Associate Director – Civic Discourse Initiatives

Are you passionate about strengthening democratic culture, elevating student voices, and building a campus community capable of engaging across differences? The Madison Center for Civic Engagement at James Madison University is seeking an innovative and dynamic Associate Director of Civic Discourse Initiatives to lead one of the nation’s most comprehensive campus-based civic discourse programs.

This is a high‑impact role for a collaborative educator, facilitator, and program builder who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and cares deeply about preparing the next generation of students for using constructive dialogue in a complex world.

About the Role: The Associate Director will spearhead the Madison Center’s signature free-speech and deliberative dialogue initiative, Better Conversations Together, our immersive first year effort; supporting faculty and student leadership development; and shaping campuswide and nationwide dialogue opportunities.

You will also play a key leadership role in managing two major grants civic discourse grants, coordinating multi-institutional partners, faculty fellows, external organizations, and assessment teams to advance national work in deliberative pedagogy.

This position is hands‑on, student‑centered, and deeply collaborative—ideal for someone who brings both vision and operational excellence.