In 2023, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) launched "Leading for Democracy" to prepare higher education leaders to create the conditions for democracy to thrive--on campus, in communities, and across the nation. This project seeks to support leaders develop and foster a civic-minded campus; design curriculum to build the capacity of leaders in the identified areas; and develop a reflective self-assessment for leaders to assess their current capacity in those areas. While existing frameworks define general leadership knowledge, skills, and dispositions, "Leading for Democracy" identified those necessary to promote civic learning and democratic engagement. AASCU prioritized thorough analysis and consultation with partners from a variety of perspectives to ensure that the resulting framework is both relevant and actionable. By incorporating diverse perspectives and expert insights, AASCU developed a framework that outlines the core mindsets and skill sets required for impactful civic leadership.