Director, Institute for the Study of the Ancient World

Director, Institute for the Study of the Ancient World
New York University
Location
New York, NY
Open Date

Feb 21, 2024

Description

Note: Applications are not being collected in Interfolio. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to [email protected]

New York University (NYU) seeks an accomplished scholar and a visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) . The successful candidate will have an excellent scholarly profile which contributes significantly to ISAW’s exploration of the political, economic, cultural and religious connectivity between ancient civilizations. The candidate will combine an outstanding academic record with administrative experience and inspirational leadership. The Director will also serve as an enthusiastic spokesperson for the importance of the study of humanities.

 

As the leader of an outstanding faculty and staff, ISAW’s next director will oversee a highly selective doctoral program, an ambitious exhibition program, a competitive visiting research scholars’ program, and an onsite research library, housed in a historic building on East 84th Street in Manhattan, around the corner from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With a foundational gift from the Leon Levy Foundation , the Institute trains the next generation of scholars who will enter the global academic community and become intellectual leaders. Reporting directly to NYU’s Provost , the next director should have experience advancing a strategic vision and fundraising. The Director must also bring a high emotional intelligence and an enterprising spirit to build upon the successes of ISAW’s first twenty years and lead the Institute into its third decade.

 

Institute for the Study of Ancient World

 

Since its founding in 2006, ISAW has remained true to its original mission to "change the way the ancient world was studied," and continues to reflect the vision of its founders, Leon Levy and Shelby White, who advanced the view that Old-World civilizations should be viewed as "a continuum, not as distinctly segmented areas." As an independent research center within NYU that complements and collaborates with departments that share an interest in antiquity and its legacies, ISAW has developed a unique global identity as a champion for a comprehensive approach to understanding the ancient world.

 

ISAW is a center for advanced scholarly research and graduate education that is able to support the study of cultures and civilizations across AfroEurasia and from Pre-history to the Middle Ages. With its vision of an interconnected ancient world, ISAW differs from other interdisciplinary institutes and centers dedicated to archaeology and ancient studies. It explores the history of the ancient world by means of archaeological and textual records combined with the history of science, theoretical approaches in anthropology, political, cultural, economic, social and art history, as well as the use of the digital humanities and natural sciences.

This open and comprehensive approach, as well as research across time and space, are as integral to the Institute’s mission as are its fieldwork and exhibitions. In continuous conversation with the entire ISAW community, the Institute’s Director defines ISAW’s research direction, historical connections, and ancient cultures, ISAW engages the NYU community and scholars around the world, Simultaneously, exhibitions, lectures, library, and publications engage larger audiences and r eflect the Institut e’s pro-active publ ic outreach.

 

Unique from other interdisciplinary institutes and centers dedicated to archaeology and ancient studies, ISAW is part of NYU but has its own unique identity. A core group of 10 tenure/tenure track faculty (including the Director) are appointed to ISAW. There are additional contract, associated, and adjunct faculty with appointments in other NYU schools or at other institutions (e.g., The Metropolitan Museum of Art), as well as senior fellows. Some teach occasionally at ISAW. Within the faculty, no one geographical region of antiquity, period, or other disciplinary specialization predominates.

 

Students, visiting scholars, faculty, and staff work in proximity to each other in ISAW’s Upper East Side building. The unique environment results in an unparalleled academic and professional experience.

 

One of the clearest indications that ISAW has achieved a high level of prestige is the size and quality of the applicants for its doctoral and visiting research scholars’ programs. Four to five doctoral students are selected each year from an applicant pool that averages around 60. These students, approximately 30 in total, receive six years of full funding to complete their PhDs. Depending on the circumstances, funding may be extended to a seventh year. ISAW has been successful in placing its PhD students on the international job market, including tenure-track positions, highly competitive post-doctoral fellowships and positions outside of academia. On average, more than 200 applicants apply annually for three visiting scholar positions and two visiting assistant professor posts. There are 21 full-time ISAW staff, many of whom have significant scholarly credentials. Staff curate the exhibition space, lead digital programs, direct the library and help guide academic affairs. Other staff lead development and public outreach efforts, administer the budget, finances, and infrastructure.

 

The Role                                   

The Director leads the Institute and serves as an effective advocate for ISAW’s founding vision of an integrative approach to the study of the ancient world. As an active member of the faculty and a role model for all constituents, the Director will combine a high level of continued scholarship, administrative ability, and the strategic and intellectual leadership to allow the Institute to continue to flourish. The Director will pursue the key priorities of ISAW, alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators, and supporters of the Institute. The Director serves as a member of the NYU Deans Council, working in close partnership with other deans and executive officers of the University.

                                                                       

In addition, key priorities for the next Director include the following:

• Developing a strategic vision for the next decade;
• Supporting a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the study of the ancient world;
• Fostering a sense of community among faculty, staff, and students;
• Collaborating effectively with other schools, institutes, and units within NYU, administratively and academically;
• Helping to advance the University’s strategic pathways;
• Fundraising to find additional resources of support;
• Modeling best practices in creating a community that is diverse and inclusive;
• Helping graduates find career placement opportunities;
• Recruiting, retaining, and developing a first-class faculty, staff and student cohort;
• Taking advantage of NYU’s international campuses and global reach;
• Re-invigorating the in-person intellectual culture;
• Communicating achievements and keeping the community informed;
• Promoting a collegial community of scholars;
• Working with key stakeholders in the greater New York City area to enhance ISAW’s mission;
• Making use of new technologies that may enhance research, scholarship, and teaching (for example, Archaeohub )
• Providing public outreach programs that enrich the community and bring new visitors to ISAW; and
• Serving as a spokesperson for the importance of ISAW’s academic and public mission and a strong advocate for the study of the humanities to solidify its centrality to education.

New York University

Founded in 1831 as a University “in and of the city,” NYU is in the heart of one of the most diverse, internationally vibrant, and multicultural cities in the world. NYU is a research university with 21 schools, colleges, and institutes and more than 60,000 students. Its trajectory and emergence in the past decade as one of the leading research universities in the world is unprecedented.

 

NYU has demonstrated a commitment to institutional excellence across every dimension: program reputation, global reach, faculty eminence, research portfolio breadth and depth, and the strength of its academic departments. As a global institution, NYU has degree-granting campuses in New York City, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, alongside twelve global academic centers of undergraduate study on six continents – Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. A new academic center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is in the planning stage. Over 40% of NYU students study away at some point in their academic career.

 

NYU (not including Langone Health) has an annual budget of $4.0 billion and an endowment of $5.4 billion. NYU is characterized by its commitment to academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative innovation. Its schools and colleges encompass the arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, dentistry, education, nursing, performing and fine arts, public administration, engineering, social work, and continuing and professional studies. Its renowned faculty includes recipients of Nobel, Pulitzer, and Abel Prizes; Academy, Grammy, and Tony Awards; National Medals for Science and the Arts; and the MacArthur Fellowship, among many others.

Leadership

Linda G. Mills became the 17th president of New York University on July 1, 2023. President Mills is also the Lisa Ellen Goldberg Professor of Social Work, Public Policy, and Law and Executive Director of the NYU Center on Violence and Recovery. President Mills’s principal areas of scholarly focus are trauma, bias, and domestic violence. She was NYU’s Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost for Global Programs and University Life from 2012 until her appointment as President.

 

Georgina Dopico was named Interim Provost of NYU in May of 2022. She joined the NYU faculty in 2000. She served as NYU’s Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and was previously the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean for Humanities, Chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, and Director of Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She is Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Language and Literature. Her scholarship centers on the literature, history, and culture of early modern Spain, with a focus on cultural history, national formation, the Inquisition, Cervantes, blood purity, and gender studies.

Qualifications

The search committee seeks candidates with the following experiences, abilities and professional and personal attributes:

• An extraordinary record of scholarship and research, respected by ISAW’s faculty, staff, and students and the greater academic community;
• A demonstrable commitment to the study of the ancient world in ways that transcend disciplines and domains;
• A record of publication that meets the standards of NYU’s tenure process;
• A background that includes administrative experience, preferably including personnel and budgetary oversight, fundraising, and strategic thinking;
• A commitment to teaching and the classroom experience;
• A desire to mentor junior faculty and students;
• The ability to work cooperatively and effectively and develop meaningful relationships with the senior academic leaders of the University, other academic deans, administrators, faculty, students, staff, and alumni.
• An ability to be a champion on behalf of the humanities;
• A capacity to lead and implement strategic planning, including the ability to build consensus and work collaboratively;
• Demonstrated fundraising experience, or the skill set and commitment to suggest strong potential to succeed in development work;
• An open mind about the use of new technology to enhance the study of the ancient world;
• A commitment to the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• A fair, collaborative, and transparent leadership style that will support listening, communication, and an environment of shared governance and collegiality;
• A depth of emotional intelligence that facilitates working with a wide array of stakeholders.

Application Instructions

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to [email protected].

Though all materials received will be reviewed, please submit materials by March 20, 2024, for priority consideration.

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $350,000 to USD $450,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. NYU offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits.

 

Note: Applications are not being collected in Interfolio. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to [email protected]

Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Apply Now
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

For people in the EU, click here for information on your privacy rights under GDPR: www.nyu.edu/it/gdpr

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Sustainability Statement 

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability

Description

Note: Applications are not being collected in Interfolio. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to [email protected]

New York University (NYU) seeks an accomplished scholar and a visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) . The successful candidate will have an excellent scholarly profile which contributes significantly to ISAW’s exploration of the political, economic, cultural and religious connectivity between ancient civilizations. The candidate will combine an outstanding academic record with administrative experience and inspirational leadership. The Director will also serve as an enthusiastic spokesperson for the importance of the study of humanities.

 

As the leader of an outstanding faculty and staff, ISAW’s next director will oversee a highly selective doctoral program, an ambitious exhibition program, a competitive visiting research scholars’ program, and an onsite research library, housed in a historic building on East 84th Street in Manhattan, around the corner from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With a foundational gift from the Leon Levy Foundation , the Institute trains the next generation of scholars who will enter the global academic community and become intellectual leaders. Reporting directly to NYU’s Provost , the next director should have experience advancing a strategic vision and fundraising. The Director must also bring a high emotional intelligence and an enterprising spirit to build upon the successes of ISAW’s first twenty years and lead the Institute into its third decade.

 

Institute for the Study of Ancient World

 

Since its founding in 2006, ISAW has remained true to its original mission to "change the way the ancient world was studied," and continues to reflect the vision of its founders, Leon Levy and Shelby White, who advanced the view that Old-World civilizations should be viewed as "a continuum, not as distinctly segmented areas." As an independent research center within NYU that complements and collaborates with departments that share an interest in antiquity and its legacies, ISAW has developed a unique global identity as a champion for a comprehensive approach to understanding the ancient world.

 

ISAW is a center for advanced scholarly research and graduate education that is able to support the study of cultures and civilizations across AfroEurasia and from Pre-history to the Middle Ages. With its vision of an interconnected ancient world, ISAW differs from other interdisciplinary institutes and centers dedicated to archaeology and ancient studies. It explores the history of the ancient world by means of archaeological and textual records combined with the history of science, theoretical approaches in anthropology, political, cultural, economic, social and art history, as well as the use of the digital humanities and natural sciences.

This open and comprehensive approach, as well as research across time and space, are as integral to the Institute’s mission as are its fieldwork and exhibitions. In continuous conversation with the entire ISAW community, the Institute’s Director defines ISAW’s research direction, historical connections, and ancient cultures, ISAW engages the NYU community and scholars around the world, Simultaneously, exhibitions, lectures, library, and publications engage larger audiences and r eflect the Institut e’s pro-active publ ic outreach.

 

Unique from other interdisciplinary institutes and centers dedicated to archaeology and ancient studies, ISAW is part of NYU but has its own unique identity. A core group of 10 tenure/tenure track faculty (including the Director) are appointed to ISAW. There are additional contract, associated, and adjunct faculty with appointments in other NYU schools or at other institutions (e.g., The Metropolitan Museum of Art), as well as senior fellows. Some teach occasionally at ISAW. Within the faculty, no one geographical region of antiquity, period, or other disciplinary specialization predominates.

 

Students, visiting scholars, faculty, and staff work in proximity to each other in ISAW’s Upper East Side building. The unique environment results in an unparalleled academic and professional experience.

 

One of the clearest indications that ISAW has achieved a high level of prestige is the size and quality of the applicants for its doctoral and visiting research scholars’ programs. Four to five doctoral students are selected each year from an applicant pool that averages around 60. These students, approximately 30 in total, receive six years of full funding to complete their PhDs. Depending on the circumstances, funding may be extended to a seventh year. ISAW has been successful in placing its PhD students on the international job market, including tenure-track positions, highly competitive post-doctoral fellowships and positions outside of academia. On average, more than 200 applicants apply annually for three visiting scholar positions and two visiting assistant professor posts. There are 21 full-time ISAW staff, many of whom have significant scholarly credentials. Staff curate the exhibition space, lead digital programs, direct the library and help guide academic affairs. Other staff lead development and public outreach efforts, administer the budget, finances, and infrastructure.

 

The Role                                   

The Director leads the Institute and serves as an effective advocate for ISAW’s founding vision of an integrative approach to the study of the ancient world. As an active member of the faculty and a role model for all constituents, the Director will combine a high level of continued scholarship, administrative ability, and the strategic and intellectual leadership to allow the Institute to continue to flourish. The Director will pursue the key priorities of ISAW, alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators, and supporters of the Institute. The Director serves as a member of the NYU Deans Council, working in close partnership with other deans and executive officers of the University.

                                                                       

In addition, key priorities for the next Director include the following:

• Developing a strategic vision for the next decade;
• Supporting a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the study of the ancient world;
• Fostering a sense of community among faculty, staff, and students;
• Collaborating effectively with other schools, institutes, and units within NYU, administratively and academically;
• Helping to advance the University’s strategic pathways;
• Fundraising to find additional resources of support;
• Modeling best practices in creating a community that is diverse and inclusive;
• Helping graduates find career placement opportunities;
• Recruiting, retaining, and developing a first-class faculty, staff and student cohort;
• Taking advantage of NYU’s international campuses and global reach;
• Re-invigorating the in-person intellectual culture;
• Communicating achievements and keeping the community informed;
• Promoting a collegial community of scholars;
• Working with key stakeholders in the greater New York City area to enhance ISAW’s mission;
• Making use of new technologies that may enhance research, scholarship, and teaching (for example, Archaeohub )
• Providing public outreach programs that enrich the community and bring new visitors to ISAW; and
• Serving as a spokesperson for the importance of ISAW’s academic and public mission and a strong advocate for the study of the humanities to solidify its centrality to education.

New York University

Founded in 1831 as a University “in and of the city,” NYU is in the heart of one of the most diverse, internationally vibrant, and multicultural cities in the world. NYU is a research university with 21 schools, colleges, and institutes and more than 60,000 students. Its trajectory and emergence in the past decade as one of the leading research universities in the world is unprecedented.

 

NYU has demonstrated a commitment to institutional excellence across every dimension: program reputation, global reach, faculty eminence, research portfolio breadth and depth, and the strength of its academic departments. As a global institution, NYU has degree-granting campuses in New York City, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, alongside twelve global academic centers of undergraduate study on six continents – Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. A new academic center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is in the planning stage. Over 40% of NYU students study away at some point in their academic career.

 

NYU (not including Langone Health) has an annual budget of $4.0 billion and an endowment of $5.4 billion. NYU is characterized by its commitment to academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative innovation. Its schools and colleges encompass the arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, dentistry, education, nursing, performing and fine arts, public administration, engineering, social work, and continuing and professional studies. Its renowned faculty includes recipients of Nobel, Pulitzer, and Abel Prizes; Academy, Grammy, and Tony Awards; National Medals for Science and the Arts; and the MacArthur Fellowship, among many others.

Leadership

Linda G. Mills became the 17th president of New York University on July 1, 2023. President Mills is also the Lisa Ellen Goldberg Professor of Social Work, Public Policy, and Law and Executive Director of the NYU Center on Violence and Recovery. President Mills’s principal areas of scholarly focus are trauma, bias, and domestic violence. She was NYU’s Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost for Global Programs and University Life from 2012 until her appointment as President.

 

Georgina Dopico was named Interim Provost of NYU in May of 2022. She joined the NYU faculty in 2000. She served as NYU’s Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and was previously the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean for Humanities, Chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, and Director of Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She is Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Language and Literature. Her scholarship centers on the literature, history, and culture of early modern Spain, with a focus on cultural history, national formation, the Inquisition, Cervantes, blood purity, and gender studies.