Director of Academic Programmes

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and imaginative individual with an academic specialism in US history and a record of effective teaching and administration to join the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) as our new Director of Academic Programmes.

The RAI is Oxford’s centre for the study of the United States and its place in the world. Every year we host a full programme of events which attract leading scholars and public figures from across the world. We have a lively and friendly community made up of our small administration team plus early career researchers, librarians, graduate students, Oxford academics and visiting fellows. In this role you will be at the centre of this activity and play a key part in making it all happen.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop the RAI’s academic programming during the Oxford academic year as well as to lead a new month-long summer school for US undergraduates which we will run in partnership with the Kinder Institute at the University of Missouri, launching in July 2025.

The Director of Academic Programmes will be responsible for running the RAI’s programme of public lectures and events. They will deputise for the RAI Director when needed – chairing events, welcoming visitors, representing the Institute and supporting the Director in providing strategic direction and management of the Institute – while working closely with our small but highly effective professional services team. They will take principal responsibility for all aspects of summer school organisation, including recruitment of teachers, developing the academic content, and taking day-to-day responsibility for its smooth running. They may also teach on the summer school programme if appropriate. In this aspect of their role, the Director of Academic Programmes will work closely with both the RAI Director and the Director of the Kinder Institute at the University of Missouri.

Over the full academic year, the responsibilities of the post will be split 50:50 between the summer school and other RAI leadership roles.

There may be opportunities to do a small amount of teaching in the University of Oxford, subject to the agreement of the RAI Director. Any such teaching would be separately remunerated and would not form part of the duties of the post.

This is a wide-ranging role demanding a capacity for strategic thinking and excellent organisational and communication skills. We are seeking someone with an academic background, who enjoys the challenge of administration, leadership and institution-building.

Application process

For your online application, you will be required to upload your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria for the post, using examples of your skills and experience. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now.

For further details, please refer to the How to apply section of the job description. Queries about the post should be directed to Professor Adam Smith, Director of the Rothermere American Institute, [email protected]. Non-technical questions about this job may be directed to [email protected]. 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 16 February 2024. Only applications received before this time can be considered.

Shortlisting is expected to take place week ending 23 February. Interviews will be held in person and are expected to take place on 8 March. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet the Institute Manager and have a tour of the RAI, which will take place on either the day of the interviews or the day before (date to be confirmed). 

Please quote Vacancy ID 170445 on all correspondence.

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