New

Special Advisor to the President

Ball State University
dental insurance, life insurance, parental leave, sick time
United States, Indiana, Muncie
2000 West University Avenue (Show on map)
Aug 01, 2025
Position Title: Special Advisor to the President Compensation: $135,000-$170,000 Department: Office of the President About this opportunity: Ball State University seeks an insightful and collaborative individual to serve as the Special Advisor to the President for Purpose Exploration. This role is focused on fostering a university-wide culture of meaning, purpose, and beneficence - especially through deep integration with the academic and student experience. Rooted in Ball State's enduring values and aligned with the Destination 2040 strategic plan, the Special Advisor will serve as a thought partner to the President and a catalyst for collective campus dialogue, reflection, and innovation related to purpose exploration. The Special Advisor will gather and elevate ideas, connect stakeholders, and advise on strategies to embed purpose exploration into teaching, learning, and campus life, and collaborate with relevant groups to help execute on these strategies. The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate: A deep understanding of purpose in higher education and student development. Strong facilitation and collaboration skills in academic and institutional settings. The ability to convene diverse stakeholders and inspire shared vision. Comfort serving in an advisory capacity-guiding without direct authority while empowering others to lead. Core Competencies Collaborative and inclusive approach High emotional intelligence and reflective practice Excellent communication, facilitation, systems thinking, and community-building skills Strategic planning and project management expertise What you'll do and what you'll bring: Position Function: The Special Advisor will gather and elevate ideas, connect stakeholders, and advise on strategies to embed purpose exploration into teaching, learning, and campuslife, and collaborate with relevant groups to help execute on these strategies. Duties and Responsibilities: Serve as a key advisor to the President and executiveleadership on purpose-centered initiatives that enhance the student experience. Work with University leaders, faculty, staff and students to guide the development of a university-widestrategic frameworkfor purpose exploration embedded incurricula,pedagogy,academic advising,and student life. Work with faculty and academic leadership to facilitate the integration of purpose exploration into academic programs, helping faculty embed reflective and values-based practices directly into the classroom. Identify and amplify promising practices developed by departments, programs, and individuals across campus. Serve as an intellectual hub and resource to support faculty and staff development in contemplative pedagogy, reflective practice, and purpose-based teaching and learning. Curate and share research, tools, and models that promote a deeper understanding of purpose across disciplines and co-curricular activities. Advise units across campus on integrating purpose principles into the design ofkey milestones (e.g., convocation, senior send-off)to serve as moments of reflection and purpose alignment. Work with People and Culture leadership to facilitate the integration of purpose exploration into the employee experience, helping to embed reflective and values-based practices directly into our workplaces. Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree Strong communication, facilitation, and listening skills. Preferred Qualifications: Experience leading institution-wide initiatives focused on flourishing, vocation, or reflective learning. Familiarity with high-impact practices, contemplative pedagogy, or student success strategies. At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in student development, academic affairs, or interdisciplinary initiatives. Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives and build strategic partnerships. How to apply: For inquiries, please contact: Ro-Anne Royer Engle, Search Committee Chair 765-285-3734 raroyer@bsu.edu Please follow upload instructions to attach all of the required supporting documents listed below. NOTE: Do not use the Autofill feature for resume. Cover Letter Resume Curriculum Vitae What we offer: At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected. When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn you undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you. Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow. Curious about our excellent benefits package? We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.