Program Officer, US Programs (1 year)

Overview of ACLS

Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) takes its name from its work supporting 79 scholarly organizations.  As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and interpretive social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS utilizes its endowment and $34 million annual operating budget to expand the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge because we value diversity of identity and experience.  We collaborate with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship.  In all aspects of our work, ACLS is committed to principles and practices in support of racial and social justice.

ACLS’s strategic plan outlines four strategic priorities: encouraging scholars and scholarship responsive to diverse audiences; strengthening relationships among our core constituencies within the academy and our partners beyond the academy; lifting the public profile of humanistic knowledge; and empowering staff and partners to work responsibly and inclusively.

Overview of Department

The US Programs team administers an evolving set of programs that respond to issues in scholarship and higher education by supporting humanities scholars at different career stages and at a variety of higher education institutions. In the most recent competition year, ACLS drew on the expertise of more than 600 peer reviewers to make awards totaling $25 million to nearly 400 scholars. The team prizes collaboration, flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving, and we seek colleagues who will join us in our efforts to improve our programs and processes so that they are more accessible, equitable, inclusive, responsive, and effective.

Job Summary

ACLS invites applications for a for a 12-month leave replacement position at the rank of Program Officer. The Program Officer will join the US Programs team in its efforts to maintain and enhance the Council's rigorous peer-review processes and contribute to the direction of ACLS’s evolving portfolio of fellowship and grant programs. The Program Officer also will work closely with the US Programs team and other senior staff to develop and implement programming that supports humanities scholars at different career stages and at a variety of higher education institutions. ACLS will provide the incoming Program Officer with opportunities for professional development (training, conference attendance, etc.).

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program management:

  • help operate and improve all aspects of the annual application and selection process
  • recruit peer reviewers and program advisors
  • update ACLS’s web-based portals for applicants, fellows, and reviewers
  • support selection committees in their deliberations
  • coordinate activities with other ACLS departments as necessary, including international programs, communications, and finance

Convening and support for scholars:

  • convene scholars, learned society, and higher education leaders around issues of shared interest in the humanities
  • develop programming for scholars to support professional development and collaborative projects
  • partner with learned societies, humanities organizations, and other funders on joint programming

Program evaluation and research:

  • compile reports to funders and the board
  • gather and present information on program outcomes and developments in humanities scholarship to audiences within and beyond the academy
  • conduct research (using both internal data on ACLS programs as well as external sources) to assist in the analysis of existing programs and the development of new initiatives
  • maintain a consistent system to organize and access data and research

Required qualifications:

  • PhD in humanities or social science discipline
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with a keen ability to adapt communication style to different audiences
  • Diplomacy and discretion with confidential information
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize long-term projects and short-term assignments in a deadline-driven environment
  • Facility both for working collaboratively with a team and for working independently
  • Analytical and creative problem-solving capacity
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of working effectively on a team
  • Ability to take initiative and respond flexibly to evolving circumstances
  • Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word and Excel
  • Must be willing and able to travel to multi-day events in New York or elsewhere in the United States approximately six times per year, in particular in the first half of 2023.

Office policy and salary:

  • Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated (including booster) against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law.
  • Salary range: $75,000 - $85,000 per year

 

 


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