Director of RISE Center, WCAS

The Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity (RISE) Center aims to re-imagine and re-create how mainstream U.S. culture engages with narratives about Indigenous Peoples. We are working toward a society in which all individuals not only learn about Indigenous Peoples but also learn from Indigenous Peoples. Our mission is three-fold: 1) To conduct rigorous multidisciplinary research centering Indigenous Peoples’ voices and experiences; 2) To build, support, and sustain a multi-university pipeline of Indigenous scholar-activists; 3) To put research into action by working with artists and activists who use the Center’s research to propagate accurate, expansive, and empowering narratives of Indigenous Peoples.

The director will play a key role in establishing the Center and promoting the Center’s mission and goals and will be in charge of both “big picture” program development and design, securing and managing funding, and overseeing day-to-day operations, including managing Center personnel and budget. The executive director should be passionate about translating research into social action, particularly as it pertains to Indigenous equity, and capable of working flexibly across disciplines and sectors to create societal change.

This is a full-time position and works onsite. The target hiring range for this position will be between $110,260 - $155,055 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Leadership and Staff Management:

• Develop the RISE Center’s national academic profile and enhance its national recruitment and partnership development in line with the University’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy.
• Develop, maintain, and engage with a diverse team of 20+ committed staff members, including five direct reports, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
  • Oversee personnel hiring.
  • Cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, efficiency, engagement, growth, and excellence.
  • Lead efforts in personal, individual and team professional development initiatives while staying current of industry best practices.
• Co-programming and interfacing with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, and the RISE research lab.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for Center operations in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators.
• Facilitate interfacing and collaboration between the Center’s research and social action teams.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators to plan and lead convenings and other events with our key partners.
• Recruiting Indigenous artists and activists to Northwestern’s campus to exchange information and knowledge to create products, shape community movements, and promote accurate narratives about Indigenous Peoples.
• Run the Board of Directors and Advisory Board meetings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR).

Outreach:

• Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with tribes, urban centers, and Indigenous organizations across the country;
• Network and build strong relationships with other academic and lay organizations working on putting research into action;
• Represent the Center’s work in public forums;
• Collaborate with Outreach Coordinator and senior Center personnel to develop and implement communications strategies;
• Collaborate with Outreach Coordinator and senior Center personnel to develop and implement a plan for facilitating engagement of Indigenous communities and research participants.
• Support institutional efforts to build visibility for the Center within Northwestern University, engaging in task forces, committees, planning initiatives, and other leadership activities to become a valued partner across campus and disciplines.
• Initiate outreach to Native and non-Native organizations, tribes, individuals, and media intended to broaden the impact of the Center’s research and enhance understanding by a variety of audiences of the political and cultural issues shaping and being shaped by Native communities.

Financial and Strategic Management:

• Develops and monitors budgets for the Center, including revenue and expense projections, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.
• Drives organizational transformation, streamlining processes, and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Clarifies, defines, and secures approval for funding student and Center activities.
• Build relationships with federal and philanthropic foundations and secure funding to support the ongoing operations of the Center.
• Oversee and manage all operating, general, and endowed budget lines and prepare the annual budget with future projects and long-term strategic initiatives in mind.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong leadership, administrative, communication, and collaboration skills, including:
  • Demonstrated experience leading and collaborating with diverse research teams, in particular interdisciplinary teams;
  • Demonstrated success in securing funding from external sources (e.g., grants, philanthropy, NGOs, etc.);
  • Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills in both academic and lay contexts;
  • Willingness to take chances and try new strategies;
  • Ability to think critically and identify results-oriented solutions to unanticipated problems;
  • Positive, mission-driven, team-oriented approach;
  • Demonstrated commitment to translating data and research to promote social change;
  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and excellence;
  • Demonstrated success in mentoring diverse junior staff, particularly Indigenous students;
• Evidence of program development experience
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and/or experience working with Indigenous Peoples.

• Experience leading an Indigenous-focused organization;
• Experience interfacing with multiple Indigenous tribes, urban centers, and Indigenous organizations across the United States.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.