Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement

Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement

The Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and daily management of the Office of Civic Engagement within the John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success on the Troy campus of Troy University. This position develops and directs university-wide civic engagement and service-learning initiatives focused on poverty and food insecurity, sustainability, youth development, public service, and related community impact areas.

The Director cultivates meaningful partnerships with community organizations, schools, businesses, faculty, and student groups to expand experiential learning opportunities and strengthen the university's role in civic and community engagement.

A primary responsibility of this position is leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive Service Learning Program that integrates community-engaged learning opportunities into academic courses across all disciplines. The Director collaborates closely with faculty, academic departments, and community partners to design sustainable service-learning models that enhance student learning outcomes, strengthen community partnerships, and expand experiential education opportunities throughout the university.

This position serves as the central coordinator for service-learning efforts, ensuring alignment between academic instruction, civic engagement, and institutional priorities.

The Director also plays a pivotal leadership role in the university's pursuit and maintenance of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, a nationally recognized designation that highlights institutional commitment to community engagement and service learning. Responsibilities include coordinating institutional self-study efforts, gathering and analyzing data and supporting documentation, facilitating cross-campus collaboration, and leading the planning and application process for Carnegie Classification submission and renewal.

This work is essential to elevating Troy University's national profile as a leader in civic and community engagement.

The Director oversees and manages a broad portfolio of civic engagement programs and initiatives, including The Campus Kitchen at Troy University, Backpacks for Kids, Gardening and Nutrition Education, The Civic Lab, Democracy Project, Bright Futures College and Career Prep, Civic Heroes Summer Camp, and The Trojan Pantry and Resource Hub. Responsibilities include planning and implementing civic engagement programming, coordinating volunteer and service opportunities, leading fundraising and grant writing efforts, directing communications and public relations strategies for the office, and teaching interdisciplinary courses related to civic engagement, leadership, public service, and community impact.

This position also manages the university's academic minor in Public Service and Civic Engagement while collaborating with faculty to integrate community-based learning opportunities into coursework across disciplines. Additional responsibilities include supervising graduate assistants, undergraduate student workers, and volunteers; managing departmental budgets and operational logistics; overseeing the management, maintenance, and procurement of departmental assets including office facilities, program equipment, and university vehicles;

and serving as the primary representative of the Office of Civic Engagement through presentations, workshops, media engagement, and community partnerships. The Director reports to the Executive Director of the John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in a related field (or enrollment in a graduate program nearing completion of degree). 2. Minimum of two years of related work experience in education, human services, government, non-profit administration, or related fields.
3. Substantive knowledge, demonstrated experience, and passion for public service and civic engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Previous work experience within a Student Success Center.
2. Demonstrated experience and leadership in public service and civic engagement.
3. Previous teaching experience at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.

Will this position require driving (personal vehicle, university vehicle, utility vehicle, or golf cart) in order to perform the job duties? Driving may be necessary but is not a primary responsibility.

Work Hours:

Standard office hours, with some evening and weekend work required as needed.

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position: N/A

Does this position have supervisory responsibility? Yes