Assistant Professor, Native American Studies

Department

College of LAS-Office

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values:
Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

About the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

The College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at the University, housing nineteen academic departments, five centers and institutes, and numerous programs focused on community service, social justice, and global discovery. The College embraces and celebrates the diverse, intersectional identities of our students, faculty, and staff and works to create a community where all members can thrive through belonging, expression, and positive influence in shaping one other.

Position Summary

The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at MSU Denver invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position with scholarly and community engagement expertise in Native American Studies. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline, the faculty member may be housed in Departments of Political Science, History, Anthropology, Sociology, or other closely related disciplines within CLAS.

Responsibilities

Tenure-track faculty are expected to teach a total of 24-units each year (equivalent of a 4:4 load). It is anticipated that the candidate will be eligible for reassigned time from instruction with work in support of MSU Denver's Native-Indigenous Student Support Initiatives and a revitalization of the Native American Studies minor. Additional summer outreach and educational work related to Native American initiatives may also be available with additional compensation.

As with all faculty, course assignments and specific job duties will be determined based on student need, faculty expertise, and the needs of the department and/or program.

The selected candidate will:

* Teach Native American topics within their respective discipline, maintain a scholarly portfolio of works that align with requirement in their departmental guidelines, and provide service to the department, college, and university.

* Support and promote interdisciplinary research and teaching in Native American Studies. Facilitate faculty development, grant writing, and scholarly collaborations, when appropriate and applicable.

* Develop and implement a strategic plan for a partnership with MSU Denver's Native-Indigenous Student Support Initiatives that align with the university's mission and priorities, including expanding academic programs, research initiatives, and public outreach.

* Build and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with Native American tribes, nations, and organizations. Collaborate with campus partners to organize events, conferences, and programs that engage both campus and community audiences. Indigenous heritage or lived experience within Native communities is valued.

* Collaborate with university offices to support Native American students, including recruitment, retention, mentorship, and cultural programming.

Required Qualifications

* Ph.D. or terminal degree in Native American Studies, Indigenous Studies or Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, History, or a related field with Native American or Indigenous Studies as a focus within their discipline

* Demonstrated record of scholarship and leadership in Native American or Indigenous Studies

* Experience working collaboratively with Native American communities

* Commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and Indigenous sovereignty

* Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

*…