Department: WCAS RISE Center
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

The Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity (RISE) Center aim's to re-imagine and re-create how mainstream U.S. culture engages with narratives about Indigenous Peoples. We are working toward a society in which all individuals not only learn about Indigenous Peoples but also learn from Indigenous Peoples. Our mission is three-fold: 1) To conduct rigorous multidisciplinary research centering Indigenous Peoples' voices and experiences; 2) To build, support, and sustain a multi-university pipeline of Indigenous scholar-activists; 3) To put research into action by working with artists and activists who use the Center's research to propagate accurate, expansive, and empowering narratives of Indigenous Peoples.

The executive director will play a key role in establishing the Center and promoting the Center's mission and goals and will be in charge of both "big picture" program development and design, securing and managing funding, and overseeing day-to-day operations, including managing Center personnel and budget. The executive director should be passionate about translating research into social action, particularly as it pertains to Indigenous equity, and capable of working flexibly across disciplines and sectors to create societal change.

This is a full-time position and works onsite.

Specific Responsibilities:

Operations:

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for Center operations in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators.
• Facilitate interfacing and collaboration between the Center's research and social action teams;
• Oversee and manage all operating, general, and endowed budget lines and prepare the annual budget with future projects and long-term strategic initiatives in mind.
• Supervise junior personnel;
• Collaborate with Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators to plan and lead stakeholder convenings and other events
• Develop and implement plan for facilitating engagement of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate researchers;
• Develop and implement plan for recruiting and selecting Indigenous artists and activists;
• Oversee Artist- and Activist-in-Residence programs;
• Oversee personnel hiring;
• Run the Board and Board meetings;
• Develop and maintain relationships with Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR)

Outreach:

• Network and build strong relationships with other academic and lay organizations working on putting research into action;
• Represent the Center's work in public forums;
• Collaborate with Outreach Coordinator and senior Center personnel to develop and implement communications strategies; and
• Collaborate with Outreach Coordinator and senior Center personnel to develop and implement a plan for facilitating engagement of Indigenous communities and research participants.
• Support institutional efforts to build visibility for the Center within Northwestern University, engaging in task forces, committees, planning initiatives, and other leadership activities to become a valued partner across campus and disciplines

Mentoring:

• Train and supervise research scientists, post-doctoral researchers, research coordinators, and graduate, post-baccalaureate, and undergraduate students working with the Center;
• Meet one-on-one with junior Center personnel to provide career mentoring and strategizing advice; and
• Create a hierarchical peer mentoring system for the Center to ensure junior personnel both receive mentoring and gain experience mentoring others.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree in psychology or a related humanistic social science or 3-5 years of executive administrative experience is required.
• Strong administrative, communication, and collaboration skills, including:
• Demonstrated experience leading and collaborating with diverse research teams, in particular interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills in both academic and lay contexts;
• Willingness to take chances and try new strategies;
• Ability to think critically and identify results-oriented solutions to unanticipated problems;
• Positive, mission-driven, team-oriented approach;
• Demonstrated commitment to using research to promote social change;
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and excellence;
• Demonstrated success in mentoring diverse junior staff, particularly Indigenous students;
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and/or experience working with Indigenous Peoples; and
• Research experiences aligned with the Center's work, particularly in relation to Indigenous research is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD preferred. Preferred faculty experience in a related field OR equivalent education/experience.

The target hiring range for this position will be between $85,339 - $120,008 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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