Assistant Director, Pardee School of Global Studies

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies seeks an Assistant Director for the African Studies Center (ASC) to guide staff, manage budgets, and coordinate grants and programs. The role involves cross-unit collaboration with the African Language Program and K-16 Education Outreach, directing grants, and developing new initiatives.

The candidate will oversee ASC operations, liaison with university partners, and ensure program excellence across academic and public-facing activities,

Qualifications

• Master's degree required with 3-5 years of experience and 2+ years of management experience.
• Solid understanding of the academic environment and federal grants.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the ASC and oversee operating budgets and day-to-day operations.
• Coordinate and curate ASC programming, including lectures, visiting scholars, and partnerships with Africa-focused programs.
• Oversee grants administration, including project management, reporting, and proposal development.
• Collaborate with the African Language Program and K-16 Education Outreach Program to align curriculum and staffing.
• Manage center programs, facilities, events, and alumni tracking for Title VI reporting.

Skills

Broad knowledge of African issues

Leadership abilities

Grant management basics

Education

Master's Degree

3-5 years experience; 2+ years management

Job description

Assistant Director, Pardee School of Global Studies

Category

Job Location

Tracking Code

26500144180807

Posted Date

8/18/2026

Salary Grade

Grade 48

Expected Hiring Range Minimum

$71,925.00

Expected Hiring Range Maximum

$93,375.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Assistant Director of the African Studies Center (ASC) works with the ASC Faculty Director to lead center staff in establishing strategic direction for the ASC, overseeing management of operating budgets, and coordinating day-to-day operations, academic programs, and grant projects. S/he is responsible for overseeing ASC grants, including project management, monitoring, and reporting for all grants as well as preparing new grant proposals.

This candidate will coordinate with the Faculty Director of the African Language Program – including on issues of curriculum development and part-time faculty hiring – and the K-16 Education Outreach Program, the African Studies Library, and Publications.

• Program to ensure effective operation of each ASC unit and its campus partners to advance program objectives.
• Guides the development of and coordinates programming, including lectures, research affiliate and visiting scholar programs.
• Serves as a liaison with ASC affiliated faculty, students, alumni, government agencies, and the community.
• Works with the Director to develop new programs for the Center, including research projects, new curricular offerings, and overseas linkages and exchanges including with African Universities and American Institutions.
• Grant Management Oversee administration of all grants and of the ASC in coordination with the Pardee Executive Director of Finance and Administration and the Office of Sponsored Research.
• Coordinate grant applications and contribute to writing proposals in collaboration with faculty Director, including the upcoming renewal application of Title VI.
• Prepare and manage budgets, prepare reports, and monitor program performance.
• In partnership with the Director of the African Language Program, serve as FLAS Coordinator for fellowship and scholarship recipients.
• Ensure programs and staff comply with grant requirements.
• Assist Director in seeking new grants to support activities and research on Africa.
• Center Management Oversee overall management of the ASC to establish program goals and ensure each ASC unit advances program objectives.
• Coordinate in partnership with the director of the African Language Program and African Studies Library.
• Directly supervise ASC administrative staff as well as the leaders of the K-16 Education Outreach Program and Publications Program.
• Liaison with Pardee School and university administration.
• Curate ASC events programming in collaboration with Director, including the Walter Rodney Seminar lecture series.
• Maintain tracking data on alumni of academic programs, including of FLAS fellows, for Title VI reporting and development.
• This position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Center's programs, including planning and executing events, coordinating and booking all event logistics, and managing post-event reconciliation.

Responsibilities include:

• Processing reimbursements and payments, updating the website, generating newsletters, and handling all accounts payable for the Center's programs.
• External Relations
• Along with the Director, represent ASC at events and serve as liaison with faculty, students, alumni, government agencies, and the African diaspora community.
• Facilitate visa and other international visitor processing with ISSO.
• Develop and maintain links with African universities and other African and American institutions, including HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and schools of education.
• Coordinate ASC communications (including website, mailing lists, and social media).
• This position will continue to support the Center's K-16 Education Outreach Program component to ensure continuity and consistent program delivery.
• Academic Programming Coordinate curricular offerings on Africa, including undergraduate minors, graduate certificate, Hub courses, and other academic programs.
• In partnership with Pardee School Student Affairs and Services, advise students in ASC academic programs and on FLAS fellowships.
• Manage academic appointments, including faculty actions paperwork for African Language Program faculty, visiting scholars, and research affiliates in coordination with Pardee School Academic & faculty Affairs Office.; chair the research appointments committee.

Required Skills

• Master's Degree required with 3-5 years of experience with 2+ years of management experience, with broad knowledge of African issues in any academic field.
• The successful candidate will have solid understanding of the academic environment and federal grants.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.