Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a director for its school of government and public affairs and invites nominations and expressions of interest.

The Virginia Commonwealth University L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, first organized in 2003, is an interdisciplinary school, bringing together faculty from multiple disciplines and applied fields with a shared interest in service and public affairs. The school offers programs spanning the undergraduate through the doctoral level, in addition to post-baccalaureate and certificate programs. Disciplines include criminal justice, political science, public policy and administration, urban and regional studies, sociology, and one of the first homeland security and emergency planning programs in the nation. Graduate programs include master’s programs in criminal justice, public administration, sociology, urban and regional planning, and a Ph.D. program in public policy and administration. The school stands at the intersection between policy analysis and development, research, and service to public and private interests both in the region and nationwide. Its possibilities are extraordinary.

The director will provide vision and leadership for academic activities, scholarship, community engagement, and fund development for the school. The director will help to shape the future of the school by articulating a vision, defining standards of excellence, and identifying directions for new growth. He or she will advance research, education, and engagement in the government and public affairs arena – in Richmond, throughout the Commonwealth, and nationally. The director will nourish and build external partnerships, including engaging the expertise of the faculty to address government and community issues. As a matter of high priority, the director will secure financial support from a wide range of sources. Promoting excellence and diversity, the director will be responsible for student and faculty recruitment, development, and retention. He or she will manage the school’s resources, academic programs, faculty, staff, students, facilities, and budget. The director, who reports to the dean of the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences, will work collaboratively with college and school leadership, including the school’s advisory committee, to advance the mission and vision of Virginia Commonwealth University and the Wilder School. Ultimately, under the director’s leadership the school will evolve to become a free-standing unit outside of the college.

The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized entrepreneurial leader able to infuse the Wilder School with a sense of common purpose and pride. Requirements include a record of distinguished research, teaching, and/or public service; substantial administrative experience, preferably at a research university; proven success in external fund development; and credentials that merit appointment at the rank of full professor in the school. Experience in addressing the social and economic issues in the widest variety of communities will be highly valued. Applicants with strong leadership experience and outstanding accomplishments in government and public affairs are also welcomed and will receive serious attention. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with the drive, skill, and experience to bring creative leadership to a distinguished organization and to play a critical role in shaping its future.

The search process is currently underway and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations are welcome. Confidential inquiries may be directed to the Witt/Kieffer consultants supporting this search: Mary Elizabeth Taylor, at (212) 686-2676 or Elizabeth K. Bohan at (630) 575-6161. To receive full consideration, please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for five references (who will not be contacted without permission) to VCUWilder@wittkieffer.com by March 15, 2010.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, building strength through diversity.