The Opportunity
Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, invites applications, nominations, and inquiries for the Director position of the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy (CWPPP). The CWPPP is one of three specialized centers within the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership (JNIWL), led by Chief Officer Mary Anne Alhadeff, a trailblazer within the public broadcasting system and the North Texas nonprofit community. The University is seeking an accomplished, visionary leader with superior communication skills to be the operational administrator and leading spokesperson for the CWPPP. Reporting to the Interim Executive Director of the JNIWL, Shannon Mantaro, the Director will expand upon the CWPPP’s existing accomplishments by cultivating new partnerships, developing new programs, and elevating the Center, on a national scale, as a premiere thought leader for women in public service, advocacy, and leadership. As an advocate and champion for women in politics and public service, the Director will work collaboratively with internal and external constituents, including policymakers, legislators, government officials, and for-profit and non-profit organizations, to promote the CWPPP and increase opportunities for women. Furthermore, the Director has the unique opportunity to conceptualize, develop, and lead initiatives and programs that bring prominence to the recently launched Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall, an interactive history exhibit that showcases the contributions and leadership legacy of Texas women in politics and public policy.
About Texas Woman’s University
Committed to transformational learning, discovery, and service in an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, Texas Woman’s University inspires excellence and a pioneering spirit. Founded in 1901 as the Girls Industrial College, today, Texas Woman’s University has over 16,000 students, 89% of whom are female, and is the first and only university system in the nation with a woman-focused mission. Dr. Carine M. Feyten became the eleventh president and second chancellor of Texas Woman’s University in 2014. According to U.S. News and World Report, Texas Woman’s University tied fourth in the nation for student diversity with 67% of the undergraduate enrollment represented by minority students, making it a majority-minority institution with designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (Hispanic, 34%; White, 31%; Black, 20%; Asian/Pacific Islander, 11%; International/other, 4%). In addition to the flagship, Denton location, the University System also has two other campuses located in Dallas and Houston as well as an e-learning campus, offering innovative online degree programs.
Director’s Role of the Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy
The Director of the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy will manage all administrative and financial functions as well as oversee, create, and support programming focused on preparing women to pursue leadership opportunities in politics and public policy. The Director is responsible for the supervision and direction of the work of employees of the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy. The Director will work with TWU library faculty and the Curator of the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall to develop public exhibits and special collection archives that position the Hall as a premiere destination for women’s leadership exhibits, educational opportunities and events that highlight the accomplishments of women in politics and public service. Work is performed under minimal supervision with a broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and performance is based on the effective operation of the administrative function. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies and Procedures.
Organizational Relationships
Reports to: Interim Executive Director, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership
Supervises: Associate Director, Program Coordinator, Curator, & faculty in residence
Essential Duties and Responsibilities – May include, but not limited to the following:
- Plans and organizes the Center’s programs, including public exhibits and archives, conferences, and trainings.
- Oversees the center’s budget, finances, operations, communications, technological infrastructure, marketing facilities, and day-to-day supervision of staff.
- Articulates the mission of the center as a resource for women in politics and/or public policy.
- Oversees the development of public exhibits and special collection archives that position the JNIWL’s Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall as a premiere destination for women’s leadership exhibits, educational opportunities and events that highlight the accomplishments of women in politics and public service.
- Establishes and enhances relationships with policymakers, legislators, and government officials, for-profit and non-profit organizations.
- Working with JNIWL leadership, develops annual plans that include programming, events, and education as it relates to both the CWPPP and the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall.
- Collaborates with other Centers within the JNIWL to foster the advancement of women leaders in Texas.
- Serves on the Chief Officer’s leadership team.
- Responsible for establishing job standards for subordinate staff and effectively evaluating staff under charge. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies and Procedures.
Additional Duties
- Practical experience in public policy and/or politics
- Experience supervising professional-level staff
- Works effectively with TWU and community partner organizations.
- Serves on committees as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Characteristics
Education
Bachelor’s degree in social policy, public policy or a closely related social sciences field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
Five years’ experience and a record of substantial, documented, and meritorious experience as a senior manager of a for- or not-for-profit organization, an elected official, a campaign manager or consultant, a senior leader of public policy, or a senior faculty/department chair at an educational institution.
Requirement
Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.
Knowledge, skills, & abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of the political structure at the local, state, and national level.
- Ability to organize work effectively.
- Ability to work effectively as part of the senior leadership team for the JNIWL.
- Ability to provide administrative guidance within area of responsibility, providing direct training and supervision as needed.
- Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.
Preferred Skill Set:
- Practical experience in public policy and/or politics
- Experience supervising professional-level staff
- Experience with media relations
Salary Range
$ 100,000 – $115,000
Applications and Nominations
Texas Woman’s University has secured Capstone HigherEd Services, LLC to assist with the search. Inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to Dr. Diana Pino at [email protected] or 713-955-2122 ext. 1000. For best consideration, please submit application materials by January 31, 2023, however the position will remain open until filled. Application materials should be submitted in PDF format and include a letter of interest, CV/resume, and contact information (email address and phone number) for at least three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior approval from the candidate.
The full position profile may be found at https://twu.edu/women-politics-public-policy/
Texas Woman’s University strives to provide an educational environment that affirms the rights and dignity of each individual, fosters diversity, and encourages a respect for the differences among persons. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is considered inappropriate.
Texas Woman’s University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, age, veteran’s status, or against qualified disabled persons.
All positions at Texas Woman’s University are deemed security sensitive requiring background checks.