Director Of Civic Engagement

Director of Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Office

SUNY Cortland

Position Summary:
The Director of Civic Engagement for the Barbara A. Galpin Institute provides strategic direction and implementation of initiatives that foster in students a sense of social, civic, and personal responsibility as citizens of their community, country, and world. The Director leads programs that connect students, faculty, staff, and community partners in meaningful, reciprocal engagement that strengthens community and prepares students to be informed, active citizens and community members. The Director will head the office, including leading strategic planning and assessment, inclusive program design, and budget oversight. The Director will represent the Institute at campus, SUNY, and national venues and cultivate existing and new collaborations with community and campus partners.

Salary Range: $78,000+ depending on experience

Major Responsibilities:
Program Development, Implementation, and Assessment:

• Develop and implement a campus-wide civic engagement strategy aligned with campus priorities, mission, and regional needs.
• Design, promote, deliver, and assess high-impact experiential learning opportunities that promote civic learning, democracy engagement, and service learning across curricular and co-curricular settings. Examples include internships, service-learning activities, voter engagement efforts, community-based research partnerships, and civic leadership programs.
• Coordinate faculty/staff professional development programming related to experiential learning and teaching, service learning, and civic education.
• Pursue grant opportunities to support campus initiatives related to civic engagement, civil discourse, and experiential learning.

Student Development and Support:

• Mentor and supervise students involved in civic engagement programs.
• Develop and deliver workshops, trainings, and opportunities for dialogue focused on civic skills, democracy participation, and social responsibility.
• Promote inclusive engagement opportunities that support diverse student populations.

Community and Government Partnerships:

• Build and sustain reciprocal partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, and local/state government agencies.
• Support and strengthen university-community relations as a resource and liaison for community partners, collaborative programming, and student intern placements.
• Represent the university in community organizations, regional coalitions, advisory boards, and civic networks
• Ensure that partnerships reflect ethical, equitable, and mutually beneficial practices.

Program Administration:

• Lead administration of the Institute, including developing and articulating a cohesive vision and strategic plan, managing the budget, publishing web and print resources, assessing programs and services, and annual reporting.
• Coordinate sponsored university civic engagement intern placements, scholarships, and stipends in partnership with the Cortland College Foundation.
• Provide university service as advisor to student clubs, as a member of campus committees, and as a participant in campus events and initiatives.
• Represent SUNY Cortland as a liaison with SUNY System Administration, other SUNY campuses, and external organizations on policy and practice initiatives related to civic engagement and experiential learning.

Assessment, Reporting, and Compliance:

• Coordinate a campus-wide process for designating and assessing courses with an applied learning/high-impact practice attribute
• Collect and analyze data on civic engagement participation, learning outcomes, and community impact.
• Coordinate compilation of campus applications for campus recognition and engagement, such as All In for Democracy, Voter Friendly Campus, and the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition membership.
• Ensure compliance with SUNY policies, state regulations, and risk-management protocols related to off-campus engagement.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise Institute staff.
• Articulate a vision that unites team members and define departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose.
• Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed. Plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion.
• Hire, onboard, and train staff. Provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching. Communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner. Nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development.
• Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws.
• Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions. Facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office. Address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns.

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, social sciences, community development, or a related field; demonstrated leadership experience in civic engagement, community partnerships, service-learning, public service, or related areas; nine years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a mission-driven, community-based, or public sector organization; experience advising, mentoring, or teaching students; experience managing administrative operations, including budget management, supervision, and strategic planning; demonstrated experience leading programs or initiatives with measurable impact; and, experience using data systems and digital platforms to manage programs, track outcomes, and inform decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications: Doctorate in a field related to public administration, social sciences, community development, or a related field; experience leading a center, institute, or campus-wide initiative related to civic engagement; experience securing external funding, including grants, partnerships, or philanthropic support; and, experience designing and implementing assessment strategies for civic learning and community impact.

About the University
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money List,” fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

What makes SUNY Cortland a Great Place to Work

Be part of a campus that values integrity, intellectual life, and a strong focus on students. Here, professional staff maintain a meaningful presence on campus and contribute to a supportive, forward-thinking learning environment. Watch this video to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland: https://youtu.be/krNjgXC95M0?si=k2l13TUB9mJ9YjD8

• Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
• Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families.
• Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
• Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings

Apply Today!

For more information, application instructions, and to apply online, go to:
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11475 and be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin September 5, 2026, and application materials will be accepted until the position is filled.

SUNY Cortland is an AA/EEO/ADA employer and encourages applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented groups.