Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Associate/Assistant Director

Position Summary

Michigan State University’s International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching and outreach. As a university-level office under the leadership of a vice provost and dean, ISP supports international activities throughout the institution, working to mobilize MSU's research and scholarship, enhance study abroad and other educational programs, form and strengthen international partnerships, and welcome and support international visitors, scholars and students.

MSU's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) is a US Department of Education-designated National Resource Center. CLACS supports research on Latin America and the Caribbean by catalyzing interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and partnerships with scholars from research institutions in the region. Its 125+ affiliated faculty represent 50 departments across all of MSU's 17 degree-granting colleges.

CLACS is searching for an Associate or Assistant Director to work with the Director to develop and administer center strategic programs; develop grant proposals and administer grants; manage center data collection for planning, reporting, and evaluation; facilitate international partnerships; and support the efforts of other ISP and MSU units in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Associate or Assistant Director will take the lead in administering CLACS student-oriented programming, including advising students, and outreach.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Collaborate with Director to Administer Center Initiatives (55%)

• Collaborate with Director to develop and implement strategic plans
• Manage collection of data on center and MSU activities on Latin America and the Caribbean for purposes of planning, program evaluation, response to new opportunities/formation of research teams, and grant preparation
• Grant proposal preparation
• Grant administration/implementation
• Grant reporting
• Collaborate with staff from other ISP units and units outside of ISP to facilitate/increase the effectiveness of their work in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Oversee/plan center outreach activities

Administer CLACS student-facing programming (40%)

• Administer CLACS scholarship funding for undergraduate students
• Administer CLACS research funding for graduate students
• Manage CLACS graduate certificate program and advise enrolled students
• Manage recruitment for CLACS minor and related academic programs
• Manage student employees and supervise their work assignments

Advising (5%)

• Advise students in CLACS’ graduate certificate program

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

Masters -any field with specialization relevant to Latin America

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in any field with a specialization relevant to Latin America
• Applicants with more than 8 years of relevant experience will be eligible for the Associate Director title
• Applicants with 3-8 years of relevant experience will be eligible for the Assistant Director title
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in a discipline relevant to the responsibilities of the position
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese
• Experience with grant preparation, administration, and reporting
• Experience with managing student-facing programs

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter explaining how applicant's experience and expertise fit the job description 
• CV
• Name and email address of 3 professional references

Website

https://clacs.isp.msu.edu/

Department Statement

MSU's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies serves as a US Department of Education-designated National Resource Center.

CLACS supports research on Latin America and the Caribbean by catalyzing interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and partnerships with scholars from research institutions in the region. Its 100+ affiliated faculty represent 50 departments and all of MSU's 17 degree-granting colleges.

The center's Title VI National Resource Center grant supports teaching and scholarship on Latin America and the Caribbean as well as outreach on the region. CLACS's Title VI Foreign Language and Area Studies grant provides fellowships that support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing study of Latin America and its languages.

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.