Research Partner Project Development

Full job description Visiting Research Partner, Project Development & Strategic Initiatives College of Fine and Applied Arts University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The College of Fine and Applied Arts is accepting applications for a Visiting Research Partner at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Visiting Research Partner, working under the direction of the Research Assistant Professor of Black Life, Arts and Culture (BLAAC) and founder of The Gathering Goat (TGG), will actively conduct diverse research projects in collaboration with the TGG team. The position will execute research-related activities such as helping lead research projects from conception to analysis to information sharing in a collaborative team environment. Additional responsibilities include leadership and management of strategic initiatives, teams, community and partner relationships as well as supporting partner researchers.
The Gathering Goat — Who We Are:

TGG is an online and in-person community creating spaces where Black rest and Black thriving matter and Black legacy is preserved.
Duties & Responsibilities TGG Research Projects & Strategic Initiatives —
Work with the Research Assistant Professor of BLAAC to manage, execute and lead a full range of research activities, projects, initiatives and teams for TGG, providing conceptual and intellectual input on research-related activities and strategic projects and initiatives, which includes: Collaborate with the Research Assistant Professor of BLAAC on design, planning and implementing research and strategy projects and initiatives of various design, including contributing to experimental designs. Lead and conduct research, research-related searches, data collection and management, design and construction of data collection tools, synthesis of discrete data for analysis, and navigation of ambiguity. Support the Research Assistant Professor of BLAAC in performing research analyses and carrying out uses of research findings to develop strategic recommendations and plans that will be communicated to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders. Collaborate with the Research Assistant Professor of BLAAC on evaluations, content creation, reports and publications. Track research project and initiative schedules and timelines to support development and increase effectiveness and impact. Monitor the field and social, cultural, and political landscapes to provide leadership on new opportunities that may contribute to project and initiative direction and future goals. Organization —
Collaborate with the Research Assistant Professor of BLAAC to plan, organize, prepare, and execute research-related engagements including, presentations, visits, events, meetings and other-type gatherings, as well as strategy reviews and budgeting. Community Engagement, Partnerships & Stakeholder Relationships—
Advocacy focused on the treatment and support of Black people related to the projects and strategic initiatives. Lead community engagement and building partnership relationships using practices that are supported by interdisciplinary research, personal experience, and cultural understanding to create a collaborative and caring community. Communicate in a professional and positive manner in research practice with a wide range of audiences and partners at TGG and across the context of the university and beyond. Collaborate with the Research Assistant Professor of BLAAC and other functions and stakeholders on special research-related assignments and other projects. Support onboarding and overall supervision of undergraduate and graduate research personnel. Position Qualifications Required -
BA in Business Administration, or a closely related field. 3-6 years of experience in project and/or research methods, logistics and activities. This experience should include creation, planning, development, implementation, management and information gathering and presentation. 2-4 years of proven experience leading, supervising, consulting, coaching or partnering with a diverse group in advancing racial equity and justice in or through an organization or school context, across all levels of leadership. Demonstrated experience relevant to social change, achieving economic justice, affecting racial equity and corporate or organizational responsibility towards employees, the community or the environment. Research experience and/or interest working on Black studies, Black feminism, and Black religion topics with particular attention to people practices, people and organization practice, the business of theology, change management, Black ownership / entrepreneurship, and experimentation with social consciousness in the culinary and public art forms. Preferred -
MA or MS in leadership or strategic organizational development and/or management. 4 years of experience in social or organizational change, administration, or corporate responsibility Successful candidates will have the following-
Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively and amicably with remote teams. Ability to travel and/or stay overnight. Self-motivated to work independently with little supervision. Effective collaboration and outreach with a range of stakeholder groups using collaborative methods and strategies that improve individual and/or societal well-being and are supported by research. Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain strong and positive relationships and create spaces that are safe and honor differences with sensitivity. Skilled at bringing creative, intentional solutions, and aiding in applying those interventions through accountability and follow-up. A thorough understanding of race relations and issues and a range of pressing race-related policy challenges. Evidence of strong ties to and experience with the Black community (that is neither distant nor superficial). In-depth understanding and expertise with Black and gender equity and justice strategies and practices. Exceptional attention to details even under pressure. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent critical thinking capabilities, organizational and multitasking skills. Established capacity to meet deadlines and manage time effectively. Demonstrated strength in systems thinking, analysis and strategy to achieve meaningful and sustainable life, societal or organizational and/or school change. Willingness to listen to and accept new ideas, alternatives and perspectives. Understanding of, or willingness to learn, qualitative research principles and methods. A thorough understanding of the role of Black life and culture in strengthening community identity, fostering social cohesion and teaching people how to tackle challenges, disrupt, and create spaces of otherwise possibilities that support Black wellness and thriving. Deep literacy in and exposure to the roles and impact of Black justice strategies, such as care methodologies, practices, and other Black justice tactics, in exposing and disrupting systemic inequities and in pursuing the necessary changes to move things in the way we need to go for full life. In-depth understanding of what Black people and Black communities across the country contend with in today's society, that makes TGG's intervention imperative for partnering with and serving Black people and Black communities. Appointment Information This position is a 100% full-time, twelve-month Visiting Academic Professional appointment with full benefits. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Minimum salary for this position begins at $58,689 and is commensurate with experience. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is of a limited duration. The position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic needs. The position is open to possible hybrid or remote work but required to be "in office" or "on-site" at the primary location of operations in Urbana-Champaign when needed.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 12, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. For full consideration, all requested information and documents should be submitted by the deadline. Interviews may begin prior to the close of the search but no hiring decision will be made until after the search closes. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at . For questions regarding the application process, please contact .
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at , or by emailing .
Requisition ID : 1022280

Job Category : Research

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