Director, American Indian Center

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the American Indian Center (AIC), established in 2006. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and further advance a Center whose staff works to link the richness of American Indian cultures with Carolina’s strengths in research, education, and teaching. The AIC supports the University’s overall mission by using its resources in service to North Carolina’s American Indian communities and to the general public.

The AIC is classified as a campus-wide Center and provides support for teaching, student engagement and research about American Indians. It serves as the University’s primary means of outreach and service to North Carolina’s Native population, which is the largest in the eastern United States, and to other Native communities across the country. The AIC is a key and important cultural, intellectual, and social site for Native students, faculty and staff and is a valued voice in campus conversations on diversity, inclusion, and scholarship. Its presence and work ensures that American Indian perspectives continue to enrich the learning environment of the entire University.

The Director of the American Indian Center has overall responsibility for the activities, programs, and operations of the Center and will be a skillful strategic planner who can work with staff and partners across the campus to establish responsive and innovative programs of research, instruction, and outreach. The Director will also ensure that standing programs are fully supported and will take the lead in assessing AIC activities to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. The Director establishes and maintains strong and collaborative relationship with faculty who teach Native American and Indigenous Studies across the University and must lead efforts to support and nurture Native students and promote their interests across the campus.

The Director leads efforts to generate support for the Center’s programs and activities through external grants and contracts and will focus significant attention on working with the University Development Office to expand existing development activities necessary to ensure growth and to support AIC initiatives.

The position requires significant experience and achievement in program leadership and administration and a minimum of a Master’s degree, with doctorate strongly preferred. The successful candidate will be sensitive to and demonstrate a deep and substantive understanding of Native communities and will be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with a wide variety of partners and constituents. In accordance with the qualities outlined above candidates will be evaluated with attention to the following qualifications: creative and insightful leadership; extensive knowledge of American Indian culture and perspectives; strong managerial, fiscal, and administrative abilities; an understanding of academic cultures, practices, policies, and procedures typical of major public research universities; collaborative workstyle; experience with academic outreach and community engagement; ability to garner the support of volunteers and appreciate their contributions; passion and drive for the goals of the Center. 

The Director reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor through the Vice Provost for Academic and Community Engagement and prepares and transmits to the Vice Provost an annual budget and annual assessments of the Center’s and Director’s activities. The Center’s internal and external advisory boards support the Director in achieving the goals of the American Indian Center.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a comprehensive research- intensive university offering the highest academic quality and a culture of achievement and collaboration. Chartered in 1789, UNC is the oldest state university in the United States. The University enrolls 29,390 students, and is ranked in the top five public national universities by U.S. News and World Report. The University's fourteen colleges and schools provide instruction offering baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as programs in dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, law, nursing, business, and other professions. The University is situated in one of the premier college communities in the nation.

Link to apply:  https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/216122

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.