Position Summary

Michigan State University actively seeks a dynamic academic and administrative leader who is able to advance and promote, in meaningful ways, an environment in which individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue research and academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The Chairperson of the Anthropology Department provides facilitative leadership to the Department in all teaching, research, and service capacities and is expected to maintain and enhance a positive, creative, and productive environment for the faculty, support staff, and students. The Chairperson serves as the chief administrative officer of the Department and reports directly to the Dean of the College of Social Science. Responsibilities include developing and implementing a strategy for the department that will serve to increase its internal and external strengths. Responsibilities also include conducting performance evaluations of faculty and staff, facilitating the mentoring of tenure-system faculty, and fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and mentorship. Other responsibilities include managing and administering the Department budget and providing oversight in the procurement of financial and other resources. The Chair would also work with College development staff to engage with alumni, donors, and other external stakeholders, and to build an advisory board to support future development efforts. Because this unique Department includes faculty with ties to other programs and units, the Chairperson will also interact with chairs and directors of other departments and units across the university. The usual term of the chair is 3-5 years with the possibility of renewal pending a positive review.

This chairperson is full-time (12 month) and will begin no later than August 16, 2024. All applicants must have a PhD in Anthropology and be currently in the tenure system at MSU, with a preference for a faculty member at the level of full professor. Candidates’ records should include a distinguished record of scholarship, leadership, teamwork, and dedication to the land grant philosophy. Required and Preferred qualifications are elaborated below.

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

Doctorate -Anthropology

Minimum Requirements

1. Ph.D. in Anthropology in a tenured position at MSU at either the full or associate level.
2. Commitment to diversity among faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students as well as to facilitate professional relationships across groups.
3. Exemplary record of scholarship.
4. Experience with grant writing and grant management.

Desired Qualifications

1. Holding full rank of Professor.
2. A clear and forward-thinking vision of how to increase the internal and external reputation and strength of the department (and reasonable ability to execute it).
3. An understanding and appreciation of the unique and the similar needs and contributions of the various subfields in the Department.
4. Demonstrated experience or high likelihood for success in the ability to be a strong advocate and negotiator for the Department during interactions with the College of Social Science, higher MSU Administration, and externally.
5. Clear preparation for leadership through administrative/managerial experience.
6. Capacity for a clear, fair and transparent leadership style that facilitates increased collaboration and cohesion across the subfields in the department.
7. Clear preparation for leadership and management style to maintain respectful and productive work environment.
8. Commitment to advocacy for the department, including securing institutional support for faculty and graduate student research.
9. Demonstrated understanding of strategic planning and its importance.
10. Commitment to effective community building that advocates rights for all stakeholders.

Required Application Materials

Candidates must complete an online application at ebs.msu.edu using the Careers@MSU tile. Applications should include a CV, statement describing their relevant experience and qualifications for this position, which addresses their vision for how diversity/inclusion will advance MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence, and contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

Consideration of applications will begin 01/08/2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

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.