Working/Functional Title
Associate/Full Professor Tenure System
Position Summary
Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The Chicano/Latino Studies (CLS) Program, which is located in the College of Social Science, is committed to advancing scholarship and research in the field of Chicano/Latino Studies, training scholars committed to academic excellence and social responsibility, and developing and maintaining strong undergraduate and graduate curricula in Chicano/Latino Studies. The CLS program is an interdisciplinary program that include an undergraduate minor, a PhD program, and a graduate certificate. The program’s faculty come from a variety of colleges, departments, and programs throughout the university.
The CLS Director reports to the Dean of the College of Social Science and serves as the faculty leader and chief administrator of the CLS Program with responsibility for the overall operation and management of the Program. The CLS Director’s responsibilities include the following responsibilities:
- Budgeting, monitoring expenditures,
- Implementation of the strategic plan of the unit, as well pursuing resources to reach the Program’s goals.
- Supervising support staff, and ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures;
- Providing leadership, vision and oversight of the undergraduate specialization/minor in CLS, as well as the CLS graduate program;
- Identifying opportunities and serving as a liaison with other units within and beyond MSU;
- Fostering community engagement and outreach program initiatives that open reciprocal educational opportunities and strengthen relations between CLS and the local community.
- Strengthening CLS’s relationship with MSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) program through instruction and study abroad; and stimulating and facilitating graduate research.
The Program Director is also responsible for contributing to the annual departmental review of program faculty with an assignment or appointment in CLS, as well as organizing a CLS Program-wide meeting of the stakeholders to be held once a year.
The appointment will begin August 2025 at 51% effort in the Dean’s Office in the Social Science College, with the additional appointment effort remaining in the individual’s tenure home or other assignment. For the effort as CLS Director, the position reports directly to the Dean; the remaining percentage of the appointment will continue to report to the Chair/Director of the individual’s tenure home unit.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with excellent communication, leadership and administrative skills, an inclusive and strengths-based leadership style, and abilities in strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel development and management, who can lead in a complex and changing environment. This candidate should be able to bring together students, staff, faculty and community members to build a positive CLS Program culture. They should be able to build strong partnerships and relationships within the University and in the broader community.
The applicant must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree appropriate per discipline. They must be a tenure system faculty member at MSU with the rank of associate or full professor. The candidate is a scholar with knowledge of interdisciplinary work and a record of research in Chicano/Latino studies. CLS is an interdisciplinary program; therefore, the director is required to be an interdisciplinary and tenured scholar who is committed to maintaining and expanding the research in CLS at MSU. The candidate should be strongly committed to providing leadership at the College and University level to foster excellence and innovation and to enhance a creative environment for faculty, staff, and students.
Desired Qualifications
The desired applicant would also have excellent communication skills with some experience building community among diverse stakeholders. They have a record of seeking and securing external funding to support innovation and creative activities that support curriculum development, program evaluation, or student learning.
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter addressing qualifications;
- Current curriculum vitae;
- Leadership statement
- Statement addressing how past and future contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion will advance MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence;
- Names and email addresses of three references
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin on March 31st, 2025 and remain open until filled. Appointment will begin on August 16, 2025. Questions about the application process may be directed to Dr. Sandra Crespo, crespo@msu.edu, who is serving as Chair of the Search Committee.
Website
https://clstudies.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
