Director, Center for the Study of HBCUs

at  Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor’s, 11 Master’s, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.
Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution’s mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.
The Executive Director for the Center for the Study of HBCUs holds a leadership role, overseeing all aspects of the center’s operations, research, and strategic initiatives. This position provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the study and understanding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Executive Director guides the center’s research agenda, secures funding, builds partnerships, and fosters a collaborative environment that aligns with the university’s mission and contributes to the national discourse on the role of HBCUs in higher education.

EDUCATION:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in education, history, African American studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, research, and administration.
• Strong knowledge of HBCUs, their history, and their role in higher education.
• Proven track record in fundraising and securing grants.
  Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and four references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For any questions or concerns, please contact ASKHR@VUU.EDU.
  VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page.

• Develop and implement the center’s strategic plan, establishing research priorities and long-term goals.
• Lead and manage the center’s staff, ensuring alignment with the center’s mission and objectives.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the center, representing it at conferences, public events, and in the media.
• Collaborate with faculty, scholars, and institutions to produce research that informs policy, practices, and public understanding of HBCUs.
• Publish and disseminate research findings through academic journals, reports, and other platforms.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and private donors to support the center’s activities.
• Develop grant proposals and manage relationships with funders to secure financial support for research projects and other initiatives.
• Oversee the center’s budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Foster collaboration with academic departments, the University’s Sponsored Research and Innovation division, and external partners to enhance the center’s impact.
• Engage with policymakers, educational leaders, and community organizations to influence and shape the discourse around HBCUs.
• Ensure the center’s activities and programs are inclusive, culturally relevant, and reflective of the diverse histories and experiences of HBCUs.
• Develop and implement a communications strategy to raise the center’s profile and disseminate its work to diverse audiences.
• Oversee the production of newsletters, reports, and other publications to share the center’s research and insights.
• Engage with media and public forums to promote the center’s work and contribute to discussions on HBCUs and higher education.