Project Manager, Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society

The Ohio State University’s motto, “disciplina in civitatem” or “education for citizenship,” is not merely a slogan; it’s an exhortation to remain focused on the responsibility to develop an informed, engaged, and civic-minded citizenry. It is essential to fulfilling Ohio State’s land-grant mission.

In 2023, the State of Ohio established and funded the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at the University. The Center will grow over time under the leadership of its inaugural Executive Director, who will define the Center’s vision, appoint at least fifteen tenure-track scholars to realize that vision, and oversee the development of curriculum in accordance with the Center’s statutory mission to “conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society.” ORC § 3335.39.

The Chase Center is a multidisciplinary university center that will conduct teaching, research, and public programming concerning the core texts and great debates of Western civilization; the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American and Ohio political order; and the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship. The Center is an independent academic unit within the University and is initially physically located in the Glenn College of Public Affairs in Page Hall. The Center is one of a growing cadre of similar centers of civic thought and leadership in Ohio and throughout the country.

Project Manager Position

The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society is conducting a search for the Center’s project manager, a person who will work closely with the Center’s administrative team to build the Center into the flourishing academic community envisioned in ORC § 3335.39. The project manager, as with all members of the Center, should embrace the Center’s mission.

The project manager will assist leadership of the Chase Center with ongoing and evolving projects. These projects will include, but not be limited to: recruiting and hiring the Center’s administrative team and faculty; securing approval of the Center’s courses and curriculum; organizing and supporting public-facing programming; crafting and overseeing a robust student program; fostering development; and nurturing the growing academic partnerships between/among the colleges, regional campuses, Office of Academic Affairs, and other internal and external partners. It is expected that in the long-term, this position will support other projects related to undergraduate and graduate education, strategic enrollment planning, and other initiatives led/supported by the Center.

The project manager reports to the Center’s Executive Director. The project manager represents the Center at meetings, oversees the budget, prepares annual reports, convenes internal working groups, and facilitates broader discussions and activities. The ideal candidate will possess project management experience, exceptional communication and organizational skills, and the ability to interact effectively with internal and external constituents.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to the Chase Center’s statutory mission.
• Preparation to work collaboratively and in a coordinated way with the Center’s Executive Director.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated poise, professionalism, good judgment, and ability to take the extra step to meet customer needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, proactively handle issues, and make decisions benefiting the Center.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and stressful environment.
• Extensive knowledge of office administration, clerical procedures, and record-keeping systems.
• Ability to communicate with consistency, discretion, and clarity with a variety of parties while representing the Center and the University.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and oral communication.
• Capacity to exercise diplomacy and to deal effectively with a wide variety of actors in different circumstances.
• Ability to direct operations and projects with responsibility and excellent judgment.
• Regular in-person attendance is expected unless optional arrangements are agreed upon with the Executive Director.
• 4 years of relevant experience required.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to the Center’s mission.
• Work-related experience managing projects, academic administration, professional program support, or a related field.
• Effective in managing multiple priorities.
• Possess strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint) or similar software, with the ability to learn new or updated programs and software.

Desired Experience:

• Master’s degree, preferably in a field related to the Center’s mission.
• 10 years of experience managing projects.
• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Experience with developing a young academic or professional program or organization.
• Experience conducting outreach with external stakeholders.
• Excellent management and organizational skills—task oriented and deadline conscious.
• Efficiency in prioritizing projects despite frequent interruptions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing goals and priorities.
• Knowledge of Ohio State University policies, rules, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Workday.