Director, Center for Black Studies (4370)

Position Summary

The Director is a strategic leader who is committed to advancing a Black Studies Center that promotes student success through academic, social cultural programming and experiences focused on the study of Black history and culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Cultural Center Oversight

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Center for Black Studies.
• Reports to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer (VP/ CDO ).
• Oversee the recruitment, training, management, and evaluation of work assigned to professional and support staff, including the associate director, assistant director, academic counselor, office support, graduate assistants, and student workers.
• Serve on campus or University committees, communicate, and consult with other offices or campus officials when appropriate. These include but are not limited to the Committee for Academic Equity and Inclusive Excellence, Fulbright Nomination Committee, Undocumented Student Scholarship Committee, Student Experience Team, and DeKalb Public Library cultural events.
• Prepare and manage all CBS budgets.
• Seek and administer grant or external funding opportunities.

Academic & Curricular Programming

• Provide leadership, direction, and overall administration for the development, coordination, and implementation of cultural programming, student leadership programming, and Black student leadership development.
• Provide leadership and advice for the Black Studies academic program on development, review, assessment, course scheduling and faculty assignments, in collaboration with the associate director.
• Collaborate with the associate director and the Black Studies Faculty Advisory Council to develop short- and long-term goals for the academic program.
• Oversee the alignment of co-curricular programming to complement the Black Studies Academic Program.
• Conceptualize and develop long- and short-range strategic plans for the CBS and assess progress toward goal achievement.

Student, Alumni, Community Programming/Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the effective delivery of annual lectures and cultural programs, including CBS signature events (Kwanzaa, Black to School, Black History Month, the LaVerne Gyant Lecture Series in Black Studies, etc.)
• Represent the Center for Black Studies and serve as a resource person, creating links to other campus and community groups, especially in the DeKalb, Sycamore and surrounding communities and the Northern Illinois region
• Lead and Chair Center for Black Studies student programming and alumni advisory boards.
• Lead strategic initiatives to support the engagement of Black alumni.
• Lead efforts to cultivate and engage donors and other external funding opportunities that will advance the CBS academic and cultural programs.

Other related duties as assigned

• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Terminal degree in Black Studies or doctorate degree in related field (sociology, history, political science, psychology, English, higher education administration, etc.). Terminal degree must be conferred at the time of appointment;
• A total of three (3) years of administrative experience in higher education, student affairs, or related experience;
• Experience working and interfacing with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff;
• Demonstrated experience developing courses and curricula based on the knowledge of African American culture, history, and current events related to the African diaspora;
• Demonstrated experience constructing courses, curricula, and learning outcomes based on Black culture, history, and current events related to the African diaspora;
• Demonstrated experience leading professional staff and graduate students;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and building rapport with internal and external constituencies such as university leadership, faculty and staff, community, and school representatives;
• Demonstrated experience leading teams to solve a variety of problems, whether academic, project management, performance, financial, or other related issues;
• Demonstrated budgeting and financial management acumen;
• Demonstrated experience with program management and program assessment;
• Practical application and experience with databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Exceptionally strong interpersonal and communication skills with sound judgment and decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Terminal degree in Black Studies or a terminal degree in a related field with a master’s degree in Black Studies;
• Demonstrated experience working with Black student retention programs that promotes the Black student experience from an intersectional perspective;
• Teaching experience and/or research in Black Studies;
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and sustaining student retention and success initiatives;
• Demonstrated experience cultivating alumni and donor relationships;
• Evidence of grant writing or securing funding through grants and other sources.

Physical demands/requirements

• Regular office related duties

• Sitting for extended periods of time

• Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time

• Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

3/1/23

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week

37.50

Salary

Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and education; position will include a robust benefits package

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and education; position will include a robust benefits package

Earn Type

Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, prospective applicants will need to visit ( https://employment.niu.edu/postings/68492 ) to apply and submit the following materials by February 1, 2023 : However position will remain open until filled.

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of three professional references
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

For questions, contact Teresa Harrington at tharrington@niu.edu

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/68492

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report . Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Other
2. Other #2

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).