The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University seeks a high-level leader to be Executive Director of Leadership and Character in the College. This strategically minded senior leader will help lead an innovative, dynamic, and values-driven program that inspires, educates, and empowers leaders of character to serve humanity and is at the forefront of a national movement to educate character in U.S. colleges and universities. The Executive Director will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and work closely with the Senior Executive Director to develop and oversee the Program’s strategic plan, manage key Program staff and initiatives in the undergraduate College, and steward the Program’s resources and opportunities to advance its core mission, integrate key functions across the team, and extend its impact at Wake Forest and across higher education. The Executive Director will develop a strategic vision for advancing the Program’s mission, especially in the undergraduate College; hire and manage key staff; oversee special projects and ensure successful completion of core initiatives; build and sustain a culture of creative collaboration among the team; communicate the Program’s values, vision, and initiatives to a variety of audiences; and direct important aspects of program development, management, and communication. The ideal candidate will have a capacity for strategic thinking; a passion for management practices that support staff development; a commitment to fostering collaborative teams and encouraging organizational improvement; and an ability to communicate complexity with clarity and care. The ideal candidate will be also purpose-driven with a genuine enthusiasm for the mission of the Program and a desire to make a positive impact at Wake Forest and in higher education. They will be caring, reliable, humble, diligent, and detail-oriented, with the capacity to exercise wise judgment, write clearly and persuasively, and build meaningful relationships and collaborative cultures. Familiarity with higher education is required. 

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Masters degree in a relevant field, and/or the equivalent level of experience managing teams, programs, or strategic initiatives, especially in a higher education or non-profit setting.
• High-level capacity for strategic leadership and experience developing, implementing, and assessing a strategic plan.
• Extensive experience managing and mentoring staff and helping teams to develop collaborative cultures and practices that support individual growth and organizational flourishing.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in all formats: emails, public presentations, grant reports, memos, one-on-one meetings, etc. 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Detail-oriented with the ability to develop, coordinate, and execute careful, comprehensive, and complex plans.
• An ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, programs, and projects at once.
• A deep commitment to supporting the professional and personal development of staff.
• Genuine enthusiasm for the mission of the Program for Leadership and Character and a willingness to learn more about leadership and character development.
• Good character, a strong work ethic, and high emotional and relational intelligence.
• Familiarity with best practices in leadership and organizational management.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Think strategically and make thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous decisions.
  • Solve problems creatively.
  • Set priorities and effectively manage time and resources. 
  • Be a constructive, compassionate, and cooperative leader of a team.
  • Navigate complex relational dynamics with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Positively influences colleagues and develop collaborative relationships with a wide range of people.
  • Manage conflict in healthy and constructive ways.
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to personal and professional growth. 
• Ability to represent the Program and the University in a professional manner. 
• Ability to travel and work occasional weekend or evening hours as needed.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ph.D., J.D., M.B.A., or terminal degree in your field.
• Knowledge of character and character education.
• Advanced study in organizational leadership or management.
• Certification or training in project and/or staff management.

Accountabilities:

• Reports to the Senior Executive Director of the Program for Leadership and Character.
• Responsible for own work.
• Supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions:

• No environmental conditions.