"Assistant Professor of Black Studies"

Job Details

The Department of Ethnic Studies at Western Washington University is inviting applications for Assistant Professor of Black Studies beginning Fall 2026.

We seek a community-engaged scholar whose teaching, research, and scholarship in Black Studies engage one or more of the following: Black transnational and diasporic studies; comparative race, ethnicity; social movements; well-being &, and critical race theory. We are open to any discipline.

About the University

Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, students, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.

About the Department

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Ethnic Studies support Western's mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.

The Ethnic Studies Department at Western Washington University centers the histories, epistemologies and lived experiences of minoritized peoples and Indigenous Nations. Our approach is intersectional and transnational while highlighting the unique perspectives, contributions, and knowledges of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other minoritized communities. Our courses challenge systems of power and oppression, and advance liberation, emancipation, and self-determining futures. For more information about the department, see the website at https://chss.wwu.edu/ethnic-studies.

About the Position

The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies and will participate in the collaborative building of our new department. Additional responsibilities include standard quarter-system teaching assignment (2-2-2); exemplary teaching; active program of scholarly activity; service to the department, college, university, and profession through a range of activities. The successful candidate will be expected to fulfill teaching and mentoring responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students and will offer a strong record of community-engaged scholarship and research ethics.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, or other relevant field in the Humanities and/or Social Sciences or ABD. If ABD, all degree requirements must be completed by June 15th of the first year of employment.
• A demonstrated ability to teach introductory and advanced theory and methods courses (undergraduate).
• A demonstrated research record that leads to publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or other forms of scholarly dissemination.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse students and cultivate learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse colleagues, including a demonstrated ability and commitment to healthy communication and collaborative work practices that are culturally-responsive and appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• A commitment to building a strong Ethnic Studies Department through curriculum development as well as demonstrated leadership.
• Additional expertise in Black culture, politics, and/or the Pacific Northwest.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative and community-engaged research.

Application Instructions

To be considered for the position, application materials must be submitted via WWU’s PageUp, Western's online employment management system. Candidates should upload the following as part of a complete application:

1. Letter of application specifically addressing the qualifications;
2. CV;
3. Separate statement addressing demonstrated ability and commitment to cultivating learning and working environments that are equitable and inclusive of students, faculty, and staff with diverse social identities and backgrounds; and evidence of a commitment to fulfill teaching and mentoring responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students;
4. Evidence of successful teaching (e.g., philosophy on teaching, student evaluations, course materials, etc.);
5. Sample publications (no more than two)
6. Graduate transcripts;
7. Names and contact information of three professional references. Do not send letters of recommendation; three letters of recommendation will be required and these will be requested of candidates' referees via the PageUp system; and
8. If ABD, include verification of status from graduate school office, advisor, or department chair.

Finalists may be asked for student course evaluations if they were not provided with the application. For questions regarding the position, application process, or department, contact the Department Manager at Ethnic.Studies@wwu.edu.

Closing Date Notes

Application review of completed files begins November 3, 2026; position is open until filled.

Conditions of Employment

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary

The starting salary range for assistant professor appointment, tenure-track is generally between $71,500 – $74,500, with placement within the position’s salary range being based on qualifications and professional experience. The entire salary range for the assistant professor position is $71,500 - $80,500, with the upper end of the salary range typically being achieved through collectively bargained salary adjustments. Relocation assistance may be available per University guidelines. Salary and Start-up funds are to be determined upon being offered the position.

Benefits

Benefits Overview for Faculty Positions

Bargaining Unit

United Faculty of Western Washington

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).