Assistant Director

Job Description:

The Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative (NAISI) is responsible for oversight of the undergraduate concentration in Critical Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS); engagement with NAIS-focused undergraduate and graduate students; planning and coordinating events and meetings on and off campus; managing outreach and communications related to NAIS opportunities and events; interacting with units across campus; and day-to-day administrative tasks to support the continued growth of Native American and Indigenous Studies at Brown University.

The Assistant Director will participate in the development and implementation of NAISI initiatives to advance and support the teaching, scholarly, and service mission for Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University. Responsibilities include oversight of administrative, programming and communications components that enable NAISI staff, faculty, students, committees and working groups to achieve and maintain a high level of excellence in all administrative, teaching, scholarly, professional, and internal and external endeavors. This position works collaboratively within NAISI and across campus units, as well as independently, and is a primary point of contact between faculty, students, administrators, and external guests and partners. This position also supervises staff and oversees office management processes for NAISI’s physical and virtual spaces, interacting with all NAISI staff, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and adjunct instructors.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years related administrative experience, preferably in a higher education or non-profit setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree, preferred.
• Experience with higher education program development, outreach and engagement with tribes and/or Indigenous communities and individuals, preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), with particular cultural knowledge, competence, and experience in working and communicating with Native and Indigenous peoples.
• Ability to understand and operate in a complex campus environment and to create collaborative networks across multiple academic, administrative, and student constituencies.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete projects and meet deadlines, as well as anticipate logistical problems and resolve issues quickly.
• Ability to identify the need for and design efficient procedures for streamlining processes and dealing with challenging situations in a busy office.
• Tactful handling of delicate and confidential situations, including the handling of confidential material received or originated by the office.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize own workload, work under pressure, handle interruptions and multi-task effectively without supervision.
• Strong financial management skills.
• Experience managing staff.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of collaborative teams.
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar, etc.), and familiarity with social media platforms (such as Instagram and Facebook) and ability to learn Workday (if not already familiar).
• Possess a willingness and ability to support and promote a diverse and inclusive campus community.

Additional physical demands and working conditions:

• The Native American and Indigenous Studies office is located on the second floor. Accommodations would be made for employees needing them.
• This incumbent may need to attend the annual Commencement Ceremony as well as occasional evening hours to help support events and require flexibility with scheduling as needed.

Background check

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more.

Candidates must submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.