Director, CNEA

Position: Director, Center for the New American Education (CNEA)

School: School of Education and Social Policy

Division: Education

Institution: Merrimack College

Location: North Andover, MA

Appointment Type: Full-time; 12-month administrative appointment with tenured

Full Professor faculty appointment

Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026 (or earlier, by mutual agreement)

Reports to: Vice President of Research (Center Director role) and Academic Dean, Education(faculty role)

Merrimack College invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Center for the New American Education (CNAE). Launching in Fall 2026, CNAE is envisioned as a research and innovation hub dedicated to reimagining the educational experience - from preschool through technical and higher education - to maximize the return on education for individuals and society. The Center’s mission is to develop and scale evidence-driven models that improve student success, career readiness, and social mobility, with a strong focus on inclusion, affordability, and outcomes-based accountability.

This is a unique opportunity for a bold, visionary leader to shape new local, state and national models for educational innovation, and grow Merrimack College as a hub for education policy, applied research, and scalable impact.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary and start-up package to facilitate the growth of their research program at Merrimack College, which is located 25 miles north of Boston and has collaborations with a variety of institutions in the metro Boston area. We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to enable our faculty to achieve their research goals and contribute to developing a cutting-edge research environment, including a robust Office of Sponsored Programs to support extramurally funded research. We also prioritize ongoing professional development to help our faculty remain at the forefront of their respective fields.

Join Our Mission

Join us in our mission to create a research university that serves as a hub for innovation and applied impact. We believe in the transformative power of research to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives. By focusing on the development of research clusters, labs, and research centers, we aim to foster collaboration, drive technological advancements, and contribute to solving global challenges. The School of Education and Social Policy is deeply invested in emerging fields, and this position will play a critical role in advancing our commitment to interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and societal impact.

Position Overview

The School of Education and Social Policy at Merrimack College invites applications for this full-time, 12-month administrative leadership position of Director, Center of the New American Education, housed in the Division of Education. We seek a scholar and educator who will contribute to the continued growth of our innovative programs, advance interdisciplinary research, and support the College’s mission of fostering academic excellence and community engagement.

Merrimack College is a growing, dynamic institution rooted in the Catholic, Augustinian tradition and committed to innovative, mission-driven education. The Center for the New American Education will be a cornerstone of Merrimack’s ambition to lead the national conversation on the future of education - combining rigorous research, equity-driven innovation, and deep community engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the design, launch, and long-term strategy of CNAE in alignment with Merrimack’s mission and Augustinian values.

• Define and pursue a bold research and innovation agenda centered on educational ROI, access, and social mobility.

• Position the Center as a thought leader and trusted partner in rethinking preK–16 education in both traditional and technical arenas.