Job Title: 

Wheatley Institute -- Director, Constitutional Government Initiative -- Professional Faculty

Posting End Date: January 31, 2026

Required Degree: 

1.) Ph.D. or D.Phil. in American Studies, Economics, Government, History, Political Science, Public Administration, or Public Policy with a concentration on constitutional government; or

2.) Juris Doctorate (J.D.); or

3.) Masters Degree (e.g., LL.M, M.A., M.S., M.P.P. or M.P.A.) with a concentration on constitutional government and a track record of meaningful research and scholarship

Experience: 

Required:

• Demonstrated professional presence in oral, written, and online communication
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Proven capacity to prioritize and delegate

Preferred:

• 5+ years of professional experience with demonstration of increasing responsibility
• Managerial experience, including responsibility for budgets
• Facility with quantitative analysis
• Portfolio of public scholarship (op-eds, white papers, etc.)
• Media training and experience
• Experience with event planning and hosting
   

Duties/Expectations: 

The Director of the Wheatley Institute’s Constitutional Government Initiative will provide strategic, organizational, and thought leadership that will significantly elevate the quality and impact of the Wheatley Institute’s work to fortify the core institution of constitutional government in contemporary society.

In order to accomplish this the initiative director will :

• exemplify personally and professionally the virtues, aims, and aspirations of Brigham Young University and the Wheatley Institute
• report to the Director of the Wheatley Institute and serve as an active participant in the Institute’s managing directorate
• Cultivate and refine strategies for the production and dissemination of research-supported work that helps to fortify the core institution of constitutional government in contemporary society
• coordinate and amplify the work of Wheatley Faculty Fellows, Wheatley Affiliated Scholars and Wheatley Visiting Fellows whose work focuses on topics related to constitutional government
• regularly convene experts within the field, both on campus and in collaboration with other organizations, in forums that support world-class scholarship and increase awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing constitutional government and the rule of law.
• support and engage in influential public scholarship that advances the mission of the Wheatley Institute’s constitutional government initiative and Brigham Young University
• steward an annual initiative budget with efficiency and transparency
• produce annual horizon reports that assess risks and opportunities facing constitutional government to help guide the work of the Institute and its stakeholders
• Amplify prophetic teachings about the inspired principles of the United States Constitution, especially as outlined in "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution" by President Dallin H. Oaks (April 4, 2021)
• Respond to prophetic direction and serve as a research-based resource to the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• work with the Institute’s student scholars and student programs to help them understand, embrace, and champion the divinely inspired principles of the U.S. Constitution
• contribute intentionally to an organizational culture of accountability, accomplishment, cooperation, professionalism, curiosity, amicability, enthusiasm, dignity, and refinement

About the Wheatley Institute

The Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University plays a distinctive role in the university’s mission to “bring strength to others in the tasks of home and family life, social relationships, civic duty and service to mankind”. It represents a major investment in President C. Shane Reese’s emphasis on “Becoming BYU” because of its focus on mission-inspired scholarship that aligns with the Church's mission and that advance its purposes.

Wheatley Institute Mission

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we believe that agency, accountability, charity, morality, and spiritual strength are essential to human flourishing.

As students of history and humanity, we believe such personal virtues can be transformed into civic virtue in the presence of trusted and trustworthy institutions of civil society and the rule of law.

Accordingly, the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University engages students, scholars, thought leaders, and the public in research-supported work that fortifies the core institutions of the family, religion, and constitutional government. 
 

Mission Alignment Statement

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball). 

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

Employment Requirements

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

All faculty are required to abide by the university’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.

Equal Opportunity

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.