The Appalachian College Association (ACA) seeks applicants for a three-year grant-funded PROJECT DIRECTOR. The ACA has received funding for an NSF ADVANCE Partnership project titled Appalachian Colleges Collaborating for Equity. The ADVANCE program aims to foster gender equity by identifying and eliminating organizational barriers impeding the full participation and advancement of diverse faculty in academic institutions. The ACA project aims to address the significant challenge of hiring and retaining women and underrepresented minorities in STEM faculty positions, particularly at small rural institutions in the Appalachian region.

The Appalachian College Association is a consortium of 33 private colleges and universities located in central Appalachia. Our consortium facilitates peer connections across institutions, provides faculty and staff development, and negotiates cost-saving partnerships on behalf of our members.

We are seeking a Project Director to work closely with other project personnel to organize and implement programming for this project. The Project Director will be responsible for coordinating and managing multiple virtual and in-person meetings, communicating with project participants and other stakeholders, report writing, and maintaining the project databases and website. Some travel will be required.

Required qualifications include at least a master’s degree, demonstrated organizational skills, exceptional communication skills, proficiency with standard technological tools, and knowledge of best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education contexts. Preferred qualifications include understanding of the dynamics of faculty career progression, experience with budget management, and/or a background in a STEM field, including social/behavioral sciences.

This position is full time, 12 months, and begins as early as November 1, 2023. Location is flexible, but we strongly prefer that the candidate live or relocate to live near one of the colleges served by the Appalachian College Association.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; review of applications will begin September 25, 2023. Application materials must include a cover letter that describes your qualifications for the position, and a current CV (references will be requested for finalists).