Ruxandra Marcu, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Des Moines, Ia, Us

Clive, Iowa, Us

Within ICADV, I focus on state-wide coalition building and collective action, focusing on strengthening alliances among member organizations to advance the anti-domestic violence advocacy movement. Additionally, I lead research initiatives that inform policy recommendations and best practices, ensuring that efforts are data-driven, culturally informed, and grounded in evidence-based strategies.

Des Moines, Iowa, Us

ArtForce Iowa supports youth to develop awareness, resilience, and self-efficacy through the transformative power of art and community.

Des Moines, Iowa, Us

At Refugee and Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA), I led cross-functional initiatives focused on empowering Iowa’s immigrant and refugee communities. In addition to overseeing program strategy and community outreach, I managed core operational functions, including staff development, recruitment, and onboarding, ensuring a cohesive and supportive environment for staff, volunteers, and AmeriCorps members serving at RIVA.

Silver Spring, Maryland, Us

Led initiatives focused on promoting safety, support, and wellness for vulnerable populations within resettlement context. My work involved providing technical assistance to direct service providers while designing, implementing, and supporting programs that address gender-based violence and child safety. I collaborated with cross-functional teams at HIAS headquarter to provide support to HIAS member organizations across 30 US locations, as well as in collaboration with GBV specialists at diverse country offices.

Ames, Iowa, Us

Directed a campus-based gender-equity center, delivering educational programs, community events, and essential direct services that supported student success at a large university of 30,000 students. Oversaw a team of up to nine staff members and managed a $250,000 annual budget, supplemented by grants, corporate partnerships, and fundraising efforts. Key initiatives included a student food pantry, resource room for basic needs, survivor support and advocacy services, and financial literacy workshops. Committed to advancing the center’s mission to reduce barriers and promote opportunities for all, with a core focus on gender, racial, economic, and social equity for students, faculty, and staff.

Ames, Iowa, Us

Designed and led a comprehensive international education program for U.S.-based university students in Berlin, Germany. Developed immersive coursework that utilized memorials, museums, archives, and visual culture as key learning sites. Accompanied students abroad, managing daily activities, facilitating educational excursions, teaching, and overseeing program assessment, budget, and vendor partnerships to ensure a seamless and impactful learning experience.

Ames, Iowa, Us

Created curriculum, designed coursework in alignment with organizational goals, supported learner growth and development, and contributed to research and dissemination of knowledge around gender, language learning, and culture.

Ames, Iowa, Us

Directed the academic advising office for World Languages and Cultures, supporting a caseload of 140-240 students each year. Provided personalized guidance on academic progress, study abroad opportunities, and retention strategies. Managed cross-departmental communication, resource allocation, and grant funding to enhance student support. Additionally, represented the department at professional conferences, sharing best practices and innovative advising methods.

Des Moines, Iowa, Us

- Served on governance and fiscal subcommittees, offering strategic insights to the Executive Director and legal staff.- Supported statewide civil rights advocacy and fundraising efforts.

- Chaired the board during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting multiple changes to service delivery while conducting repeated SWOT analysis.- Led policy development, community communication, and strategic planning with an equity focus.- Supported the library’s transition to fine-free services and conducted the director’s performance reviews.

Ames, Iowa, Us

- Provided fundraising and development support

Designed curriculum and taught courses for introductory to advanced learners of language, literature, gender studies, and global studies. Conducted research on gender, national identity, migration, and economic justice. Created assessment tools for the classroom and conducted qualitative research for publication and professional meetings.- Washington University in St. Louis, MO (2006-2009)- Bowling Green State University, OH (2003-2005)- Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria (2003)- University of Applies Sciences, Salzburg, Austria (2003)

Enrolled in advance French language course and collaborated with learners from multiple countries and L1 backgrounds to create curriculum, analyze popular media and news, and develop cross-cultural team building and communication skills.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Culture Studies & Gender Studies

Master Of Arts (M.A.), German Studies

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), German, International Studies

Germanistik