Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey invites nominations and applications for the inaugural Director of the Rutgers University Democracy Lab (RDL).

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (“Rutgers”), is the eighth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It is an Association of American Universities (AAU) Carnegie R1 Research University. It is a state-wide institution, with campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, with more than 8,000 full- and part-time faculty, more than 14,100 full- and part-time staff, and 67,200 students from all fifty states and more than 120 countries.

The Rutgers Democracy Lab was established through a transformative gift received in November 2024. Its mission is to address the challenges and opportunities of contemporary democracy. This inaugural role presents a unique opportunity to transform democratic practices and to uphold democratic principles at a national scale, and with the requisite investment to do so quickly, and well. The RDL Director will report to the Provost of Rutgers–New Brunswick. Housed at the Eagleton Institute of Politics, the RDL Director will work collaboratively with the Eagleton Director and other colleagues within the Institute. Eagleton’s long history and core values, including promoting open and respectful exchanges of ideas and perspectives, make it the logical choice for the next phase of Rutgers University and the Donor’s shared vision – the establishment of the Rutgers Democracy Lab. The RDL will “create a culture [at Rutgers] in which students from different viewpoints feel they can participate in conversations, and prepare students from all disciplines, whether engineering, business, or the arts, for the value of community engagement and how to be democratic citizens.” The inaugural Director will have primary responsibility for building out the organizational and programmatic elements of the RDL, leveraging Eagleton’s resources and infrastructure as a springboard for engaging departments, schools, and programs across New Brunswick and throughout the University.

The successful candidate will bring great passion for democratic ideals, along with the energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and work ethic to innovate boldly. They will also have the communication skills to engage with America’s youth, inspire broad community participation and additional donor investment, and attract marquee talent to the RDL in all of its activities. While a terminal degree is preferred, the Director will hold, at minimum, a master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience, with sufficient leadership and administrative experience to garner the respect of the RDL’s various stakeholders. The Director shall hold a faculty position in Eagleton and/or one of the academic departments at Rutgers–New Brunswick. It is envisioned that the successful candidate will hold a faculty position in the professional practice ranks, but the rank and appointment type will be determined by the candidate’s academic record.

Learn more by downloading the comprehensive leadership profile here.

WittKieffer is assisting Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in this search. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and nominations and applications will be accepted until this position is filled. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

Nominations, inquiries, and applications can be director to Melody Rose, Ph.D., Julia Bradley, and Bronwen Pelaez, Ph.D. at RDLDirector@wittkieffer.com.

Compensation Information: The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $300,000.