Associate Director Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society
Department: Academic Affairs Administration | Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society
The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society
The Ohio State University's motto, Disciplina in Civitatem, or “education for citizenship,” is not merely a slogan; it is an exhortation to remain focused on the responsibility to develop an informed, engaged, and civic-minded citizenry. It is essential to fulfilling Ohio State's land-grant mission.
The State of Ohio established the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State (“the Chase Center” or “Center”) in 2023. The Chase Center is a multidisciplinary university center that conducts teaching, research, and public programming concerning the core texts and great debates of Western civilization; the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American and Ohio political order; and the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship. It is an independent academic unit of the University. The Center is a leader of the growing cadre of schools of civic thought in Ohio and throughout the country.
In just its second year of operation, the Chase Center has quickly established itself as a dynamic academic community with world-class faculty. Building on this strong momentum, in the upcoming year the Center will launch its first major (to accompany its minor), develop three new academic programs, and further expand its extensive course offerings. It will also deepen its outreach by continuing to deliver a robust suite of public events, professional development for K-12 educators, and study abroad opportunities for both students and faculty. Backed by a growing Chase Society student community and generous public and private financial support, the Center is on pace for full maturity over the next three years.
Position Overview
The Chase Center is conducting a nationwide search for up to two Associate Directors, who will start Fall, 2027, or earlier. They will join the Center's leadership team and expand its capacity. The Associate Director will be a tenured Full or Associate Professor in the Chase Center.
The Associate Director will have three primary roles. First, he or she will help the Executive Director manage Chase Center operations. The functions the Associate Director oversees will depend on his or her interests and capacities. Second, the Associate Director will teach and publish scholarly research in line with his or her expertise and the Chase Center's mission. Third, the Associate Director will help the Center build and maintain strategic relationships with outside scholars as well as peer programs, departments, and institutes across higher education.
The Associate Director will be an extraordinary scholar with research and teaching in a discipline relevant to civic thought, including (but not limited to) law, philosophy, history, political theory, theology/religious studies, economics, literature, and sociology, and will be actively engaged in the Center's and Ohio State's intellectual life. The Associate Director will be a public-spirited scholar who is committed to building an academic community in which civic life and the life of the mind flourish. As with all members of the Center, the Associate Director should be familiar with and embrace the Center's mission as defined by ORC § 3335.39.
Salary and benefits are competitive. Candidates must be willing to work a flexible schedule and are expected to primarily work in person.
Performance Objectives
- Contribute and demonstrate a commitment to the Chase Center's statutory mission through administration, research, teaching, and service.
- Work collaboratively and in a coordinated way with the Center's Executive Director.
- Build the Chase Center into an academic community that secures its mission through excellent teaching, research and scholarship, and service.
- Continue to build a strong scholarly reputation in a discipline relevant to civic thought.
- Publish high-quality and impactful scholarship in prestigious academic outlets in the faculty member's discipline and other impactful outlets.
- Develop and effectively teach courses that advance the Center's mission.
- Engage in service to the Chase Center, the University, and the broader community.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently, proactively handle issues, and make decisions benefiting the Center.
- Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrate organization, attention to detail, and ability to respond to deadlines in a timely manner.
- Demonstrate poise, professionalism, and good judgment.
- Demonstrate adaptability to changing goals and priorities.
Education and Experience
Required
- Ph.D., J.D., or other terminal degree in a field related to the Center's mission.
- Experience in program administration in a higher education setting.
- Record of publishing high-quality and impactful scholarship in prestigious academic outlets in the faculty member's discipline and other impactful outlets.
- Record of developing and effectively teaching courses that will advance the Center's mission.
Desired
- Experience developing a young academic or professional program or organization.
- Experience engaging in development activities.
- Excellent management and organizational skills—task oriented and deadline conscious.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing goals and priorities.
- Ability to independently assess, respond to, and follow up on inquiries, and advise faculty, students, donors, and guests.
- Ability to interact comfortably and confidently with broad internal and external constituencies and maintain a professional demeanor in representing the Center and the University.
- Relevant prior professional experience developing programming consistent with the Center's mission, including (but not limited to) developing curriculum, activities that promote research productivity and innovation, academic community building, and activities that engage students and other community members.
Additional Information
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application via https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Associate-Director-Salmon-P-Chase-Center-for-Civics--Culture--and-Society_R158188. Once you start the application you will need to fill it out to completion and upload all required materials. Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application or materials after submission.
Application materials must include the following:
- Cover letter describing how the candidate meets the qualifications for the position, including his or her commitment to the Center's mission and an explanation of how the candidate is prepared to support that mission through administration, research, teaching (including courses the candidate might teach), and contributions to the Center's institutional development. The letter should be addressed to: Lee J. Strang, Executive Director, Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, Professor of Law, Moritz College of Law, 5042 Smith Lab, 174 W. 18th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
- Curriculum vita (CV)
- Statement of research
- Writing sample (recent article, working paper, or dissertation chapter)
- The names and contact information of at least three individuals who can provide a letter of reference. (We will request letters of reference if/when candidates move to the interview stage.)
The application deadline is October 1st, at 11:59 p.m. We will review all applications submitted by the deadline. Please email Professor Strang, at strang.69@osu.edu, if you have questions about the application process.
The University
Ohio State is a top-15 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America's leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available.
Location: Smith Laboratory (0065)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift
In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.
Columbus
Located in Ohio's capital city, Ohio State's Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of nearly 2.25 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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