Director of Native Initiatives
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 10, 2024
Mission or Goal of Unit:
The School of Education (SOE) is committed to excellence in the initial preparation and continuing development of professionals for leadership, teaching, service and scholarly inquiry in culturally diverse settings across the life span. Our mission and values are grounded in and committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement.
Established in 1983, the Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC provides resources for professionals, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives. Our team of nationally and internationally renowned researchers is committed to developing and advancing evidence-based practices to increase the hiring and retention for individuals with disabilities. The RRTC is focused on improving employment and quality of life outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities through training, technical assistance, research, and services that impact policies and promote systems change.
Chief Purpose of this position:
The purpose of this position is to develop new initiatives and expand current programs in partnership with Tribal members and communities focused on enhancing services, supports, and outcomes for Indigenous youth and adults with disabilities. This position will advance a line of scholarly work aimed at research and teaching that informs policy and practice and contributes new knowledge to the field that impacts Native citizens. A major emphasis will be on creating education and workforce development opportunities to enhance the skills and competencies and build capacity for culturally responsive transition and employment services.
Position Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, responsibilities of the Director of Native Initiatives will:
Design curricula and develop student education opportunities through guest lectures, internships, and academic courses.
Create continuing education modules/courses for practitioners.
Facilitate online course instruction.
Lead the development of a variety of teaching modalities such as webinars, training, online and in-person courses, microlearning, and professional development opportunities.
Create a course of study and new classes that offer VCU students a certificate or minor in Indigenous culture and disability; and Provide instruction for developed courses.
Gather needs assessment information through relationship building and Talking Circles.
Conduct evaluations to obtain feedback on program effectiveness.
Design and implement data collection in response to identified needs shared by Tribal members.
Assist with research development as it relates to current and emerging issues impacting Tribal communities.
Establish a Center together with Tribal partners to function as an information hub for connecting and resource sharing focused on the Tribal Nations in Virginia with a national emphasis.
Advance a line of scientific inquiry related to Indigenous culture and disability.
Contribute to model development and capacity building for implementation of best practices that address existing gaps; assist with expanding current approaches used in Tribal communities; develop strategies for enhancing access to disability services by Tribal members.
Conduct training and provide technical assistance and support to enhance cultural competence and indigenous approaches in the delivery of disability services.
Provide training and technical assistance to Indigenous communities to increase access to disability services and supports.
Collaborate with faculty to expand programs to be inclusive of Tribal members.
Direct the day-to-day management of multiple projects with an emphasis on transition and employment for Native youth and adults; supervise staff and students; lead and expand teams.
Facilitate and participate in local teams in Tribal Nations.
Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals and secure extramural funding in response to current and emerging state and national issues.
Develop products and resources identified by and designed to assist individuals with disabilities, family members, educators, agency personnel, and service providers including plain language and universal formats.
Engage Tribal members in the development of products reflective of culture and tradition.
Promote dissemination of products, information, and resources that address identified needs and requests.
Produce manuscripts and submit for publication in scholarly journals with a knowledge translation component to make information accessible to and usable by Indigenous citizens and other diverse populations.
Compile and submit project reports and other requirements.
Complete additional projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree in education, rehabilitation, business, or related field.
Demonstrated grantsmanship and successful leveraging of extramural funds.
Knowledge and experience working with Tribal Nations and communities.
Experience developing and conducting presentations, training, and technical assistance.
Knowledge and experience in transition and employment for individuals with disabilities and disability service systems.
Evidence of research and education scholarship.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications: Native American Tribal Affiliation
Ph.D. in Education, Rehabilitation, Business, or Related Field
Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 1
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Instructor
Months: 12
Department: SOE Spec Ed & DP - RRTC
Salary: $80,000 - $100,000
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Jennifer McDonough
Contact Email: jltodd@vcu.edu
