The Director of the Bentley Service-Learning Center oversees a program that annually involves over 1,200 undergraduate students in community-based learning opportunities. The position demands skill and flexibility in balancing the needs and interests of several distinct constituencies, including students, faculty members, Center staff, community partners, and the University administration. The Director reports directly to the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Over the past decade, the BSLC has achieved a high degree of organizational coherence and competency which should be supported and sustained by a new Director.
Description of Duties: Bentley is a Business University. The BSLC works to link the University and its communities through academically challenging projects and skill-intensive partnerships. Increasing the participation of faculty members across the curriculum is essential to this endeavor both in Arts and Sciences and in Business. To encourage more faculty members from more departments to participate and to enhance project effectiveness, the new Director must have a deep understanding of faculty culture and priorities, and be able to engage with faculty as a peer.
Candidates for this position should also possess a demonstrated ability to work closely and productively with student leaders since student leadership has long been a hallmark of the BSLC. He/She should be able to lead and inspire them but also to respect them as colleagues, allowing them the space and the agency to set priorities and manage individual University-community projects and partnerships.
The new Director should bring a strong voice to institutional discussions and forums–articulating the value of community-based work to Bentley’s mission as well as advocating for institutional and external resources.
Additional Description Of Duties: The Director should be entrepreneurial in recognizing and developing new opportunities for BSLC work. It is expected that new projects would include community-based research, collaborations with local and regional NGOs, projects that specifically draw on pre-professional skills and disciplinary knowledge, including an increased focus on development of international service-learning projects.
The BSLC has a national reputation for strong and distinctive projects and programs, a reputation that has been enhanced by its participation in national and regional conferences and international initiatives, as well as by published research. We are looking for a leader with national and international vision for the center.
Qualifications: A terminal degree is required. This staff position carries a competitive salary along the lines of an Associate or Full Professorship in the Arts and Sciences. The position is subject to budgetary approval. For best consideration, please apply by March 1, 2011. However, the position will remain open until filled.
Applicants should send attach a curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.bentley.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time
Required documents: Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicants: Cover letter should be statement of interest.
