Director, Center for Constitutional Democracy and Professor of Law

The Indiana University Maurer School of Law is seeking an outstanding lateral candidate to join our faculty as a tenured professor of law and to serve in the role of Director of the Center for Constitutional Democracy.

Founded in 2005, the Center has developed an impactful record of scholarship, teaching, international engagement, and practical assistance focused on constitutional democracy and the rule of law. Its work has included partnerships with scholars, lawyers, judges, public officials, and reformers confronting democratic transition, constitutional reform, institutional fragility, and threats to constitutional government.

The Law School seeks a director who will build on this distinguished first chapter and help the Center envision the most important tools to understand and support democratic constitutional orders domestically and abroad in the years ahead.

We welcome candidates whose interests connect constitutional democracy with fields such as law and political economy; comparative constitutionalism and democratic resilience; or technology, information systems, and democratic governance. These examples are illustrative, not exhaustive. The Center’s mission extends beyond any single domestic legal issue and calls for a director able to engage constitutional democracy across institutions, disciplines, and national boundaries.

The director will oversee the Center’s programs and operations; work with affiliated faculty and students; develop conferences, lectures, and scholarly and applied projects; represent the Center to academic, professional, governmental, philanthropic, and international audiences; open professional opportunities for students, and teach courses related to its mission.

Candidates should hold a J.D., Ph.D., or comparable terminal degree and possess a substantial record of scholarship and professional accomplishment, demonstrated leadership ability, and a strong commitment to constitutional democracy. Experience in international or comparative work, interdisciplinary collaboration, institution-building, fundraising, or externally supported projects is highly desirable.

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Professor Jennifer Oliva, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee, at [email protected] or by mail to Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 211 S. Indiana Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405.

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a letter summarizing their professional experience and interest in leading the Center.

Applications and nominations are welcome and, for fullest consideration, should be received by September 30, 2026; however, the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Before a conditional offer of employment with tenure is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct. They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines. The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate’s eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously.