Urban Programming and Initiatives position

The search has begun!  Please consider the following position, Director, Urban Programming and Initiatives, at the Center for Social Concerns, University of Notre Dame.  If you know others who would be interested in this position, please pass the job posting on to them.
Many thanks,
The UPI Search Committee

Director, Urban Programming and Initiatives
The Director, Urban Programming and Initiatives facilitates one-credit urban seminars and other urban initiatives that are central to the Center's mission.  The main responsibility is to direct the course The Church and Social Action (Theology 365C), known colloquially as "Urban Plunge," a one-credit experiential learning opportunity involving over 250 students in over 50 cities nationally.  Other urban immersion experiences such as Neighborhood Roots and one-credit seminars such as the "Cultural Diversity Seminar" are also coordinated by the director.   New, creative partnerships and initiatives in Chicago, South Bend and nearby cities will be explored.

A. The Church and Social Action, THEO 365C -
Primary responsibilities:
*	support quality existing sites and develop new host sites, encouraging alumni/ae involvement.
* 	plan, organize and implement the programmatic elements of the course.
*	evaluate all components of the program and write a comprehensive report each year.

Additional responsibilities:
*	work with the Associate Director for Academic Affairs and Research on:
- 	academic issues, including linking with resources from organizations such as the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
-	faculty and staff facilitator recruiting
-	develop additional educational follow-up opportunities (e.g., article in Observer, classroom discussions)
-	enhancing cross-disciplinary cooperation, course development, etc.
*	collaborate with Saint Mary's College and Holy Cross College to include their students, faculty and staff.
*	recruit and oversee student Task Force, including outreach to halls.

The overall administration of the program includes flexibility and openness to new models in response to reviews and evaluations of the program. The director establishes ongoing relationships with site partners across the country and develops awareness of the Urban Plunge both on and off campus.

B. Seminars - The Director will oversee the following seminars in collaboration with on-campus and off-campus partners, graduate student assistants, and student task forces:

Washington Seminar, THEO 363 / GOV 333: The course centers around experiential learning in Washington, DC, during the fall and spring semester breaks. 

Cultural Diversity Seminar, THEO 362 /SOC 363 /IIPS 362: The Cultural Diversity Seminar explores the rich cultural heritage of Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods and immigrant traditions while examining the corresponding problems of urban life and racism. 

Civil Rights Seminar, THEO 355/ IIPS 355 :  The objective of the course is to expose students to the relevant issues which laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. 

Chicago: City of Hope Seminar, THEO 368: This seminar focuses on the role of neighborhood churches and organizations responding to social needs in the inner city. 

Worker Justice Summer Internship, THEO 360D : This 10-week internship, based in Chicago, is coordinated with the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice and in collaboration with the Director of the Summer Service Project Internships.

C. Additional Urban Immersions - The director will oversee additional urban immersions such as new, creative partnerships in Chicago, Gary, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, MI, will be explored and implemented when appropriate.

D. Urban programming in South Bend - 

__ Urban programming focused on social enterprise and entrepreneurship will be explored with various partner agencies   Responsibilities in this area will be evaluated/coordinated during bi-annual meetings with the Director of Community Partnerships.

__The Neighborhood Roots Program, developed in collaboration with community partners, is designed to introduce First Year Notre Dame students to South Bend with an emphasis on citizenship, moral and social responsibility as well as service and social action opportunities.  This program is implemented in collaboration with First Year of Studies and other relevant Notre Dame units. 

__There is the possibility of working with the Office of Student Affairs, the Robinson Community Learning Center, the Northeast Neighborhood Council and other Community partners on the development of off-campus student educational programs for community living and community engagement with specific reference to the Northeast Neighborhood.

Education, Skills and Experience:
Undergraduate degree required; Masters degree preferred in cognate field.
This administrator must have strong communication, teaching and networking skills; some experience with multi-cultural groups and diversity issues; and knowledge, including experiential, about service-learning and community-based learning opportunities.  It is important that this person be committed to the mission of the University and the mission of the Center for Social Concerns, with an understanding of the significance of service and social justice in the Catholic social tradition.  Some background with church-related social ministry, urban programming, community organization, or higher education is preferred. An ability and interest to explore the potential of higher education partnerships with communities in terms of political and social responsibility is also preferred. Proficiency in computer usage is required, including word processing, electronic mail and listserv capabilities.

A minimum of three years experience in community organizations and/or a higher education setting working with community organizations is required.  
Full-Time (40 hrs/11months)

To apply:
Interested individuals should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information for three references.  The cover letter ought to include statements about one's involvement and interest in urban issues. 

The Search Committee will begin its review of applications May 31, 2001 and will continue until the position is filled.

Submit materials to:
Human Resources
Grace Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556

For more information about the Center, please see our web site:
 http://www.nd.edu/~ndcntrsc/ 

The University of Notre Dame, a Roman Catholic university, is an AA/EEO Employer and especially encourages applications from minorities.   



Andrea Smith Shappell
Director, Senior Transition Programs
Center for Social Concerns
Notre Dame, IN  46556
(219) 631-5779
Andrea.L.Shappell.1@nd.edu