Associate Director of Strategic Research Initiatives and Programs

Job Description:

Brown University's Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America (CSREA) seeks an intellectual and strategic leader to serve as the Associate Director of Strategic Research Initiatives and Programs. This individual acts as the chief intellectual partner to the Faculty Director, playing a critical, PhD-level role in the conceptualization, research, design, and establishment of all scholarly programming and future initiatives. This individual is a visionary researcher and designer who possesses disciplinary expertise in either the humanities or social sciences, coupled with a broad, interdisciplinary fluency across the other.  They will help to develop and execute the Center's intellectual agenda.

The position will conduct needs assessments for new programs, draft detailed research proposals, and oversee the intellectual coherence of all CSREA offerings. In collaboration with the Faculty Director, they are responsible for driving the Center's growth by designing innovative, research and programmatic initiatives, multi-disciplinary research working groups, and faculty/student fellowship programs. The position also collaborates with the Faculty Director on establishing advancement and fundraising initiatives, cultivating constituencies, and overseeing partnerships.

Education and Experience

●        Master’s Degree required (Ph.D. preferred) with a specialization in a field related to CSREA's mission and a research agenda that demonstrates command of empirical methods plus a minimum of 5 years of academic or related administrative experience focused on intellectual program design, strategic planning, and constituent cultivation or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required: 

●        Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of interdisciplinary work on race, gender, ethnicity, inequality, power, and critical-theoretical frameworks.

●        Active intellectual engagement and a published research profile in topics of relevance to CSREA.

Job Competencies

●        Exceptional conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to translate strategic vision into actionable intellectual proposals.

●        Excellent communication skills—both written (especially proposal/white paper drafting) and oral (for high-profile representation).

●        Strong organizational and project management skills.

●        Capacity to collaborate with, serve, and guide a range of experts from faculty to peers.

●        Ability to understand and operate in a complex and campus environment, and to create collaborative networks across multiple constituencies.

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world.

Brown University offers flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more. Read more about the benefits of working at Brown here.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-07-02

Job Posting Title:

Associate Director of Strategic Research Initiatives and Programs

Department:

Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America

Grade:

Grade 11

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.