Executive Director of the Peabody Leadership Institute

Peabody College of Education and Human Development seeks a strategic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial senior-level leader to serve as the inaugural director of the Peabody Leadership Institute (PLI) in the Office of the Dean. The PLI is a college-wide initiative to advance Peabody’s mission of leadership preparation and professional field engagement by expanding the college’s online, hybrid, and in-person non-degree professional education portfolio, including coordinating certificates, micro-credentials, and short courses across Peabody’s five academic departments. The director will work with college leadership, faculty, and campus partners to develop a suite of innovative non-degree learning opportunities with national and global reach. PLI offerings will complement Peabody’s nationally recognized professional degree programs with a goal of preparing leaders for classrooms, schools, systems, higher education institutions, and learning organizations. 

Vanderbilt is in an exciting time of transformation as the institution lives its motto, Crescere aude: "Dare to grow" in bold new ways. The inaugural PLI director will bring this innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to Peabody College of Education and Human Development and, through a commitment to radical collaboration, launch the Institute’s learning offerings. Reporting to the dean, the inaugural director will leverage the college’s deep expertise in the development of evidence-based practices and approaches to leadership to expand access to continuing education for professionals in a variety of sectors and industries. The new director should have a background focused on professional learning, developing partnerships, and transformational leadership with experience in implementing structures and building capacity for a vibrant leadership development initiative. The director will have a proven track record of the ability to think strategically to manage multiple projects and priorities in a rapidly changing environment. The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree in education, leadership, organizational learning, or related areas or a terminal degree in an adjacent field. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Jeff Kessner is leading this search with Stephanie Simon and Jenny Rubin.

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.