We're Hiring!

Title: Executive Director, The Olson Institute of Public Democracy

Position Number: 100033 

Unit/Department: 

FTE: 100%

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate 

Department Summary:

The Olson Institute for Public Democracy (OIPD) seeks an outstanding Executive Director (ED) to lead the institute into the future. Acting with integrity and a deep commitment to the OPID mission, the ED provides leadership to affiliated colleagues, Public Democracy student scholars, and its National Advisory Council to further the organization’s impact. The ED reports directly to the University President.

Located on the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa, the Executive Director will provide day-to-day leadership of the OIPD in service to its mission and will be responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, and financial success of the organization. The ED will have an opportunity to grow the reach, impact, and relevance of the Institute.

The Executive Director will drive the OIPD’s ongoing growth and impact in serving as a hub for democratic discourse, dialogue, and action focused on renewing a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The ED will prioritize collaborative, innovative, and novel approaches to initiating and sustaining multi-dimensional public participation and civic leadership within the Drake University community and across the broader public.

The Executive Director will have a passion for the OIPD commitment to reclaim the American project of forming a more perfect union. The ED will demonstrate an enthusiasm for fostering cooperation, facilitating dialogue, and inspiring others to become more engaged in our democracy. The ideal leader will work actively to create a culture that is inspiring, inviting, and accessible – and will model a way of engaging with others to strengthen our democratic values, practices, and institutions.

Job Summary:

STRATEGIC FOCUS
• Advance the OPID’s strategic vision to be a recognized leader in promoting democracy and government of the people, by the people, and for the people through robust education, civic leadership, and community engagement.
• Be a respected public voice on and off campus for the value and integrity of democracy and the contributions of the OIPD.
• In collaboration with senior leadership, campus colleagues, and the OIPD National Advisory Council and staff, provide and maintain strategic focus for the organization, identifying and implementing initiatives that further its mission and goals.
• Advance the OIPD’s prominence and impact as a location on and off campus for democratic discourse, dialogue, and action through programming, research, and assessment.
• Identify and execute strategic partnerships that enhance the OIPD’s reach, impact, and capacity.
• Be an effective leader, ambassador, and relationship builder with a diverse array of local, national, and international constituencies, from students to policymakers to peers and partner institutions.

LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS
• Foster a shared culture across the organization, ensuring that staff, student scholars, campus collaborators, and the National Advisory Council act with purpose, grounded in inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and excellence.
• Lead the Public Democracy Scholars Program by recruiting and retaining a talented group of undergraduate students, delivering impactful programming, and mentoring scholars to be effective campus and community leaders.
• Manage the Cownie Practitioner-in-Residence program, to include cultivating potential talent, hiring and overseeing the position, and connecting the Practitioner with students and campus colleagues.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for all operational and administrative aspects of the OIPD, including budgeting, fundraising, and personnel.
• Develop and implement plans and budgets to achieve the OIPD’s revenue needs including meeting annual financial targets and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

FUNDRAISING & REVENUE GENERATION
• In collaboration with the President and Vice President for Advancement, actively lead and participate in fundraising and development activities, to include building and sustaining positive relationships with existing and potential donors.
• Identify and pursue grant funding to support OIPD initiatives, working with campus partners as appropriate.
• Steward relationships and strategic partnerships to increase the OIPD’s capacity and sustainability.
• Report periodically to the donors or their designees on the impact of philanthropic gifts.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
• Be an effective spokesperson for the OIPD across all constituencies including donors, foundations, policy makers, media, civic and business leaders, and University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Collaborate closely and effectively with other experts and organizations, including within the University and with the Offices of the President and Provost, to share ideas, identify emerging priorities, and increase the OIPD’s impact.
• Manage and enhance relationships with campus partners to ensure robust collaboration, innovation, and institutional effectiveness.
• Convene and lead the OIPD National Advisory Council to maximize impact and effectiveness by leveraging financial support, insights, and networks.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DISPOSITION
• Be committed to an expansive, interdisciplinary, and multidimensional understanding of democracy and the practices that enhance democracy.
• Serve as an institutional and community leader in promoting meaningful, respectful, and civil discourse, productive disagreement, and robust engagement across a variety of political and ideological viewpoints.
• Exhibit a deep and nuanced understanding of the political, institutional, behavioral, and policy-related dynamics that shape current events and debates about democracy and democratic practice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with equivalent relevant experience
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational management
• Experience in relationship building, fundraising, and securing external funding
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development and management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders with respect and civility
• Experience managing and developing teams, including supervision of staff
• Ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and team-minded work environment
• Experience navigating complex organizational environments with multiple stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in a related field
• Familiarity with governance structures, advisory boards, and institutional advancement
• Experience as a thought leader and presenter in relevant subject matter areas
• Experience working in or with higher education institutions and university student populations
• Experience engaging with external organizations and stakeholders, including elected officials and practitioners, community organizations, and other institutional democracy initiatives, donors, or foundations
• Familiarity with emerging issues, trends, and reform proposals that have the potential to shape the future of democratic practice

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled. All applicants must apply through our online system.