"Professor & Executive Director of the South Carolina Center, American Civic Leadership"

Job Details

Professor and Executive Director of the South Carolina Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse

Department: CAS College of Arts and Sciences

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Advertised Salary Range: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

About UofSC: From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary: The South Carolina Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse at the University of South Carolina seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time, tenured faculty position at the rank of Professor, to begin August 16, 2026. The Center is flexible as to the disciplinary home of our applicants but prioritizes commitment to the Center’s mission as described below. The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse promotes the dialogic, cultural, and civic literacies which are essential to a well-ordered and flourishing American polity. This means advancing the teaching of American history and civics, cultivation of a life-long love of learning, and a knowledge and appreciation of our founding documents, as well as the philosophic, political, literary, and religious traditions out of which they emerged. Applications are especially encouraged from scholars working in History, Politics, and Philosophy, although applications from scholars in the humanities and social sciences whose research and teaching root them firmly in this mission will also be considered. The successful applicant will be hired at the rank of Professor and should have a record of scholarly achievement and national or international recognition that places them among the leading scholars in their field. The applicant must also be eligible for appointment at the Professor level at the University of South Carolina per University policy ACAF 1.06. At the time of appointment, in Fall 2026, the Center will have finished its first year of growth and activity. The Executive Director will be charged with overseeing the Center’s future growth including: the recruitment, appointment, and ongoing supervision of tenure-track faculty members as well as additional staff who will hold their appointments within the Center; developing and promoting the curriculum, programming, and other initiatives of the Center; building relationships with key internal and external interested parties regarding Center operations; and overseeing and adhering to a budget for Center operations. The Director should have appropriate administrative experience and a proven ability to work collegially with a wide range of faculty across the University.

Required Education and Experience: This tenured position requires a PhD and at least nine years of effective, relevant experience. The successful applicant will have a record of scholarly achievement and national or international recognition that places them among the leading scholars in their field. The applicant must also be eligible for appointment at the Professor level at the University of South Carolina per University policy ACAF 1.06.

Preferred Qualifications: N/A

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Not specified.

Special Instructions to Applicant: Required materials include: 1. Cover letter that describes their leadership experience and research and teaching interests, as well as their understanding of how they can serve the mission of the Center; 2. Curriculum vitae; 3. Names and email addresses of 3 references (who will be solicited only in case of an on-campus interview). Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Professor Carl Dahlman, Director of the Walker Institute and Interim Associate Dean for Natural Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, at carl.dahlman@sc.edu. To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/193988.