Job Opportunity: Faculty Director of Ecology and Cultural Anthropology
The Faculty Director works with Carleton Off-Campus Studies staff to plan, promote, and deliver the program for 18-25 students from various U.S. undergraduate institutions. The faculty director is responsible for intellectual and administrative leadership, and is required to be on-site at the program location outside of Arusha from early September to late December every year. In addition to providing administrative leadership, the Faculty Director will teach and advise students participating in the program.
Candidates will have a Ph.D. or other terminal advanced degree in a discipline related to the core curriculum of ecology, environmental science, biology or anthropology; experience living and conducting research in Tanzania (preferred) or regional experience in East Africa; experience teaching and advising student research at the college level, preferably at a college or university in the United States or Canada. The position requires some domestic travel within the United States when the program is not in session, but does not require relocation to Minnesota. This is a benefits-eligible position with Carleton College. Starting salary will be commensurate with experience.
The initial appointment will be for three years, and may be renewed for additional years based on favorable performance reviews and program needs. The starting date is negotiable, but not later than January 6, 2020. The faculty director will lead the first iteration of Ecology and Cultural Anthropology in Tanzania in the fall of 2020.
To apply, please visit the Carleton College website at jobs.carleton.edu and complete the online application, including a cover letter, CV, a graduate transcript, contact information for writers of two letters of reference (at least one of which should address your teaching and research), and a statement about teaching in an undergraduate liberal arts environment and how you would contribute to a college community that embraces a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. Please contact Helena Kaufman (hkaufman@carleton.edu) for the full job description. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Carleton is committed to developing its faculty to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Women and members of minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates committed to teaching a diverse student body. Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities.
Position Description
Faculty Director, Ecology and Cultural Anthropology in Tanzania Carleton Global Engagement Programs, Fall 2020
Principal responsibilities of the Faculty Director will include:
In collaboration with Carleton College faculty and staff, designing and leading an undergraduate academic program that provides distinctive research opportunities which capitalize on northern Tanzania’s rich and diverse ecological and cultural environment.
Understanding, implementing and adhering to Carleton’s policies and practices during program development, recruitment, delivery, and evaluation.
Developing and proposing an academically and financially sustainable plan for Ecology and Cultural Anthropology in Tanzania each year, for submission by the Director of Off-Campus Studies to the Dean of the College.
Academic administration of the courses and independent student projects/field research projects included in the curriculum of Ecology and Cultural Anthropology in Tanzania. In consultation with members of the Dean of the College, Off-Campus Studies office, and Carleton’s Tanzanian partner organization, the Faculty Director hires adjunct instructors, guest lecturers, and researchers who teach and advise students on the program.
Teaching one or two courses included in the curriculum and evaluating each student’s performance and completing their final crediting in accordance with the policies and dates established by the Carleton College Registrar.
Advising students in the areas of their studies, cross-cultural learning, and logistics of their travel and living abroad, and ensuring their general welfare and safety.
Designing, preparing, and implementing effective program orientation including orientation in the areas of safety and responsibility as described in the relevant offCampus Studies (OCS) policy.
Monitoring of group dynamics at all stages of the program, anticipating problems and facilitating group response to both intra-group and inter-cultural conflicts which may arise.
Fostering and maintaining good relationships with important local constituencies, including the government, host families, universities, community organizations, and NGOs.
During the program, maintaining regular contacts with the Off-Campus Studies office and providing information and reports as requested.
Planning, managing, and reporting on the program budget in accordance with the guidelines, policies, and practices approved by the Director of Off-Campus Studies and Carleton College.
Making and/or confirming arrangements for in-country travel, excursions, housing and meals, and instructional services in collaboration with Carleton Off-Campus Studies staff and Tanzanian partner organizations.
Collaborating with OCS staff in development of the promotional and advising materials. In collaboration with the OCS staff, actively and promptly advising all students interested in participation in the program.
Supporting marketing and recruitment efforts for the program by hosting visitors from sending colleges and universities, attending annual meetings at Carleton College, and visiting campuses of sending schools.
Maintaining an active and effective level of professional development in the field relevant to your teaching and research interests.
The ideal candidate will have:
Ph.D. or other terminal advanced degree in a discipline related to the core curriculum of ecology, environmental science, or anthropology.
Experience living and conducting research in Tanzania preferred; regional experience in East Africa considered.
Experience teaching and advising student research at the college level, preferably with undergraduate students.
Ability to tap into the network of scholars and researchers in East Africa.
Fluency in English required. Fluency or interest and commitment to developing proficiency in Swahili over time preferred.
Knowledge of both Tanzanian and North American culture, and sensitivity in dealing with matters of cultural difference.
Administrative experience managing an off-campus study program and overseeing and balancing a budget to make choices that achieve academic quality, operational effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically about making choices to achieve program goals of quality, effectiveness, and financial balance.
Strong organizational and written and oral communication skills and a high level of adaptability.
The physical stamina, emotional maturity, mental health, and personal qualities — patience, adaptability, collegiality, and cross-cultural competence — needed to lead an intensive, team-oriented four-month study abroad program on an annual basis.