Job Description

Southern Methodist University invites applications and nominations for the William F. May Endowed Director of the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility. The position is named in honor of Professor William F. May, founding director (1995–1998), distinguished ethicist and theologian, and first occupant of the SMU Maguire Chair in Ethics. The position carries both the prestige of SMU's endowed chair system and the institutional platform to shape ethical discourse and matters of public responsibility at a major research university in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the US.

This is a rare opportunity for a scholar-leader of national or international distinction to hold simultaneous roles as endowed center director and tenured faculty member, shaping both the intellectual direction of a well-resourced center for ethics and public responsibility and teaching within an academic department commensurate with the candidate's disciplinary expertise.

The Maguire Center also has a close working relationship with the Bush Presidential Library and Institute, which is located on the SMU Campus, offering outstanding opportunities for collaborative research and interaction with world leaders.

The Director provides vision, scholarly leadership, operational oversight, and external representation for the Center. The position combines the responsibilities of an academic administrator with those of an active scholar, teacher, and public intellectual. The Director reports to the Office of the Provost and works in close partnership with the Ethics Advisory Board, the Faculty Advisory Committee, and university leadership across SMU's schools and colleges. The day-to-day functions of the Center are managed by the Center’s Associate Director.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D or commensurate graduate degree in ethics, philosophy, political science, communication, law, theology, business, public policy, engineering, health, or a related field
• A distinguished scholarly record, or a promising research agenda in ethics that would be appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor at a R1 university
• Demonstrated commitment to the discipline of ethics and to connecting rigorous scholarship with public and civic life
• Proven, successful administrative or leadership experience with the ability to collaborate across academic disciplines
• Experience working with diverse, interdisciplinary groups toward collaborative solutions to complex ethical issues

Preferred

• National and/or international visibility as a scholar, public intellectual, media commentator, or policy voice
• Established networks in academic ethics, civic leadership, philanthropy, or relevant professional communities
• Experience directing or significantly leading a center, institute, or comparable academic unit
• Track record of successful involvement in fundraising, grant acquisition, or donor stewardship

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Set and advance a scholarly and programmatic vision through a multi-year strategic plan
• Academic & Intellectual Leadership: Maintain an active scholarly and teaching agenda, while providing intellectual leadership that connects faculty and student research
• External Relations, Community Engagement, and Resource Development: Serve as the Center’s public representative regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Application Instructions

SMU invites applications and nominations for this position. The search committee will begin reviewing applications Nov. 1 and will continue until the position is fille. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

A complete application includes:

• A cover letter describing scholarly background, leadership philosophy, vision for the Center and how the applicant fits the position’s qualifications.
• A current curriculum vitae
• A statement of research and how it connects to the mission of the Center (2–3 pages)
• Names and contact information for three references (references will not be contacted without the applicant's prior knowledge)

Applications should be submitted to: https://apply.interfolio.com/193103

For questions about the application or to nominate a candidate, email search committee chair Dr. Steve Long at sdlong@smu.edu

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.