Director of Africana Studies

The George Washington University Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) seeks a distinguished scholar at the rank of full or advanced associate professor to work as director of the Africana Studies Program (https://africanastudies.columbian.gwu.edu/) beginning Fall 2022. We encourage applicants from various Africana related fields, whose work  focuses on the interdisciplinary study of African-descended people, processes of racialization, or resistance in the U.S., the Americas, Europe, the Atlantic World, the Pacific World, and/or Africa itself. The director will have a tenured appointment in the Columbian College department most commensurate with their established scholarly profile.  The new director will have an opportunity to build the visibility and impact of Africana Studies at GW, as the College has planned new investments in the program. This position is part of the college's wider inclusive excellence initiative that includes authorized searches across programs during the 2021-2022 academic year to support our inclusive curriculum, inclusive pedagogy, and to increase diversity in the faculty.

The Africana Studies Program, housed in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at GW, uses a global, cross-disciplinary approach to examine the historical, cultural, economic and political legacies of the largest forced migration in human history. The program includes an interdisciplinary group of approximately 30 affiliate faculty members from multiple departments and programs. The program is supported by an active multiracial student population and a range of student organizations, including the Black Student Union and its affiliate organizations. Our location in the nation’s capital affords easy access to important political and cultural institutions including the White House, the U.S. Congress, the Library of Congress, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and several of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Washington, DC is not only the nation’s capital but also a cultural center and dynamic city with rich Black cultural, social, and political opportunities.

Job Responsibilities:
The director will teach in the program, advise undergraduate students, lead curriculum development, pursue growth in enrollment, work with diverse affiliate faculty across the college and university to grow interdisciplinary teaching and research, manage the program budget, and cultivate and carry out programming for faculty and students to promote the program and build community.

Basic Qualifications:
A PhD in any field of social science or the humanities; a record that qualifies the candidate for appointment as a full professor or advanced associate professor at GW; a strong record of published scholarship in the study of African-descended peoples and/or processes of racialization and/or social, political, or cultural resistance to imperialism/white supremacy; evidence of successful teaching; and administrative experience in a university setting.

Salary and Benefits:
In recognition of the broad responsibilities of the position, the Director will have a reduced course load of 1-1. The position’s salary is commensurate with experience and includes full benefits.

Application Procedure:
Applicants should complete an online application at https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/87756 and upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching excellence, and a statement of no more than 3 pages detailing the candidate’s vision for an interdisciplinary Africana Studies program. The names of at least three references should be uploaded along with the application. Reference letters will be requested at a later date.  Review of applications will begin on December 3, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Only completed applications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent pending budgetary approval and the satisfactory outcome of a standard background check.

GW University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.


Similar searches: Administrator, Full-time, Department chair, 4-year college or university, English, Cultural studies, Professor, Associate, Gender and women's studies, Professor, Full, Humanities, District of Columbia, Literature, African American