Director of the Newark Earthworks Center

Native American and Indigenous Studies Association; Newark (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic institution is seeking a dynamic Director for the Newark Earthworks Center. This role is pivotal in promoting Indigenous studies and fostering collaboration across disciplines. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, engage with Indigenous communities, and enhance the center's visibility. This position not only emphasizes leadership but also teaching excellence, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about Indigenous cultures and academic engagement. Join a vibrant community dedicated to making a significant impact in the field of Indigenous studies.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Retirement Options

Work-Life Balance Policies

Qualifications

• PhD in Indigenous Studies or related field required.
• Prior experience in academic leadership and collaboration is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Newark Earthworks Center and expand its academic profile.
• Develop impactful scholarship and outreach opportunities.

Skills

Indigenous Studies

Academic Leadership

Research Methodologies

Teaching Excellence

Education

PhD in Indigenous Studies

PhD in allied fields

Job description

Job Title:
Director of the Newark Earthworks Center

Link to application

Department:

Newark | General

The Ohio State University at Newark invites applications for Director of the Newark Earthworks Center at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure. We seek a scholar whose research employs Native American and Indigenous Studies methodologies, foregrounding Indigenous peoples’ intellectual traditions, histories, aesthetics, geographies, and other ways of knowing. We welcome applications from publicly engaged scholars with leadership and administrative experience whose research and teaching demonstrates accountability to Indigenous communities.

The Newark Earthworks Center is an academic research center at The Ohio State University, housed on the Newark campus. The mission of the Newark Earthworks Center is to promote and support research, teaching and engagement by faculty, students, scholars, Indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders with an interest in the ancestral and contemporary Indigenous places, peoples, cultures and experiences within and around Ohio.

In addition to serving in the leadership role, the director will also be a dedicated teacher and productive scholar. The departmental home of the position is open. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, Anthropology, Comparative Studies, English, Geography, History, and History of Art. At The Ohio State University, while faculty teach primarily on their home campus, all faculty members’ Tenure-Initiating Units are based in Columbus.

This hire follows a concentrated emphasis of hiring faculty in Indigenous studies at Ohio State’s Columbus campus over the past several years. The director will have the opportunity to collaborate with the American Indian Studies program in the Center for Ethnic Studies in developing programming.

The director will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the efforts of World Heritage Ohio to celebrate Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The new director will be expected to develop a clear research focus, based on the NEC mission and the recognition of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as a serial World Heritage Site (2023); to collaborate across disciplines, universities, and other Indigenous World Heritage sites; and to communicate the NEC mission effectively with media and constituencies.

Performance Objectives

• Lead the Newark Earthworks Center, building its profile as an academic research center and its profile on campus and across Licking County, connecting with stakeholders beyond the campus, and bringing attention to the Midwest Indigenous cultures who created the earthworks at the core of the Center’s mission;
• Expand meaningful research and outreach opportunities for students on the campus;
• Develop impactful, productive scholarship consistent with the ongoing missing of the Newark Earthworks Center;
• Cultivate productive relationships with tribal governments;
• Collaborate with scholars across departments and engage diverse constituencies (including Indigenous communities) inside and outside of the university;
• Teach and advise graduate and undergraduate students; and
• Seek out external funding that emphasizes the strengths of the NEC’s research and outreach efforts (as directed by the Office Academic Affairs).

Tenure faculty (regardless of rank) – persons with the titles of professor, associate professor, assistant professor and instructor who serve on appointments totaling 50% or more service to the university and who are eligible for tenure or who have obtained tenure. Duties and responsibilities are assigned in accordance with the workload guidelines laid out in the pattern of administration of each faculty member’s tenure initiation unit (TIU) and, as appropriate, regional campus; obligations will include research, service and/or teaching or clinical practice. These faculty will have earned doctorate or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study or possession of equivalent experience.

Additional Information:

Qualifications

Required

• A PhD in Indigenous Studies or American Indian Studies or PhD in an allied field (including but not limited to Anthropology, Comparative Studies, English, Geography, History, and History of Art), with a research specialization in Indigenous or American Indian Studies;
• Prior academic experience at a research-intensive university;
• Demonstrated track record of academic leadership, management and collaboration;
• A record of teaching excellence.

Desired

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate, articulate, execute and/or steward a strategic vision;
• Familiarity working with campus administrators and leaders;
• Demonstrated experience working with external stakeholders to establish and maintain collaborations;
• Experience collaborating with alumni, campus leadership, and external stakeholders to expand financial resources.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application materials must include the following required documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vita (CV)
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring

For full consideration please submit application materials by May 20, 2025.

The College
With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

The University
Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

The Campus

The Ohio State University at Newark offered its first classes in 1957 with a mission to provide affordable, open access to Ohio State for all Ohioans. The Newark campus sits on 188 acres and shares the campus with Central Ohio Technical College. The two institutions have a strong partnership whereby they share all buildings and general-purpose classrooms, approximately 100 staff, operating expenses, and a number of capital equipment investments. Shared departments include Advancement; Business and Finance; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Facilities, Planning and Operations; Library; Marketing and Public Relations; Purchasing and Auxiliary Services; Student Financial Services; and Student Life.

Ohio State Newark currently enrolls more than 2,200 students who are taught and mentored by 45 tenure-track faculty who are members of their university-level academic department. Students can complete eight bachelor’s degree programs at the Newark Campus and start any of Ohio State’s 200+ majors. In addition to excellent academic offerings, students can participate in the Honors program, service learning, education abroad, and a wide variety of student clubs and organizations.

Ohio State Newark is situated near the Ohio State University Columbus campus, presenting great opportunities for new and innovative partnerships to benefit students, faculty, and staff. The future of the campus will be impacted by the significant growth and development in Licking County, including a new Intel facility, expansion of Meta and Google facilities, and more. Students are creating innovative pathways to their degree completion due to the proximity to multiple campuses.