Interim Board President (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Organization: The Institute for Democratic Discourse

Position Type: Volunteer Board Appointment (Unpaid)

Term: Interim appointment; duration determined by the Board and organizational needs

Location: Remote (with occasional virtual meetings)

About the Institute

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing free expression, pluralism, and open inquiry. The Institute focuses on the gap between formal constitutional protections for speech and the cultural, institutional, and social forces that shape democratic participation and public debate.

The Institute is committed to intellectual diversity, rigorous inquiry, and respectful disagreement across ideological, disciplinary, and methodological perspectives.

Position Overview

The Institute seeks an Interim Board President to provide leadership during a transitional and formative period. This is a voluntary, unpaid governance role intended to ensure continuity, stability, and strong board leadership while the organization continues to develop its long-term governance structure.

The Interim Board President will work collaboratively with fellow board members, Institute leadership, and advisors to guide the organization in accordance with its mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• • Preside over meetings of the Board of Directors and provide leadership during the interim period
  • Support sound governance practices, transparency, and fiduciary oversight
  • Partner with the Executive Director and board members on strategic and organizational priorities
  • Help establish or reinforce board processes, policies, and culture
  • Represent the Institute, as appropriate, in academic, civic, or professional contexts
  • Foster a board culture that values diverse viewpoints, open debate, and respectful disagreement

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications are strongly preferred:

• • Ph.D. or J.D. in a relevant field (e.g., law, social sciences, humanities, communication studies, political theory, or related disciplines)
  • Current or former professorship or senior academic appointment at a university or comparable research institution
  • Experience with nonprofit governance, academic leadership, or public-interest organizations
  • Demonstrated commitment to free expression, academic freedom, and democratic values
  • Ability to engage constructively with a wide range of perspectives and to lead collegial, pluralistic deliberation

Commitment to Pluralism

The Institute seeks board leadership that embraces intellectual and ideological diversity as a strength. The Interim Board President will help cultivate an environment in which disagreement is handled thoughtfully, rigorously, and in good faith.

Compensation

• • This is a volunteer, unpaid position
  • Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with Institute policy and available funding

How to Express Interest

Interested individuals may submit:

• • A brief statement of interest describing relevant experience and alignment with the Institute’s mission
  • A curriculum vitae (CV)

Expressions of interest will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Email: institute@democraticdiscourse.org

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints who share our commitment to open inquiry, democratic values, and respectful disagreement.