Assistant Professor, Native American Studies

Department College of LAS-Office About the University Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students. Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success. At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence . We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staf f. About the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences The College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at the University, housing nineteen academic departments, five centers and institutes, and numerous programs focused on community service, social justice, and global discovery. T he College embraces and celebrates the diverse, intersectional identities of our students, faculty, and staff and works to create a community where all members can thrive through belonging, expression, and positive influence in shaping one other. Position Summary The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at MSU Denver invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position with scholarly and community engagement expertise in Native American Studies. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline, the faculty member may be housed in Departments of Political Science, History, Anthropology, Sociology, or other closely related disciplines within CLAS. Responsibilities Tenure-track faculty are expected to teach a total of 24-units each year (equivalent of a 4:4 load). It is anticipated that the candidate will be eligible for reassigned time from instruction with work in support of MSU Denver's Native-Indigenous Student Support Initiatives and a revitalization of the Native American Studies minor. Additional summer outreach and educational work related to Native American initiatives may also be available with additional compensation. As with all faculty, course assignments and specific job duties will be determined based on student need, faculty expertise, and the needs of the department and/or program. The selected candidate will: - Teach Native American topics within their respective discipline, maintain a scholarly portfolio of works that align with requirement in their departmental guidelines, and provide service to the department, college, and university. - Support and promote interdisciplinary research and teaching in Native American Studies. Facilitate faculty development, grant writing, and scholarly collaborations, when appropriate and applicable. - Develop and implement a strategic plan for a partnership with MSU Denver's Native-Indigenous Student Support Initiatives that align with the university's mission and priorities, including expandi g academic programs, research initiatives, and public outreach. - Build and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with Native American tribes, nations, and organizations. Collaborate with campus partners to organize events, conferences, and programs that engage both campus and community audiences. Indigenous heritage or lived experience within Native communities is valued. - Collaborate with university offices to support Native American students, including recruitment, retention, mentorship, and cultural programming. Required Qualifications - Ph.D. or terminal degree in Native American Studies, Indigenous Studies or Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, History, or a related field with Native American or Indigenous Studies as a focus within their discipline. ABD candidates are welcome to apply; however, the doctoral degree must be conferred prior to the start of the Fall 2026 semester - Demonstrated record of scholarship and leadership in Native American or Indigenous Studies - Experience working collaboratively with Native American communities - Commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and Indigenous sovereignty - Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills Preferred Qualifications - Knowledge of tribal governance, law, education, or cultural preservation - Familiarity with federal and state policies affecting Native American communities - Experience in academic program development and grant administration We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and the University. Salary for Announcement The salary range for this faculty position is $61,000 - $66,000 at Assistant Professor rank. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, discipline, specialty, and training. MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section. Instructions to Apply To apply, complete an application online through our career site, https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MSUDenver and search for JR105069. To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials: - Curriculum vitae - Letter of Interest/cover letter that includes evidence of required and preferred qualifications - Teaching philosophy (2 pages max).Please detail your interest and prior experience with teaching diverse adult learners.Describe three values that guide your teaching practices, focusing on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students - A list of three references and their contact information - Curriculum vitae - Letter of Interest/cover letter that includes evidence of required and preferred qualifications - Teaching philosophy (2 pages max).Please detail your interest and prior experience with teaching diverse adult learners.Describe three values that guide your teaching practices, focusing on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students - A list of three references and their contact information References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate's permission. Important Note: Due to volume of applications rece