supervisor, teaching or co-teaching an occasional course for credit.
● Supporting the BisonVotes effort with campus and student leaders.


Minimum Qualifications:

• A Masters degree and four years experience in higher education, or a Masters degree and at least four years work in non-profit social service agency
  
• Excellent writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills
  
• Comprehensive administrative, supervisory, and organizations skills, including the ability to multitask efficiently and work independently
  
• Understanding of the principles of service-learning and quality volunteer efforts, and ability to educate stakeholders about issues related to meaningful civic engagement
  
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact well with the campus constituents as well as public community representatives, and organizations requesting information and service
  
• Competency in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion
  
• Ability to handle confidential information on a routine basis
  
• Knowledge of the operational structure of the university's offices and resources, ability to make appropriate referrals
  
• A valid and current driver's license
  
  Work Type:
  This is a full-time, benefits eligible, 12-month position.
  
  This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.
  
  Salary Range:
  This is a Staff Exempt position with a hiring range of $70,500 - 88,125 (E11). The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.
  
  Benefits:
  
  Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to) -
  
  - flexible scheduling options determined by role;
  
  - medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
  
  - an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
  
  - generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
  
  - tuition remission, exchange and grants for the employee, spouse/spousal equivalent, and children (with credit for full-time, benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education)
  
  - a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
  
  - a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card
  
  To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)
  
  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
  Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
  
  
  To apply, visit https://careers.bucknell.edu/en-us/job/497223/director-of-the-office-of-civic-engagement
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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