Atlanta University Center Consortium, Director of the Data Science Initiative
The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) has established a bold vision for data science education and research, to dramatically increase the number of underrepresented minorities with credentials in data science and data analytics, and to advance research enabled by data science including research areas focused on issues impacting minority communities. Enabled by substantial seed funding, we envision an Initiative that will be closely aligned with industry, research institutes, and governmental agencies engaged in data science and will be the vanguard in coalescing scholars focused on the insights afforded by data science and data analytics. We anticipate that the Initiative will transform into the AUC Data Science Institute. The AUCC invites applications and nominations for the founding Director of the Data Science Initiative who will further refine our data science vision and lead us into a strong and sustainable future.
Reporting to the AUCC Executive Director, and with advisement by the AUCC Council of Chief Academic Officers and a yet to be formed AUC Data Science Advisory Council, the Director will lead and engage faculty, staff, and students across varied academic units, institutes, and centers in pan-university research efforts which encompass and incorporate diverse knowledge areas of data science and data analytics. The Director serves as a catalyst for leading the continued growth and development of data science initiatives working collaboratively with the research and academic leadership across the AUC to advance research initiatives and facilitate the organization of interdisciplinary teams and the submission of data-driven, cross-disciplinary proposals. The breadth of AUCC member schools (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College) provides the basis for an Initiativewhich aspires to be a world-leader in data science research, scholarship, and education. In addition, the Director serves as a principal advisor to the presidents of each partner institution and works directly with each of the AUC chief academic officers and other senior leadership about the broad areas encompassed by data science.
The Director is expected to envision, build, promote, and sustain multi-disciplinary research partnerships and initiatives within the consortium members (and with other universities and institutes)in data science across a full range of scientific, social science, health (both medicine and public health), humanities, business, education, legal, and other disciplinesincluding assisting in the development of new projects and programs. The Director will enhance AUCC’s prominence in data science research and education across a range of rapidly evolving fields and assist in its goal of preparing future leaders from under-represented groups in the STEM and other academic fields. AUCC seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial and energetic Director with a strong academic, research, and administrative track record; a passion for the transformative impact of the HBCU mission; a commitment to the promotion of increased interdisciplinary research collaboration; and an ability to connect to a wide range of constituents in academia, industry, foundations, and government to further our goals including secure additional funding.
Preferred candidates will possess a Ph.D., M.D., or comparable doctorate degree, with a record consistent with appointment as full professor in a college or department, along with senior-level scientific experience and knowledge of research programs in one or more areas informed by data science. The preferred candidate has a track record of producing cutting-edge research collaborations. The preferred candidate will have experience in addressing how data can influence laws, regulations, or government actors and also in the ethical, legal, and social implications of major issues relevant to data science. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated leadership and broad visionary capabilities with an ability to engage others to create and execute an organization’s vision; to navigate successfully within and collaborate across academic departments and the public sector to achieve research objectives; and to optimize organizational performance by developing strategic priorities, setting and communicating clearly defined expectations, promoting accountability for results, and resolving operational problems and issues.
The preferred candidate will possess strong management acumen, including identification and management of financial and human resource needs; a proven ability to develop diversified funding opportunities and industry partnerships; and the aptitude to make complex and strategic decisions to optimize resource usage, mitigate risks, and achieve desired results. The preferred candidate will be able to build, mentor, motivate, and lead a culturally diverse staff.
About the Atlanta University Center Consortium
The Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc., located in the heart of metropolitan Atlanta, is the world’s largest consortium of African American private institutions of higher education. Originally formed in 1929, the Consortium is a nonprofit organization that operates on behalf of its member institutions: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College.
The long-established history of collaboration among member institutions allows students, faculty and staff to benefit from an expanded and enhanced educational environment with access to resources and talent at two liberal arts colleges, a comprehensive research university and a social mission-driven medical school. Some distinguishing collaborative efforts of the Consortium include cross-registration, a dual degree engineering program, center-wide Career Planning and Placement Services, and the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library. Renovated in 1992 and reorganized in 2003, the Woodruff library is a modern information and research center designed to meet the diverse needs of the AUC community.
The AUC Data Science Initiative is poised to have a considerable impact on broadening participation in the field by building upon a strong history of collaboration amongst the institutions and dramatically increasing the number of black data scientists. The AUCC represents the largest contiguous consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and has been a leader in producing scholars that go on to earn graduate and professional degrees in STEM fields.
Procedure for Candidacy
Harris Search Associates is assisting the Atlanta University Center Consortium for this search. Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately.
Please send application to address below, or contact Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner, for further details.
Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner
Office: 614-798-8500
Cell: 614-354-2100
Email: jeff@harrisandassociates.com
As an equal opportunity employer, the AUC Consortium does not discriminate on any basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law including race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, martial, veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status. The Consortium will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship.
