Job no: #520783
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Sonoma
Categories: Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track, Unit 3 CFA – California Faculty Association
Graton Rancheria Chair in Native American Studies
(Tenure-Track) Full Professor
Starting August 2023
The University is seeking applicants to lead the Department of Native American Studies (NAMS) in an Endowed Chair position made possible by a generous donation from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. We welcome scholars who focus on Western North America and preferably in communities in California. The purpose of the Endowed Chair is to foster understanding of the Native American cultures and communities in various disciplines with a special emphasis on Native American Studies and to engage and commit to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities.
Our Commitment
Guided by our core values of diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University offers an exceptional educational experience that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. Sonoma State University is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. Sonoma State University has a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which students are actively engaged. Faculty members provide mentorship and a seep and sustained student -teacher interaction, incorporate High Impact Practices, and explore a breadth of knowledge by fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. We strive to create a diverse, equity-minded, and inclusive campus environment. Members of the University community are expected to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are fully committed to the rights of students, staff, and faculty with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. SSU is especially interested in candidates who make contributions to equity and inclusion in the pursuit of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
The University
Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, Sonoma State University is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher educational system in the nation, we provide accessible, high quality education to more than 9,000 students. Sonoma State University is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and endeavors to employ faculty and staff reflecting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the region and state.
Faculty Responsibilities
In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in service to the department, school, and community. Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate research. Faculty are also encouraged to participate in our distinctive, high-impact Freshman and Sophomore year programs and to foster our commitment to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 through excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the University’s Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion Policy. Aligned with the California Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, during the first 2 years of the probationary period the instructional assignment will be reduced by 2 courses per academic year. All faculty are required to have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
The Department
The newly-created Native American Studies Department started as a program in 1970 and has regularly offered four to five upper and lower division courses per semester, enrolling over 200 students. The department currently offers a minor and this position will establish the department and curriculum to expand to a major. Prospective applicants are encouraged to peruse the department’s web page at: https://nams.sonoma.edu/.
Duties of the Position
The Endowed Chair will have the responsibility of establishing and developing the NAMS department and its major curriculum. The appointee will typically teach two classes in Native American Studies and/or related disciplines each semester. In addition to teaching, the faculty member will provide advising and mentoring to students, conduct program assessment and development, and participate in administrative and/or committee work associated with campus-wide service. The faculty member is expected to establish and maintain involvement with the local Native American communities, and to engage in scholarly and professional activities, including research, publication, and participation in conferences.
Professional Qualifications
The Endowed Chair position requires that the candidate holds a doctorate and distinguished record of teaching, publication or related creative works, and service in one or more areas of Native American Studies, including but not limited to the following: environmental studies, sovereignty, Indigeneity, gender and sexuality, literature, culture and language reclamation and revitalization, art and visual culture. Candidates must already have been awarded tenure or its equivalent. Geographic area of expertise is open but we specially encourage applicants who have demonstrated record of expertise in Native American cultures and communities, histories, and belief systems from Western North America with an emphasis in California Indigenous communities and inter-/trans-/multi-disciplinary work. University level teaching experience of 6 years is a minimum requirement. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with multi-cultural teaching and service in Native American communities.
Rank, Salary, and Benefits
The rank for this position is Full Professor. Candidates who are currently either at the Associate or Full rank are welcome to apply. The salary for the Full Professor rank is $108,000. The President may award tenure upon appointment for this position after an evaluation and recommendation by the appropriate department committee.
View Benefits Summary
Required* Application Materials
- Cover Letter*
- Curriculum Vitae* (include contact information of three [3] references)
- Statement of Research Interest
- Diversity Statement
- Teaching Philosophy
Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.
Application Deadline
The application deadline has been extended to January 31, 2023. Applications submitted by the deadline will be given full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Questions concerning this position may be directed to:
Search Committee Chair: Dr. Silvia Soto
Email: sotosi@sonoma.edu
Questions concerning the application process may be directed to:
Academic Personnel Department
facultysearch@sonoma.edu
The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.
Other Information
The university is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.
This position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Visitors to Sonoma State University are required to do a Wellness Self-Screening. For more information on this, please see our COVID-19 Safety Protocols, under the heading Wellness Self-Screening.
