About CDI

The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a non-partisan, non-profit dedicated to equipping the next generation of Americans with the skills to communicate and collaborate across lines of difference. We work with U.S. colleges and universities by providing co-curricular programming for students, professional development for faculty and staff, and strategic guidance to leadership. Our goal is to foster constructive dialogue at every level of the institution and to create the conditions for lasting organizational change. CDI was co-founded by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, the bestselling author of The Righteous Mind and The Anxious Generation.

About the Role

The VP of Leadership Programs will define the strategy, design, and long-term direction of CDI's leadership programs — a portfolio of executive initiatives that equip presidents and senior university leaders to build campus cultures that support constructive dialogue, open inquiry, and free expression.

The current centerpiece of this portfolio is the Leadership Institute, a year-long cohort program for senior leadership teams that combines an in-person summit with ongoing coaching and collaborative learning. In 2026, CDI will run two cohorts; the expectation is continued growth in cohort volume and program scope over time.

This VP owns the full lifecycle of CDI's executive programs — from recruitment and design through delivery and impact — and will play a central role in expanding CDI's reach with senior institutional leaders.

Responsibilities

Executive Programs Leadership

Lead CDI’s portfolio of executive programs, including the Leadership Institute, professional learning communities, and leadership coaching engagements.
Oversee program planning, delivery, and continuous improvement across the executive programs portfolio.
Define the strategic direction of CDI's executive programming, driving continuous evolution based on partner outcomes and field needs.
In collaboration with other CDI teams, develop curricula, frameworks, and tools that translate CDI’s research and institutional experience into practical strategies for campus leaders.
Ensure consistent program quality and participant experience across CDI’s executive programs.
As the Leadership Programs portfolio grows, lead and develop a team to support program design, delivery, and partner engagement.

Program Growth & Business Development

Own recruitment strategy for CDI's leadership programs, including collaborating with the Partnerships team to identify prospective campuses, leading recruitment meetings, and closing partnerships.
In collaboration with the Growth team, develop and maintain recruitment materials, including pitch decks and one-pagers.

External Presence & Field Leadership

Represent CDI at the highest levels — including conferences, leadership forums, media engagements, and high-stakes institutional partnerships.
Serve as a thought leader on leadership development and culture change in higher education, contributing to CDI's public profile and credibility in the field.
Identify and cultivate strategic external partnerships that expand CDI's reach and institutional influence.

About You

Experience:
- 12-15 years of relevant experience in leadership development, organizational change, higher education strategy, or a related field
- Experience working with senior leadership teams in higher education
- Advanced degree required (PhD, EdD, MBA, MPP, or related)
Stakeholder Management: Experience leading complex programs that engage senior leaders and drive organizational change.
Executive Presence: Extensive experience working directly with presidents, provosts, and other senior institutional leaders and facilitating high-level discussions.
Institutional Strategy: Ability to navigate complex organizations and help leaders translate ideas into implementation.
Team Leadership: Experience building and leading teams; ability to operate effectively as a senior individual contributor while the function scales.
Higher Ed Experience: Familiarity with the political and institutional challenges facing higher education.
Program Design and Facilitation: Experience designing leadership development, executive programs, or organizational change initiatives.

Role Specs

Reports to: Chief Culture Change Officer
Schedule: Full-time, flexible within U.S. time zones
Target start date: ASAP
Anticipated Travel: Approximately 6 times per year
Location: Remote, must be based in the U.S.

Constructive Dialogue Institute

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