Director of American Indian Studies

Job Description

Position Overview:
[University Name] invites applications for a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Director of the American Indian Studies (AIS) program. This role is responsible for guiding the academic, administrative, and community outreach missions of one of the university’s key programs focused on Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and educational equity. The ideal candidate will be a scholar and leader with a demonstrated commitment to Native nations, tribal communities, and decolonial, interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide academic leadership for the AIS program, including curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and student recruitment and support
• Lead strategic planning and assessment to expand and strengthen AIS’s interdisciplinary offerings
• Foster partnerships with tribal governments, Native communities, Indigenous organizations, and other university departments
• Oversee the program’s budget, staffing, scheduling, and daily operations
• Support tenure-track and adjunct faculty, and collaborate with university leadership on hiring and retention efforts
• Promote Indigenous methodologies, community-based participatory research, and culturally responsive pedagogy
• Represent the program in university committees, conferences, and community events
• Lead fundraising, grant development, and donor engagement to support program initiatives
• Champion diversity, equity, and Indigenous visibility across campus and beyond

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in American Indian Studies, Indigenous Studies, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, History, Sociology, Political Science, Education, or a closely related field
• A record of scholarly excellence and teaching in American Indian/Indigenous Studies appropriate for appointment at the rank of associate or full professor
• Demonstrated leadership or administrative experience in higher education
• A sustained commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, community engagement, and culturally grounded education
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Indigenous heritage and/or sustained engagement with Indigenous communities (especially from North America)
• Experience with tribal college partnerships, Native student support services, or language revitalization efforts
• Demonstrated success in securing external grants or philanthropic support
• Experience leading interdisciplinary or interdepartmental initiatives
• Familiarity with Native governance, law, policy, or environmental and land-based knowledge systems

What We Offer:

• A leadership opportunity at an institution committed to Indigenous knowledge, inclusion, and public service
• Collaborative environment with supportive departments and Native faculty/staff allies
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, research funding)
• Opportunities for research leave, professional development, and campus housing (if applicable)
• Access to Native cultural centers, tribal relations offices, or community-based research institutes

How to Apply:

📩 Submit the following materials to [university HR application portal or email address]:

• Cover letter outlining your leadership vision and scholarly contributions
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement on Indigenous research and teaching philosophy
• Names and contact information for 3 academic references

🗓 Priority deadline: [Insert Date] — applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.

Questions? Contact: [Insert Chair or HR contact information]