Director, Ctr for Research on Eradication of Educ. Disparities

TITLE: Director, Center for Research on the Eradication of Educational Disparities (CREED)

DEPARTMENT: Center for Research on the Eradication of Educational Disparities

REPORTS TO: Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty-9 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of the Center for Research on the Eradication of Educational Disparities (CREED) will promote critical, collaborative research agenda which that will bring P-12, postsecondary educators, field-based educational leaders, educational policy makers, and community members together to assess, analyze and remove educational barriers and disparities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Globally.

The CREED Center Director will develop and support a more vigorous and robust research agenda that addresses educational disparities in our schools and our universities. The director will have a scholarly focus that is aligned with Kentucky State University’s strategic goals and objectives. This role will engage multiple constituencies in a cycle of research, education, and conversation while strengthening networks of educators, field-based educational leaders, policy makers, and community members in the service of equity and social justice in urban schools. The position will create a mechanism for leveling the playing field and shed light on the inequities in public education by hosting regional and statewide workshops, professional development activities for schools and school districts, and share research in the academic and popular press.

This role will facilitate the redesign implementation of the School of Education providing preservice educators experiences and pedagogical practices prepare them to meet and exceed the challenges within P-12 educational systems. These practices will embrace innovations enhancing active and project-based learning practices designed to measure student learning outcomes and competencies. Further the director will engage P-12 and higher education professionals to support the comprehensive implementation of these professional learning practices to support the center’s purpose and mission to remove educational barriers and disparities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Increase collaborative/interdisciplinary educational research activities.
• Obtain increased external grant funding to address academic disparities
• Perform quality, cutting-edge research and scholarship that leverages the expertise of faculty and staff on the KSU campus
• Lead P12 partnership development to support the School of Education
• Facilitate external partnerships with business, industry, etc. to support deeper student learning experiences, faculty engagement, and School of Education presence in the field of teacher preparation.
• Solve problems recognized as having important societal impact.
• Provide an infrastructure to translate research and scholarship into applications with societal and educational impact
• Build a virtual and physical intellectual hub which acts as a both agent and conduit to generate and disseminate knowledge
• Collaborate with the director of the faculty engagement and teaching and learning center to provide professional learning experiences, building pedagogical practices with university faculty

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge

Educational Equity and Disparities : Comprehensive understanding of educational inequities and barriers affecting P-12 and postsecondary education systems.

Educational Policy : Familiarity with educational policies at the local, state, and global levels, particularly those related to equity and social justice.

Research Methodologies : Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies relevant to education.

Grant Writing and Management : Knowledge of securing and managing external grant funding for academic research and initiatives.

Teacher Preparation and Pedagogical Innovation : In-depth knowledge of effective practices for preservice teacher education, active learning strategies, and project-based learning.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) : Awareness of DEI principles and how to integrate them into education and leadership practices.

Strategic Planning : Understanding of strategic goal setting and alignment with institutional objectives.

Skills

Leadership and Collaboration : Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders.

Communication : Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and academic publishing.

Relationship Building : Proficient in fostering partnerships with P-12 educators, higher education professionals, businesses, and community organizations.

Program Development : Skilled in designing and implementing professional development activities, workshops, and educational initiatives.

Data Analysis : Competence in analyzing educational data to inform research and policy recommendations.

Technology Proficiency : Skilled in using technology to create virtual and physical intellectual hubs for knowledge dissemination.

Abilities

Strategic Visioning : Ability to develop and promote a long-term research agenda addressing educational disparities.

Problem-Solving : Capacity to address complex societal and educational challenges with innovative solutions.

Interdisciplinary Engagement : Ability to connect and engage various disciplines in collaborative research efforts.

Facilitation and Implementation : Ability to guide and oversee the redesign and implementation of educational programs.

Adaptability : Flexibility to work in diverse communities and respond to changing educational needs and challenges.

Mentorship : Capability to mentor faculty and staff to enhance their pedagogical practices and professional growth.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position does have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

• This position will conduct other duties as assigned or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Master’s degree in Education and/or Educational Leadership, Doctorate preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Five to seven years of experience teaching in higher education, including areas of diversity, leadership, faculty engagement, inclusion and social justice.
• Three years’ experience supervising staff and faculty.
• Ability to work well in a diverse community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General Office Environment: Primarily seated work with occasional periods of standing and walking.
• Technology Use: Frequent use of computers or other forms of standard technology hardware and software.
• Communication: Regular communication via phone, email, and in-person meetings.
• Travel: Minimal travel may be required for conferences and professional development opportunities.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.