Executive Director, Miller National Academy Expression & Pluralism

Executive Director, Miller National Academy for Free Expression & Pluralism

Job no: 498588
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Academic Administration, Student Affairs / Services, Community Engagement

The University of Denver seeks a founding Executive Director to lead the Miller National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism, a new initiative dedicated to strengthening civil discourse, pluralism, and free expression in American public life.

At a time of profound polarization and declining trust across institutions, the Miller National Academy is designed to connect ideas to action—bringing together leaders from civic, nonprofit, media, business, philanthropic, and educational communities to model how disagreement can be principled, rigorous, and constructive. Housed at the University of Denver and national in scope, the Academy will combine scholarly insight with real-world leadership, serving both the campus community and a broad public audience.

The Executive Director will build and lead the Miller National Academy as a visible, influential, and financially sustainable institution. Working in close partnership with a distinguished Academic Director (reporting to the Executive Director)—who will provide academic leadership and guide scholarly engagement—the Executive Director will focus on strategy, growth, fundraising, public engagement, and national positioning.

DU is looking for someone to be the founding executive director who brings a passion for the mission of free speech and pluralism, an entrepreneurial spirit, and experience bringing together staff, scholars, funders, and other contributors to advance important initiatives.

The Opportunity

About the Miller National Academy:The Miller National Academy of Free Expression and Pluralism at the University of Denver will have as its stated mission to foster a culture that encourages students, faculty and staff to embrace the values of free expression, civil discourse, and pluralism, as the DU community engages with a diverse set of some of the country's most prominent scholars and practitioners.

Co-curricular and faculty-driven experiences on free expression and pluralism will be part of every DU student’s experience; grant funding will be available to support internal and external research projects dedicated to free expression; and visiting faculty and speakers will be given a platform to share their experiences and expertise. The Miller National Academy will expand its reach beyond the university community, with a focus on turning theory and thinking into action by, for example, launching a Scholars-in-Residence program to host leading thinkers/researchers, convening an Annual Summit on Pluralism, developing K-12 pedagogy, and offering opportunities to the corporate community to engage more deeply in pluralism and principled disagreement—among other initiatives.

About DU:The University of Denver (DU) is a thriving 160-year-old private university known for its strong emphasis on research, innovative teaching, and vibrant campus life. DU is one of only 45 private universities (and one of only nine without a medical school) holding the prestigious R-1 designation for its commitment to research, as well as the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement.

Located in the heart of Denver, DU offers a unique blend of academic excellence and lifestyle appeal. Known for its commitment to student engagement, DU strives to foster a collaborative environment that encourages intellectual growth and community involvement. The university's diverse programs, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities prepare students to become leaders in their fields, making DU a dynamic place to work and learn.

DU maintains a strong commitment to free expression and pluralism through its current programming—and is eager to expand that focus through the new Miller National Academy on Free Expression and Pluralism.

About Denver:Known as the Mile-High City, Denver offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, 300 days of sunshine each year, and an active lifestyle that attracts professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike. With a…