"Director, Bucknell Initiative For Dialogue & Democracy (BIDD)"

Bucknell University invites applications and nominations for the inaugural position of Director for the new Bucknell Initiative for Dialogue & Democracy (BIDD). This full-time staff position is a unique opportunity to provide collaborative, visionary, and strategic leadership for a new University-wide initiative.

The core mission of BIDD is to cultivate independence of mind and foster the skills necessary for productive engagement in a democratic society. In an era of increasing polarization, this initiative will focus on equipping students with the tools to challenge their assumptions, sustain difficult conversations, and practice the essential skill of active listening.

Position Overview

The Director reports directly to the Associate Provost for Research and Creative Inquiry. The Director will work across the institution to develop a collective vision for the BIDD, engaging faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. This role is central to advancing the University's mission of educating students for a lifetime of critical thinking and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

The Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Program Development & Leadership: Design, implement, and oversee interdisciplinary programming that promotes dialogue and civic engagement across the three Colleges.
• Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of the initiative's mission and vision, building on Bucknell's recent investments in 'circle dialogue' practices.
• Partnership Cultivation: Build and maintain relationships with on- and off-campus partners, including academic departments, community organizations, and civic institutions.
• Resource Management & Fundraising: Administer the program's operations, manage budgets, supervise staff, and work with University Advancement to attract external resources and funding.
• Community Building: Ensure BIDD provides opportunities for the entire Bucknell community, contributing to a culture of understanding, dignity, and respect for all.

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to the initiative's mission and demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence, organizational skill, and integrity.

Key qualifications include:

• A graduate degree (Master's minimum) in a relevant field; a doctorate is preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of professional experience in progressively responsible roles, with a strong preference for experience in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and executing new programs from the ground up.
• Proven ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to work toward common goals.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a collaborative, servant-leadership perspective.
• Experience with grant-seeking and/or fundraising.
• A deep understanding of the culture of higher education, shared governance, and academic freedom.

Salary Range: $143,200.00-$179,000.00

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.

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.

This position is currently projected to be gift funded for three years with the expectation that it may be renewed with additional funding.

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!); Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods; 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.