Assistant Professor - Yuhaaviatam Endowed Chair of Native American Studies

University of Redlands • Redlands, CA

21h

About The Position

The University of Redlands invites applications for the Yuhaaviatam Endowed Chair of Native American Studies, a tenure-track faculty position housed in the Department of Race and Ethnic Studies. Appointment as Associate Professor is possible based on qualifications. The University seeks an accomplished scholar or scholar-practitioner whose teaching, research, and community engagement advance Native American Tribes and communities through applied, interdisciplinary, and community-centered approaches. The position welcomes expertise that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as public policy, Tribal governance, political science, health, education, environmental studies, economic development, business, and related fields.

The Endowed Chair will expand the Native American Studies curriculum with innovative interdisciplinary courses that prepare students to become leaders and changemakers in Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. The Chair will serve as a visible academic and community leader, cultivating relationships with Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, community partners, and alumni. The role also supports Native American student recruitment, retention, mentorship, leadership development, and career readiness. The successful candidate will translate academic learning into meaningful career pathways by developing experiential learning, community-engaged scholarship, and internship opportunities that advance Tribal Nations and Native American communities. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with demonstrated collaborative experience with Tribal Nations and Native American organizations in Southern California, and the ability to build partnerships responsive to community needs and interests.

The University of Redlands is an independent, regional, comprehensive university with strong roots in liberal arts education. Its Core Four initiative provides transformative experiential learning through undergraduate research, community service learning, internships, and study away. The University is a Hispanic Serving Institution; 40% of its student body is composed of first-generation students. Its Native Student Program supports a growing number of Native American students and collaborates with the endowed chair on campus programming.

The position is available August 24, 2027. Duties are primarily performed in a standard office setting, with flexibility required to work evenings and weekends and to travel as required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or J.D., or near completion of the degree, is required at the time of appointment.
• If the Ph.D. is incomplete at appointment, the candidate may begin as an instructor and convert to assistant professor upon completing the degree within a reasonable, agreed-upon period.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with Tribal Nations, particularly in Southern California.
• Success mentoring and supporting Native American and Indigenous students.
• Experience developing interdisciplinary, experiential curricula connecting academic learning with Tribal priorities, community engagement, and diverse professional pathways.
• Evidence of community-engaged scholarship, professional practice, or leadership benefiting Indigenous communities.
• Ability to develop partnerships that create research, internship, and career opportunities for students.
• Community-engaged research or professional experience in Tribal governance, public policy, education, healthcare, economic development, environmental stewardship, cultural resource management, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Expand the Native American Studies curriculum through innovative, interdisciplinary courses.
• Prepare students to become leaders and changemakers in Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.
• Cultivate relationships with Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, community partners, and alumni as a visible academic and community leader.
• Support Native American student recruitment, retention, mentorship, leadership development, and career readiness.
• Build experiential learning, community-engaged scholarship, and internship opportunities that connect academic learning with career pathways advancing Tribal Nations and Native American communities.
• Develop meaningful partnerships responsive to the needs and interests of Tribal Nations and Native American communities.
• Teach, conduct research, and engage with communities through applied, interdisciplinary, and community-centered approaches.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree