Professor of African American Studies Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of increased awareness and advocacy for racial justice, the role of a Professor of African American Studies has never been more crucial.

As society progresses, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can thoroughly examine, interpret, and educate about the experiences of African Americans heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Professor of African American Studies?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring scholar trying to understand the fundamentals of this role,
• A university official outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of African American Studies,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable job description template for a Professor of African American Studies, crafted for easy posting on job boards or university career sites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Professor of African American Studies Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of African American Studies use their specialized knowledge to educate students about the histories, cultures, and experiences of people of African descent.

They provide an interdisciplinary perspective to a wide range of issues, from literature and history to political science and sociology.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and teaching courses on African American studies
• Conducting research and publishing scholarly articles and books on topics related to African American studies
• Advising students and supervising their academic progress
• Participating in curriculum development and improvement efforts
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the field by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops
• Providing guidance and mentoring to students, especially those considering academic careers in African American studies
• Contributing to the broader academic community through service on committees, participation in faculty governance, and other activities
• Promoting diversity and inclusivity in the academic community
• Participating in community outreach activities, such as giving public lectures or working with local schools

 

Professor of African American Studies Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Professor of African American Studies to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in African American Studies, conducting scholarly research, publishing academic works, supervising graduate students, and contributing to the academic community through service on committees.

Our ideal candidate is a scholar with a deep understanding of African American history, culture, and contemporary issues, and is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment for all students.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver courses in African American Studies
• Conduct original research in the field of African American Studies
• Publish scholarly articles and books
• Supervise graduate students and oversee their research
• Participate in departmental and university committees
• Engage in professional development activities
• Contribute to the development of academic curriculum
• Participate in student recruitment and retention activities
• Engage with the wider community to promote understanding of African American Studies

 

Qualifications

• PhD in African American Studies or a related field
• Proven teaching and research experience in African American Studies
• Strong record of scholarly publications
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to mentor and supervise graduate students
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in African American Studies

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-campus childcare

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of African American Studies
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for conferences and professional development events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of African American Studies.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a list of three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of African American Studies Do?

A Professor of African American Studies is an academic professional who specializes in the study of the history, culture, and sociology of African American people and their diaspora.

They work primarily in universities and colleges, teaching courses and conducting research on topics related to African American Studies.

Their job involves teaching undergraduate and graduate students, developing course syllabi, and preparing and delivering lectures on various aspects of African American history, culture, sociology, and politics.

They utilize a variety of teaching methods and materials to help students understand the complexities of the African American experience.

Professors of African American Studies also conduct original research in their field, publish findings in scholarly journals, and present their work at academic conferences.

This research can cover a wide range of topics, such as the African diaspora, civil rights movements, racial disparities, and cultural contributions of African Americans.

Moreover, they often participate in departmental and university service, which may include serving on committees, advising students, and contributing to diversity initiatives.

They may also engage with the wider community by offering public lectures, consulting on projects related to African American culture and history, and collaborating with other institutions.

Their role requires not only a deep understanding of African American Studies but also the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to students and colleagues, and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.

 

Professor of African American Studies Qualifications and Skills

A Professor of African American Studies should possess a combination of educational qualifications, research capabilities, and a deep understanding of African American history, culture, and contemporary issues.

These should align with the following:

• An advanced degree (preferably a Ph.D.) in African American Studies or a closely related field, demonstrating extensive knowledge and expertise in the area.
• Proven experience in teaching and curriculum development, with an ability to design, implement and evaluate courses on African American Studies.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to conduct, publish, and present scholarly research in the field of African American Studies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for students of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex historical, cultural, and sociopolitical concepts pertaining to African American experiences.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion within the educational institution.
• Ability to mentor and guide students in their academic pursuits, including research, course selection, and career advice.
• Leadership skills to head departmental initiatives, collaborate with faculty members, and contribute to the overall success and development of the department and university.
• Proficiency in using technology and educational software to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

 

Professor of African American Studies Experience Requirements

Professors of African American Studies typically possess a doctoral degree in African American Studies, African Studies, History, or a related field.

This not only provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, but also involves significant research experience.

Prior to earning their doctoral degree, they may have completed a Master’s degree in the same or a related field.

These degrees together often involve 6-8 years of academic study and research, thus offering substantial experience.

It is common for future professors of African American Studies to gain teaching experience as Graduate Teaching Assistants.

This allows them to develop necessary teaching skills and helps them understand the academic environment better.

Moreover, some universities and colleges require professors to have relevant professional experience outside the academia.

This could involve working in civil rights organizations, consulting roles, public policy, or community organizations.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience as a professor are often expected to have published research in their field.

They may have also assumed leadership roles, such as department chair or program director.

In addition, professors are usually required to have a strong track record of engaging with communities, advising students, and contributing to the development of their institution.

This not only requires extensive knowledge and understanding of African American Studies, but also effective interpersonal and communication skills.

 

Professor of African American Studies Education and Training Requirements

To become a Professor of African American Studies, an individual typically needs a PhD in African American Studies, African Studies, Ethnic Studies, History, or a related field.

This doctoral degree program, which could take between five to seven years to complete, typically encompasses comprehensive study and research in African American history, politics, culture, and society.

It may also include comparative ethnic studies and interdisciplinary research methods.

Before pursuing a PhD, a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a related field are generally required.

These programs provide foundational knowledge in African American history, literature, and culture, as well as research methods in the humanities and social sciences.

Besides formal education, professors should possess excellent skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and writing.

They are often required to publish scholarly articles and books in their area of expertise, so strong research skills are also a must.

In addition to these qualifications, professors typically need teaching experience.

This can be gained through serving as a teaching assistant during their graduate studies or through post-doctoral fellowships.

While not required, some professors might choose to pursue additional certifications or fellowships related to their field of study, such as cultural studies, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, or specialized historical research.

Ongoing learning through attending academic conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as staying current with the latest research in their field, is also an important aspect of a professor’s job.

This can help them remain competitive and effective in their roles.

 

Professor of African American Studies Salary Expectations

A Professor of African American Studies earns an average salary of $84,489 (USD) per year.

However, these figures may fluctuate depending on factors such as the level of experience, the prestige of the institution they are employed by, and the region in which they are based.

 

Professor of African American Studies Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Professor of African American Studies need?

A Professor of African American Studies typically needs a Ph.D. in African American Studies, History, Sociology, or a related field.

An understanding of critical race theory, African diaspora, and African American history is essential.

Prior teaching experience at the university level is also highly desirable.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professor of African American Studies?

A Professor of African American Studies usually spends their day conducting research, preparing lectures, teaching courses, advising students, and serving on academic committees.

Professors are also expected to engage in scholarly activities like writing books or articles, attending conferences, and giving lectures.

Some may even hold public lectures or contribute to community outreach programs.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of African American Studies?

A good Professor of African American Studies has strong communication skills, enabling them to present complex ideas in an accessible way.

They have a deep understanding of the issues affecting the African American community, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a passion for educating others.

They also need to be organized and have excellent research skills to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

 

How can a Professor of African American Studies stay current in their field?

Professors of African American Studies can stay current in their field by reading and contributing to academic journals, attending conferences, engaging in scholarly debates, and continually researching.

Networking with colleagues and participating in professional organizations related to African American Studies can also provide opportunities for professional development and growth.

 

Is there a high demand for Professors of African American Studies?

The demand for Professors of African American Studies can vary depending on location and the specific needs of a university or college.

As society continues to emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in education, the relevance and demand for experts in African American Studies may potentially increase.

 

Conclusion

And so, there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Professor of African American Studies.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching facts.

It’s about enlightening minds with the rich tapestry of African American history and culture, one lecture at a time.

With our trusty Professor of African American Studies job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this transformative role.

But why limit yourself?

Take a deeper dive with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to creating carefully curated job listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Remember:

Every lecture, every discussion, is part of a much larger narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.