Vanderbilt University

Director of the James Lawson Institute

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN, USA
Full-TimeDepends on ExperienceSenior LevelPhd or Professional
Job Description

Welcome to Vanderbilt University and the James Lawson Institute, where we are dedicated to promoting social justice and activism through education and community engagement. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director to lead our institute and continue its legacy of impactful and meaningful work. As the Director, you will have the opportunity to shape and grow the institute while collaborating with a diverse and passionate team. We are searching for a candidate who shares our values and possesses the necessary qualifications to lead this esteemed institute. If you are passionate about social justice, have a strong background in educational leadership, and thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

  1. Develop and implement strategic plans for the institute in line with the overall mission and goals of Vanderbilt University and the James Lawson Institute.
  2. Provide visionary leadership and direction to the institute, setting and overseeing its long-term objectives and goals.
  3. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to design and deliver educational programming that promotes social justice and activism.
  4. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equity.
  5. Oversee the institute's budget and ensure responsible financial management.
  6. Represent the institute at conferences, events, and other public forums to increase visibility and promote its mission.
  7. Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including donors, alumni, and community organizations.
  8. Act as a spokesperson for the institute, communicating its mission, values, and accomplishments to various audiences.
  9. Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to staff and students within the institute.
  10. Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices related to social justice and activism, and incorporate this knowledge into the institute's programming.
  11. Evaluate the impact of the institute's initiatives and make recommendations for improvement.
  12. Oversee the recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty, staff, and students.
  13. Collaborate with other departments and institutes at Vanderbilt University to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and initiatives.
  14. Uphold the values and principles of Vanderbilt University and the James Lawson Institute, including a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned by the university.
Where is this job?
This job is located at Nashville, TN, USA
Job Qualifications
  • Extensive Experience In Leadership And Management Roles In Higher Education Institutions, Ideally At A Prestigious University Like Vanderbilt.

  • A Strong Understanding Of Social Justice Issues And A Commitment To Promoting Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Within An Academic Setting.

  • Proven Track Record Of Developing And Implementing Successful Educational Programs, Particularly In The Areas Of Activism, Community Organizing, And Nonviolent Social Change.

  • Excellent Communication And Interpersonal Skills, With The Ability To Build And Maintain Relationships With Faculty, Staff, Students, And External Partners.

  • Advanced Degree In A Related Field, Such As Education, Sociology, Political Science, Or Social Justice, With A Deep Understanding Of Critical Pedagogy And Transformative Learning Theories.

Required Skills
  • Strategic Planning

  • Team Management

  • Budget management

  • Leadership

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Fundraising

  • Public speaking

  • Community Outreach

  • Program development

  • Event Coordination

  • Curriculum Design

  • Research Proficiency

Soft Skills
  • Communication

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Leadership

  • Time management

  • creativity

  • Critical thinking

  • Teamwork

  • Adaptability

  • Problem-Solving

Compensation

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Director of the James Lawson Institute in Nashville, TN, USA is between $115,000 and $160,000 per year. This may vary depending on the specific company, experience level, and other factors.

Additional Information
Vanderbilt University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Required LanguagesEnglish
Job PostedApril 29th, 2025
Apply BeforeSeptember 25th, 2025
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About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private research university with approximately 6,900 undergraduates and more than 6,000 graduate and professional students. Comprised of 10 distinct schools and colleges on one centralized campus in downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt spurs—and is optimized for—cross-disciplinary research, fostering discoveries that impact society for the better.

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