Job Description:

Job Number LS 358; Job Title: Program Director/Executive Director (Class 9340) Department Name: Institute on Race & Poverty (IRP) in the Law School; Appointment Start Date: On or near January 3, 2003

The Institute on Race & Poverty is a national strategic research center located at the University of Minnesota Law School. Established in 1993, the Institute seeks to promote understanding of and solutions to the issues confronting racially segregated and low-income communities - communities caught at the intersection of race and poverty. The Institute conducts legal and social science research, compiles data and publishes reports; performs public policy analysis; consults with non-profit organizations, government agencies and policy makers; hosts regional and national conferences; serves as a clearinghouse of information for scholars and advocates; and provides technical and legal services to communities in need. Much of its recent work is focused on the spatial and structural aspects of racism, including racial justice and regional equity; access to democratic participation and governance; and examining interrelationships among opportunity structures.

The Executive Director takes the lead role in planning and leading the work of the Institute, and overseeing all aspects of research, public education, fund raising and finance. S/he must have a professional or graduate degree along with 5 – 7 years demonstrated experience managing large research projects and/or organizations. This individual has specialized knowledge of the cumulative impact of racism and poverty and has extensive leadership experience. The Executive Director reports to the Dean of the Law School and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

Research and Publication: Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop new projects; oversee and work with the Director of Research to provide direction to staff regarding all phases of research; conduct research and present findings through written publications and/or presentations (33 %).

Organizational Leadership: Work with Director of Development and Administration to ensure that the Institute has adequate human and financial resources to carry out its mission; conduct strategic planning; ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to support organizational effectiveness and efficiency and contribute to on-going organizational evaluation (33 %).

Public Relations/Public Education: Participates in and/or develops outreach programs characterized by significant interaction with and inclusion of the wider community. The Executive Director gives presentations and represents IRP at meetings and conferences, works with the Director of Public Education in planning initiatives, oversee conference planning, and oversees information/research services offered to government, non-profit organizations, litigators, etc. (33%).

Qualifications:
Required
Academic: JD, Ph.D. or Masters in social sciences area
Experience:
5-7 years experience as follows:

• Substantive Capacity: Proven understanding of the theory and practice informing the amelioration of the problems situated at the race and poverty intersect, in a national and international context, including racial justice and regional equity, the structural nature of inequalities, and the interrelationship of opportunity structures across key life areas, such as housing, education, employment, health care, etc., as demonstrated through significant achievement in the following areas:
  • Scholarly publications
  • Research
  • Participation in public education initiatives around race and poverty
  • Advocacy

• Relationships and resources: Proven success in developing and maintaining relationships with others in the field including scholars, policy makers, community advocates and funders as demonstrated through significant achievement in:
  • Knowledge of current policy and practice in the areas of regional equity and structural racism
  • Developing collaborative relationships across a variety of sectors
  • Developing financial resources from national foundations
  • Working with other organizations, including foundations in capacity-building role to inform others’ orientation to addressing race and poverty issues

• Leadership ability: Proven ability to provide leadership as demonstrated through significant achievement in the following areas:
  • Organizational and project management
  • Planning and evaluation
  • Staff relations
  • Fiscal management
  • Internal and external public relations

Desired
Academic:
J.D. or Ph. D.
Experience:
All of the above, plus 10 or more years experience.

Contact: Interested candidates should send a cover letter that includes a vision for directing the Institute and a discussion of relevant policy and scholarship experiences; a current CV; two relevant writing samples; two letters of recommendation; and the names/phone numbers of two additional references familiar with the applicant’s work. Mail to: Executive Director Search, The Institute on Race & Poverty, 415 Walter Mondale Hall, 229 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Visit our Web site at www.umn.edu/irp for more information about the Institute on Race & Poverty. Application deadline: Application review begins immediately, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.