Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Connecticut invites applications for the endowed Doris and Simon Konover Chair of Judaic Studies. This person will have an outstanding record of professional accomplishment in Judaic Studies commensurate with appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, with the opportunity for tenure at hire.

The holder of the Doris and Simon Konover Chair of Judaic Studies will also serve as Director of the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life. The successful candidate will spearhead and grow the Center’s vibrant interdisciplinary Judaic Studies program (https://judaicstudies.uconn.edu) on campus and in the community, and contribute through research and teaching to further the development of the Hebrew and Judaic Studies section of the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages (https://languages.uconn.edu/hebrew/).

The incoming director will invest time and energy in effective fundraising and outreach, which are vital to the future of the Center. The Director will also work with other UConn programs including, for instance, Human Rights, Middle East Studies, Africana Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; the Neag School of Education; and with interested faculty across the disciplines to further enhance the diversity of the program. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and oversees all personnel, financial, and administrative functions of the Center, including the work of a Program Assistant, Graduate Assistant, and student workers.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Judaic Studies, Religion, History, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related field; equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
• Record of distinguished scholarly accomplishment of national and international recognition in the field of Hebrew and Judaic Studies.
• Record of innovative and effective teaching in Judaic Studies.
• Evidence of a deep commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity in a higher education setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience organizing events that attract students, faculty, and members of the broader community.
• Evidence of strong managerial, communication, and public relations skills. 
• Experience in fundraising.
• Experience teaching and/or mentoring first-generation and non-traditional college students.
• Ability to teach classes utilizing Hebrew, Aramaic, Yiddish, Ladino, Judeo-Arabic, or another relevant research language.
• Strong language abilities and, relatedly, teaching and research interests that can deepen connections with other sections in the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages.
• Ability to establish connections with other departments, including, for example, History, Philosophy, Anthropology, and/or related fields.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 10-month, tenured position. Rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Applicants must meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Associate or Professor, with tenure. The Konover Chair holder is provided with a competitive research and travel budget, administrative support, and an office in the Center for Judaic Studies.

The position is based at the Storrs campus. Operations of the Center of Judaic Studies include programming at the main campus in Storrs and UConn’s regional campuses. The director will engage with Judaic Studies faculty at regional campuses and partners in local communities across the state to offer cutting-edge programming for students, faculty, and the external community.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26393 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and scholarship statement (e.g., prior research and impact; future research plans)
• Teaching statement (e.g., teaching experience, mentoring experience, teaching philosophy, courses prepared to teach)
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion statement (e.g., values around social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; diversity-related experience in teaching, research, and service; plans to continue to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion)
• Sample journal articles or chapters
• Names and contact information of three referees who have agreed to write in support of your application if requested.

Review of the applications will start on November 27, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. For search-related inquiries, please contact the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life (judaicstudies@uconn.edu).

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at: http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.