University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Posted: October 07, 2009
Description:
The University of Miami seeks an accomplished senior scholar who will serve as Director of the Center for Latin American Studies and hold a tenured primary appointment in the College of Arts and Sciences as the first occupant of its new Weeks Chair in Latin American Studies. This search reflects a new initiative in support of Latin American and Caribbean Studies across a wide range of disciplines. The Center engages faculty throughout the University and includes participation in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as outreach and training programs. Located in an institution at the crossroads of intense economic, social, cultural and academic exchanges between North and South, CLAS has expanded substantially since its creation in 2000, increasing the number of high-profile Latin Americanists and Caribbeanists on campus, raising new resources for faculty and student research, particularly interdisciplinary initiatives, and enhancing facilities. The search for a new director is part of a new plan to establish CLAS as a major national and international research center in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, further expanding resources (postdoctoral and research fellowships) and venues (conferences, observatories, lectures, workshop and publication series) for faculty and students.
Deadline:
The Search Committee will begin reviewing materials immediately. Review of applications and nominations will continue until the position is filled.
Minimum Requirements:
Minimum qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, with publications and experience appropriate to appointment as a tenured professor; it is essential that the Director write and speak in English, Spanish and/or Portuguese fluently, with Kreyòl a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
The Director and Weeks Professor must be a distinguished scholar whose academic achievement merits a tenured appointment in one of the College of Arts & Sciences’ social science or humanities departments. Candidates from fields that are housed within one of the University's other academic areas (e.g., Business, Communication, Law, Marine and Atmospheric Science, Medicine) whose research, publications and administrative interests qualify them for a primary appointment in either the social sciences or humanities disciplines of the College will be considered. In addition to scholarly excellence, candidates should have a proven record of international program development in the Americas, experience in leading interdisciplinary research efforts, and a record of success in external fund raising.
CLAS responsibilites will require that the Director possess the following qualities: Intellectual leadership and vision: In the role of sustaining and expanding the University’s community of Latin American/Caribbean scholars, s/he must be capable of providing intellectual leadership and vision for the Center. A demonstrated record of commitment to ethical, transparent, and broadly participatory governance of academic programs is essential.
Administrative experience and managerial skills: The Director will oversee the Center’s staff, manage the budget, oversee the current academic programs in Latin American Studies, spearhead new fundraising initiatives, and implement new academic and programmatic initiatives. A significant portion of CLAS funding is expected to come from external sources that the Director will be expected to secure in collaboration with both faculty and advancement professionals.
Public presence: The Director must persuasively convey the Center’s mission to individuals, organizations, and agencies that can provide financial and administrative support.
Scholarly Research and Publication: S/he will be expected to maintain an on-going program of scholarly research and publication.
Academic instruction: Responsibilities include instruction at graduate and undergraduate levels; these duties will be appropriately reduced to accommodate service in the capacity of director.
Documents Required:
Contact Information:
Please direct inquires to:
Professor George Yúdice
Chair, CLAS Search Commitee
University of Miami
College of Arts & Sciences
P.O. Box 248004
Coral Gables, Florida 33124-4620
Inquires, nominations and applications may also be submitted to: CLASDirectorSearch@as.miami.edu.
Additional Information:
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.