Director for the Center for Civic and Public Engagement

Position Details

Classification Information

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

FLSA
Exempt

Position Class
89723

Position Overview

Join the Ramily!

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below:
UNC System Employee Benefits Central
UNC System Retirement Benefits
WSSU Holiday Schedule
WSSU Discounts and Perks

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
519019

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

Building and Room No.
Hill Hall Room TBD

Appointment Type
Permanent Full-Time

Requirements and Preferences

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.