Open Position: Assistant Director, Obermann Center for Advanced Studies
About us:
The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies is an interdisciplinary research center that supports the creative and scholarly work of faculty and graduate students from The University of Iowa and around the world. The Center has a long tradition of hosting collaborating artists, scholars, and scientists working in pairs, seminars, symposia, and summer programs.The Center is administratively housed in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), which has as its goal the support and advancement of research, scholarship, and creative activity on the UI campus.
About the Assistant Director position:
The Assistant Director will work closely with the Center Director to design, plan, promote and conduct programs and to oversee communications for the Center in order to enrich the intellectual community on campus.
Percent time: 75–100%
Hours are flexible, usually between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Some evening hours are required for Center events.
Pay level: 4A
Required education or equivalency:
A master’s degree in an academic discipline or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Required qualifications:
- Substantial knowledge of the goals of higher education, including some familiarity with the needs of faculty in a comprehensive research university
- Excellent organizational and planning skills, including experience managing projects and providing consultation to team members and peers
- Exemplary writing and communication skills, including writing for non-academic audiences
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the confidence, sensibility, and discretion to work diplomatically and effectively with a wide variety of faculty, staff, and students, as well as with distinguished visitors, community partners, and the general public; and the capacity to form and sustain purposeful relationships and networks
- Strong academic performance and interest in interdisciplinary research
- Resourcefulness and excellent problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated commitment to the civic importance of the arts, scholarship, and research
- Some experience (6 months–1 year) in public speaking, writing for diverse audiences, and/or teaching
- Reasonable (1-3 years) administrative, supervisory, and program experience
- Proficiency in computer software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Desirable qualifications:
- A Ph.D. or advanced coursework beyond the master's degree
- Experience with social media, including Twitter, YouTube, and Constant Contact
- Familiarity with Drupal and WordPress
- Demonstrated experience with University of Iowa systems and administrative processes
- Training and ability to direct educational activities for students connected to center programs
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while also being a strong collaborator
- Expository writing skills
- Ability to exercise diplomacy and discretion in dealing with faculty and graduate students in the grant selection process
Required application materials:
- Cover letter
- Resume
Application deadline: Monday, November 7, 2022
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and verification of academic credentials. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.