Associate Director - Institute for South Asia Studies

Position overview

Position title: Associate Director

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: Academic Coordinator Series Salary Scale. The current base salary range for this position is $84,246-$164,103. 'Off-scale' salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: July 1, 2026

Position duration: Initial two year term, with the possibility of renewal

Application Window

Open date: April 3, 2026

Most recent review date: Saturday, Apr 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Institute for South Asia Studies (ISAS) is the world's largest and leading institute for research and programs on South Asia. ISAS works with faculty members, graduate students, community members, private institutions, and non-profit organizations to deepen understanding of the region and to create new generations of scholars of South Asia. ISAS actively:

• Supports teaching and research activities of South Asia-related faculty and their students
• Supports curricular development and fundraising in departments (especially the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies)
• Initiates and administers research projects and faculty grants
• Organizes and hosts lectures, colloquia, seminars, and research conferences
• Develops financial resources for the enhancement of South Asia Studies
• Encourages interdisciplinary, regional, and comparative studies of South Asia
• Creates outreach programs in coordination with other institutions of primary, secondary, and post-secondary education
• Administers fellowships and grants for the study of South Asia
• Publishes language textbooks, research notes, and conference reports and an annual newsletter
• Supports cultural and community activities relating to South Asia and South Asians

The Associate Director sets the intellectual tone and provides the overall vision and strategy for the Institute in the areas of programming, managing current interdisciplinary initiatives, developing future initiatives, developing domestic and international partnerships and collaborations (with research universities, community partners, private companies, NGOs, and museums), fundraising through grants and private donors, and developing a strategy for branding, marketing and publications. The Associate Director represents ISAS at domestic and international conferences and as a trustee on a variety of international boards focused on South Asia.

In addition, the Associate Director manages all day-to-day functions of the ISAS, including all issues related to HR and staff management, mentoring and developing staff, overseeing all financial transactions, and managing the program director on all initiatives, events, outreach materials, and publications. The Associate Director executes the ISAS's fundraising strategy, including identifying, cultivating, and stewarding current and potential donors. The Associate Director coordinates with gift services and fund services on campus to make sure all the relevant paperwork is completed for all donors, pledges are regularly fulfilled, and donors are stewarded properly. In addition, the Associate Director identifies grant opportunities and works with faculty to write grant proposals for funding. They are responsible for all aspects of grant management once the grant is received, including maintaining a strong relationship with the program officer, regular grant reporting, transferring monies from the grant to other departments, managing the budget, and coordinating with campus colleagues on joint campus initiatives to fulfill the mission of the grant. The Associate Director administers undergraduate and graduate fellowships and internships and organizes and serves on selection committees. In addition, they engage regularly with faculty and provide outreach to the campus, across the US, and internationally about the ISAS' programs and offerings. The Associate Director regularly interacts with various board members (for the ISAS and for various initiatives, made up of faculty and/or potential and current donors) to update them on progress.

The Associate Director also has responsibility to manage all aspects of the Center on Bangladesh Studies and the Center on Contemporary India, including developing the strategic vision of the Centers, handling donor relations, reporting on activities, establishing partnerships with institutions in Bangladesh and India, awarding fellowships, and engaging in research projects and collaborations.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Advanced Degree

Preferred qualifications
PhD or equivalent degree in a South Asia-related field
Competence in one or more of the major languages of the region, together with field experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong grant writing and fund-raising skills
Strong interpersonal, communication skills
Strong administrative skills
The successful applicant must be flexible and adaptable in managing time and juggling many varied responsibilities

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA