Director, South Asian Studies Institute

Job Number: J1024-1516

Status: Permanent

Open Positions: 1

Salary Scale: Professional and Director Salary Scale, Band 3

The Director of the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) is a strategic leader responsible for advancing the institute's mission through comprehensive research initiatives that engage both academic and community stakeholders. This role involves developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, and external organizations, including international partners, to foster a robust network of support and partnership. Key responsibilities include leading the planning, development, and execution of SASI projects in alignment with strategic goals, managing budgets and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility, and overseeing grant writing and research administration activities in collaboration with the AVP Research & Graduate Studies.

The Director also works closely with the Relationship & Fund Development team to secure financial support for SASI's programs and community outreach efforts. As a key liaison, the Director cultivates partnerships with academic institutions and agencies in Canada and South Asia, facilitating faculty and student exchanges that enhance cultural and academic collaboration. Additionally, the role involves building strong connections with the South Asian Canadian community, particularly in the Fraser Valley, while expanding outreach to broader regions.

The Director leads public information initiatives to effectively communicate SASI’s impact and engage the public, as well as collaborate with the BC Regional Innovation Chair in Canada-India Partnership Development on joint initiatives. This position also includes mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research projects and providing guidance to community volunteers, fostering their involvement in SASI’s initiatives. The Director actively contributes to teaching and engagement with students, ensuring the integration of academic and community-focused learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Anthropology, Asian Studies, Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Global Studies, History (South Asian focus), International Relations, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, or a related field from a recognized, post-secondary institution.
• Minimum five years of related experience in a post-secondary environment.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have conducted research and teaching within a program that links to South Asian Studies or the diaspora.
• Evidence of progressive career development, including a research record, demonstrable ability to generate funding from a variety of sources, proven service record, and teaching including facilitating educational workshops.
• Demonstrated record of work with communities and research partners.
• Experience liaising with external agencies/ institutions/ partners is an asset.
• International experience is also an asset.
• Demonstrated and excellent creative and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior diplomacy skills and demonstrated ability to draw together faculty and stakeholders from a diversity of disciplines.
• Experience directing and supervising teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills: self-directed, proactive, accountable, and discrete.
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment and work to deadlines, multiple demands, and priorities.
• Ability to speak, read, and write one or more South Asian languages (Punjabi or Hindi) are an asset.

About UFV

The University of the Fraser Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Halq'eméylem-speaking peoples. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in Stó:lo Tém:éxw (Stó:lo Land; Stó:lo World). In all that we do, UFV strives to support and honour the Stó:lo peoples goals of self-determination and well-being on these lands. A commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation is core to our institutional Vision and Integrated Strategic Plan: IYAQAWTXW — which means House of Transformation. This commitment includes the goal of centering Indigenous ways of knowing throughout our organization, recognizing our responsibilities to community, and a multi-year plan to increase the number of Indigenous faculty, staff, and administrators working at UFV.

UFV has four campus locations within the beautiful Fraser Valley in British Columbia. Recognized as one of BC's top employers, UFV offers a combination of career and lifestyle benefits. Join a team of 1,400 passionate professionals who value integrity, inclusivity, and excellence. At UFV, you will serve a vibrant community and shape the future of 15,000 students.

Indigenization, equity, and diversity are essential to our work as a university. A diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized. At UFV, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we proudly serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, members of groups that experience discrimination due to race, colour, place of origin, ancestry, and/or religion, persons who identify as women and 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. We invite applicants to complete a confidential self-identification survey as part of the application process. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. Information will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the recruitment process, and results are not shared with the selection committee. Inquiries about the survey may be directed to careers@ufv.ca. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In an effort to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible, UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. We thank all applicants for considering UFV for employment. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/or a verification of their education credentials.

UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.

Please note: you should receive a confirmation email once you have successfully applied to this position. If you do not, please contact the Njoyn Help Desk at webhelp.njoyn or 1-877-427-7717 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (EST).