Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation, Brandeis University

The minor in Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation (CAST) and Brandeis University’s International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life (The Center) invite applications for a full-time 9-month position to provide intellectual leadership for our dynamic interdisciplinary minor and to serve as Assistant Director of the Program in Peacebuilding and the Arts, housed in The Center. This is a non-tenured, three-year position, pending positive review at the end of the first year, with potential renewal at the conclusion of three years. The role includes teaching, coordinating faculty development, student advising, planning CAST events, research and creative activities, as well as administrative responsibilities. It is possible that, over time, the position could become year-round. CAST and The Center will offer communities of inquiry supportive of this faculty member’s own research and creative work, ideally at the intersection of practice, reflection and analysis.

60% of the position, or 3 courses per year, will be devoted to teaching. These courses will include:

• CAST 150b, Introduction to Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation. This introductory course is required of all students who join the minor. It should link theory and practice, introducing students to the basic concepts and core capacities of the field.
• Two additional courses, based on the expertise and skills of the person holding the position. These would also be designated as CAST courses, but would likely be cross-listed in a department in one of the Divisions in the School of Arts and Sciences (Creative Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences). At least one of these two courses serve as one of several CAST capstone courses, meaning that students are learning skills through hands-on practice and also engaging in theoretical inquiry and critique.

20% of the position will involve leadership within the CAST minor, including co-chairing the advisory committee, which includes both faculty and staff; leading or coordinating faculty development workshops (1 – 2/year); advising students; representing CAST on campus; and planning CAST events. In future years, the person holding this position might sometimes also serve as the undergraduate advising head. The position also entails maintaining relationships with donors to CAST. These responsibilities are understood as the equivalent of one course.

20% of the position will be devoted to research and responsibilities at the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life, including attending monthly staff meetings and creating content for Center publications. The holder of this position would be invited to participate in IMPACT (Imagining Together Platform for Arts, Culture and Conflict Transformation), a multi-regional infrastructure for the emerging Arts, Culture and Conflict Transformation eco-system, involving artists, cultural workers, funders, policy-makers and researchers. These responsibilities are understood as the equivalent of one core course.

The current co-chairs of the CAST advisory committee will offer mentorship in relation to the development of the core course, the co-chairing of the CAST advisory committee, and the responsibilities of the undergraduate advising head. The director of the Program in Peacebuilding and the Arts will offer mentorship in relation to work in IMPACT and at The Center.

• Ph.D. or highest degree in field related to CAST, including Conflict Transformation, Literature, Performance, Anthropology, Sociology, Education, Social Policy, Folklore, Cultural Heritage, Art History, Museum Studies, Urban Planning, etc.
• 5-8 years work experience in the field, such as in public humanities, participatory action-research, community arts practice, evaluation/learning partnership with arts/peacebuilding groups
• Publication in journals or commensurate creative work
• 3-5 years teaching experience at institutions of higher education
• Commitment to developing de-colonizing relationships based on ethics of reciprocity and mutuality with colleagues from different parts of the Arts, Culture and Conflict Transformation eco-system (artists, cultural workers, researchers, policy-makers, funders, etc.) in different regions of the world
• Interest in offering leadership to a small, dynamic academic minor and participating in a global community of inquiry
• Demonstrated capacity to work as a constructive member of diverse teams, as well as offer leadership and support to colleagues and students

Review websites

1) the CAST program (https://www.brandeis.edu/creativity-arts-social-transformation/ and https://www.brandeis.edu/registrar/bulletin/provisional/courses/subjects/1475.html;

2) the IMPACT initiative https://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/peacebuildingarts/impact/index.html; and

3) the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/

Applications, which should be submitted through AcademicJobsOnline at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/13223 should include

• a letter of application, explaining why you are interested in the position, the ethical commitments you would bring to it, and how your experiences as a scholar and as a practitioner and your interests equip you for the responsibilities entailed in this position
• a curriculum vitae
• letters of reference, or names and contact information for 2-3 people whom we can contact in relation to your application
• samples of or links to work that highlights your interests and accomplishments in relation to creativity, the arts, and social transformation

Review of applications will begin on Monday, February 25.  March 1, 2019 is the final deadline.

At Brandeis, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of academic excellence. Brandeis University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating equitable access and opportunities for applicants to all employment positions. Because diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of Brandeis’ history and mission, we value and are seeking candidates that represent a variety of social identities, including those that have been underrepresented in higher education, who possess skills that spark innovation, and who, through their scholarly pursuits, teaching, and/or service experiences, bring expertise in building, engaging and sustaining a pluralistic, just, and inclusive campus community.