Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor and Director of African American Studies

Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor and Director of African American Studies

The African American Studies Program in the College of Liberal Arts & Education at the University of Detroit Mercy invites candidates to apply for a full-time tenure track faculty position at the assistant or associate professor rank who will also serve as director of the program. Preference will be given to candidates with disciplinary expertise in political science, history, communication studies, cybersecurity, or criminal justice. The candidate hired will start August 16, 2023.

Detroit Mercy is dedicated to developing a diverse and inclusive academic community, within an urban context. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate through their teaching, research, experience, and service that they can contribute to the mission of the university and its commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI), Detroit Mercy offers small classes and close collegial relationships. The College's faculty forms a vibrant community of teaching scholars, with an emphasis on student-centered teaching, and academic mentorship of students. The African American Studies program is an 18-credit hour multidisciplinary minor that provides students with an academic understanding of and concern for the dignity and rich heritage of the African American experience through scholarship, community engagement, and cultural events. Students enrolling in the minor come from diverse majors, backgrounds, and experiences but share an interest in their own and others' cultures and see themselves as leaders in a multicultural society. We emphasize multidisciplinary methods of inquiry on race, and of the history and culture of Africans, African Americans, and other Africans in the diaspora. Further details about Detroit Mercy's African American Studies program can be found on our website.

The successful candidate will teach four courses a year, maintain an active research portfolio, and engage in service activities (2/3rd of the position), and serve as director of the African American Studies program (the remaining 1/3rd of the position).

Teaching responsibilities will include teaching introductory African American Studies courses, as well courses in one of the departments in the College of Liberal Arts & Education. We seek an educator who is an enthusiastic teacher-scholar with a strong interest in implementing best practices in teaching pedagogy, including evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies, a strong commitment to supporting a diverse population of students, and who can contribute to the College's robust intellectual environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to our efforts to provide support and opportunities for historically marginalized students majoring in a variety of disciplines.

Candidates are expected to provide evidence of a research agenda appropriate for a primarily undergraduate institution and to demonstrate their ability and interest to disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications and conferences. We welcome candidates who are interested in collaborative and/or creative approaches to interdisciplinary scholarship and publishing.

Responsibilities of the Director include managing the curricular schedule and course offerings in the program; recruiting and advising students for our growing minor; organizing and participating in extracurricular activities, such as colloquia, workshops and public lectures for faculty, students, and the community at large; and other administrative responsibilities, including representing the interests and needs of the program to the university community and beyond. We seek candidates who can articulate a clear vision for growing the program, the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and a demonstrated commitment to community outreach.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in African American Studies or closely related discipline in the humanities or social sciences by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated capacity to teach African American Studies courses or relevant instructional experience.
• Commitment to student-centered mentoring and advising.
• Demonstrated capacity to engage in research and scholarly activity or record of scholarship related to African American Studies.
• Evidence of commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Commitment to service to the program, college, university, profession, and community, with a demonstrated commitment to community outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to evidence-based teaching strategies that meet course learning outcomes.
• Commitment to students' holistic development, including encouraging students to reflect and engage with African American Studies in a broader societal context.
• Capacity for administrative leadership at the program or departmental level.

Candidates should complete an application and upload materials at: [ ]. Materials must include: (1) a detailed cover letter describing the ways your background addresses the required and preferred qualifications; (2) a one-page teaching philosophy statement; (3) a one-page statement of your research plans; (4) a one-page diversity statement describing your commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, (5) a complete curriculum vitae, (6) the names and contact information of three professional references. Please do not include any letters of recommendation—they will be requested for all semi-finalists.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by February 28, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the full consideration date until the position is filled.

Salary/Pay Information
Commensurate with experience.

Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

To apply visit https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1516857/University-of-Detroit-Mercy/Tenure-Track-Assistant-or-Associate-Professor-and-Director-of-African-American-Studies.