Director of Center Bend Studies

Located in far West Texas, the Center for Big Bend Studies (CBBS) was established by Sul Ross State University (SRSU) in 1987. The Center promotes archaeological and historical research in the Greater Big Bend region of West Texas and northern Mexico, and provides educational opportunities to university students, the public, and outside researchers. Our mission is to recover, protect, and share this region’s rich cultural legacy dating back to the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, from Pleistocene bone beds to Casas Grandes outliers and historic borderland communities.

This position provides strong leadership overseeing the daily activities and long‑term initiatives. As the primary ambassador for the CBBS, the Director is charged with maintaining CBBS as an important asset for the University internally and for surrounding regional communities, as well as securing financial resources that will sustain its operations and advance its special projects. The Director will plan and direct the activities of the Center, including interdisciplinary research projects, interagency contractual projects, public and scientific publications, conferences, public and scientific lectures, seminars, landowner and other public outreach, field trips, and workshops.

Direct, or cause to be directed, a bi‑annual summer archaeological field school. Interact with academic departments, archives, and other support areas of the University. Fundraising related primarily to endowments, operations, research projects, and public outreach. Serve as liaison between the University, the regional community, and sister organizations of the borderlands in the U.S. and Mexico. Plan, design, and direct the cultural heritage programs within the Texas Big Bend Archeological Initiative.

Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times. The Director also ensures that the work of the CBBS supports the overarching University mission and strategic plan; that it is a strong partner to other University departments, centers, and institutes; and that its practices are consistent with SRSU and the Texas State University System policies.

The Director will help grow the Master of Arts in Anthropology program within the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

• Additional degrees considered, with five plus years of progressive professional experience, including at least three years of administration, research, or advocacy related to anthropology, cultural heritage, archeology, or cultural resource management.
• Substantial senior leadership experience within broad anthropological disciplines reflecting demonstrated knowledge of key functions of senior management preferred, including designing and implementing research projects; financial management; development; stakeholder relations; faculty/staff relations and accountability; marketing and communications; and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software, internet software, and email.

• A doctorate in Archeology, Anthropology, History, or closely related fields is preferred.
• Ten plus years of progressive professional experience, with at least five years of administration, research, or advocacy related to anthropology, cultural heritage, archeology, or cultural resource management.

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