Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

The Director for Civic Innovation and Experiential Learning is responsible for developing communicating, and executing a comprehensive strategy and providing leadership for key strategic outcomes for the University that: 1) increase, enhance, and quantify experiential learning opportunities for Drexel students; 2) support civic and experiential curricular development; 3) support and develop meaningful external partnerships that increase experiential opportunities for Drexel students; and 4) foster a culture of student civic engagement as experiential learning at Drexel. Based in the Office of University & Community Partnerships(UCP), this position is responsible for overseeing staff, students, programs and fundraising to maintain external support for Civic Innovation and Experiential Learning initiatives.

The Director will work across UCP’s centers, programs and initiatives. The Director will partner with stakeholders across the academic, student life and administrative units to create and foster cross-discipline, cross-unit collaborations that promote Drexel’s student-centered mission and commitment to civic engagement and align with its strategic priorities. The Civic Innovation portfolio consists of programs and initiatives that connect student experiential learning with community identified priorities

Essential Functions

• Program Development and Management:
  • Design, implement, and oversee experiential learning programs such as civic engagement co-ops, service-learning projects, civic study abroad, and student leadership.
  • Oversee the student organization relationships across UCP.
  • Develop and support systems to assess the quality and impact of programs, using data to continuously improve student outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Partner with the Provost’s Office to develop systems for longitudinal tracking of impacts of civic engagement experiential learning.
  • Oversee and support Civic Innovation programs and initiatives at multiple sites including the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, Writer’s Room and partner locations across campus and around the city.
  • Collaborate with faculty and academic staff to integrate real-world civic engagement experiences into the curriculum and develop relevant experiential learning opportunities.
  • Support and enhance partnerships that allow students to consider global issues locally and abroad through community engagement and develop mechanisms for supporting community partners working with communities from global settings or addressing global issues. 
• Partnership Building:
  • Serve as the UCP liaison to the University’s new Experiential Learning Hub, Steinbright Career Development Center and Office of Global Studies
  • Work across academic, student life and administrative units to support the Academic Transformation priorities and implementation.
  • Work with external organizations to create meaningful learning opportunities for students.
• Leadership and Team Building:
  • As part of the UCP leadership team, facilitate connections to Drexel’s civic engagement mission across core teaching and experiential education.
  • Support cross functional teams across UCP.
  • Sit on University and civic committees. 
• Resource Development:
  • Partner with senior leadership and Institutional Advancement to realize internal and external funding streams to support experiential learning and civic innovation initiatives.
  • Secure and manage gift and grant funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporate sponsors. 
• Communications:
  • Maintain a level of leadership and visibility within Drexel, the community, and, as appropriate, the broader fields of higher education, and comprehensive community development.
  • Support UCP and University marketing and public relations efforts to ensure effective communication of civic engagement as experiential learning programs, and outcomes.
• Leadership and Team Building:
  • As part of the UCP leadership team, facilitate connections to Drexel’s civic engagement mission across core teaching and experiential education.
  • Support cross functional teams across UCP.
  • Sit on University and civic committees.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership/management experience in higher education, including experience in experiential learning, community engaged scholarship, service learning, student leadership or community engagement.
• Demonstrated record of fundraising to develop and support programs and initiatives.
• Accomplished record of program development and assessment.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing and promoting a culture of belonging.
• Demonstrated record of building trust and meaningful collaborative connections across internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and synthesize feedback (internal and external, formal and informal) into the planning process, driving innovation and improvement to meet objectives.
• Exceptional interpersonal, project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify trends, shape new programs, and innovate within the field of civic engagement.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends to support events and internal efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree.
• 15 years of relevant experience.
• Accomplished record of supporting community-based or service learning curriculum development in higher education.
• Proven experience in community-engaged scholarship.

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade M. Compensation for this grade ranges from $75,200 - $112,790 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.