Position Description

Department: African American and African Studies

Position: Department Chair

Rank: Advanced Associate Professor or Professor

Description:

The Ohio State University seeks a chair who will provide ambitious and innovative leadership for its Department of African American and African Studies. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2023. The chair will serve as the administrative head of the department, with oversight of faculty, staff, curriculum, budget, and strategic direction. The new chair will lead the way in defining and implementing a vision for the department that emerges from and centers the intellectual, social justice oriented, and pedagogical foundations of the discipline of Black Studies. The successful candidate will provide transparent leadership for the programs the department offers to undergraduate majors and minors, nonmajors, graduate students, and the community, guided by a spirt of engagement, compassion, and care. To this end, the ideal candidate will exhibit a demonstrated record of collaborative leadership and partnership that can help the department build cohesion, achieve institutional change, and further develop strong and sustainable programs that serve a broad variety of constituents on the campus and in the community.

The new chair will lead the faculty and staff in curriculum development, outreach, engagement, operations, and governance. The chair will be an advocate for the department, its faculty, and students, promoting and providing support and mentorship for scholarly activity and advancing the discipline of Black Studies more broadly. The chair should be poised to engage with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to build collaborations with arts and humanities departments and interdisciplinary initiatives across the College of Arts and Sciences and the broader university community, Ohio State’s five regional campuses, as well as with other organizations in Ohio and beyond. The director will work with university and community leaders to maximize the impact of the soon to be newly renovated Community Extension Center, and to maximize the advantages offered by the new general education program.

The successful candidate will be a dedicated educator and recognized scholar and/or practitioner with expertise in one or more areas of Black Studies. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a firm commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and have experience with research, educational, and community engagement programs that meet the needs of minoritized or underserved populations.

Qualifications:

·       PhD in Black Studies or a related field.

·       National/international record of scholarly achievement commensurate with the position of an advanced Associate Professor or Professor at The Ohio State University, including a record of scholarly achievement, teaching excellence at the post-secondary level, and professional service; and evidence of continued excellence in scholarly achievement.

·       Demonstrated and effective leadership and administrative experience in academia, with desired experience in fundraising, budgeting, and management.

·       Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and demonstrated ability to cultivate positive work relationships with students, colleagues, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

·       Experience in leading change and the ability to work successfully across disciplines within a diverse and complex organization.

·       Experience in graduate education and the ability to support and further develop the Department’s PhD and MA programs.

·       Experience with successful collaborations, for example those with other academic units, community partners, and professional organizations.

About Columbus:

The Ohio State University campus is located in Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Columbus is the Midwest’s fastest-growing city and the nation’s 14^th largest city. Columbus offers a diverse array of welcoming neighborhoods and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Additional information about all that the Columbus area has to offer is available at https://visit.osu.edu/experience.

Application Instructions:

A complete application consists of a cover letter in which you address your leadership vision, teaching, and research and/or creative scholarship; a curriculum vitae; and a diversity statement that articulates your demonstrated commitments and capacities to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion through research, teaching, mentoring, and/or outreach and engagement; and contact information for three references who can speak to the applicant’s work as a scholar, teacher, mentor, or leader. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Scott Levi, chair of the search committee, at levi.18@osu.edu.

Appointment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate's employer's policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate's appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. In support of this, The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has created the Office of Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty. This support includes dual careers services, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering The Ohio State University and throughout their transition.

The Ohio State University is committed to establishing a culturally and intellectually diverse environment, encouraging all members of our learning community to reach their full potential. Over the next few years, The Ohio State University is committed to welcoming 350 new faculty hires, many of which will contribute to growing our role as a premier research university equipped to answer and interrogate the critical domestic and global societal challenges that deter equality and inclusion. We are responsive to dual-career families and strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.