Director, Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies

Job Details

Director, Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Director, Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS) is one of the oldest scholarly units dedicated to the study of the Latina/o/x experience in the U.S. Established in 1971 as the Latino en Marcha Leadership Training Program and formally incorporated into Wayne State University as Chicano-Boricua Studies shortly thereafter, CLLAS was born from the activism of the Detroit Latino/a/x community. CLLAS has played an important role in the education and development of leaders in Detroit, the Midwest, and beyond, over its 55-year legacy. This is a full-time, in-person, 12-month position. Preferred start date is August 2026, but candidates able to start in January 2027 are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Center Director has primary responsibilities in the areas of teaching and research, administration of the Center and its programs, and leadership within the University and community with respect to Latino/a/x and Latin American studies. In cooperation with faculty and staff, the new Director will build on current strengths and lead the Center’s continuing efforts, enhancing and expanding its core mission into the future, including the development of new funding streams. Duties of the position include:

• Maintaining a strong research profile and holding membership ties to professional organizations in her/his/their field of expertise.
• Establishing a framework for operational excellence, benchmarks, and strategic planning for the Center’s success.
• Representing CLLAS within and outside the university; leading advocacy and community engagement initiatives, including convening an advisory board.
• Collaborating with other centers within the state and nationally, elevating the Center’s visibility and local, state, and national impact.
• Overseeing and strengthening curriculum for the co-major and minor in Latina/o/x and Latin American Studies.
• Working seamlessly with CLLAS faculty and staff to expand opportunities that support undergraduate student research, creative work, and engagement.
• Leading development and fundraising efforts, including efforts to secure grants and create partnerships.
• Hiring and supervising personnel associated with the Center.

Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in a social science, humanities, education, or other related field.
• Leading scholar with clear evidence of sustained engagement with disciplines and intellectual traditions that comprise Latina/o/x and/or Latin American Studies.
• A strong record of research productivity and professional visibility meriting appointment as full professor at an R1 institution. Qualified applicants at the rank of associate professor will also be considered.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and development.
• Experience in administrative leadership, fundraising, grant management, and stewardship of community relations and other partnerships.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and groups in the community.
• Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in both English and Spanish, preferred.

While we have listed the ideal qualifications, we know that exceptional talent comes in many forms, and that passion and transferable skills matter. If you are excited about this role but do not perfectly match every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

Application materials:

• Cover letter addressing administrative leadership experience, research trajectory, teaching areas, student success philosophy, and community engagement and partnership experience.
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information (phone number and email) for three references.

Review of complete applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Sharon Lean, at sflean@wayne.edu.

School/College/Division: H32 - Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Primary department: H6610 - Center Chicano/Boricua (H6610)

Employment type: Regular Employee, Job type: Full Time, Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary, Salary minimum: Competitive Salary, Salary hire maximum: Competitive Salary

Working conditions: Office environment