African and African Diaspora History

Job Description:

The Black Studies Program of Skidmore College, a selective liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York, invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor in African and African Diaspora History, beginning September 2026. 

Although the tenure line will be in Black Studies, the individual will work closely with members of the History faculty and offer cross-listed courses in that department. We seek to hire an individual whose scholarly work in African and African Diaspora History is grounded in Africana Studies, and embraces intersectional and transnational approaches in studying global African communities. For instance, the successful candidate might focus on topics such as (but not limited to) Zamani (pre-colonial, pre-invasion) African history, decolonization in Africa, nationalism in Africa, post-colonial African history, and pan-African Diasporic history.

The successful candidate will teach four courses their first year and five courses per academic year thereafter (i.e., 18 credits per year, with a course release in the first year), two of which would contribute directly to the History curriculum as well as Black Studies. In addition to being able to teach the programâ™s gateway course, Introduction to Black Studies, and its capstone course, Seminar in Black Studies, the individual will occasionally teach and advise incoming students in an interdisciplinary Scribner Seminar in conjunction with the First-Year Experience. The successful candidate will also serve on the Black Studies advisory board, advise minors in the program, and eventually contribute to the shared governance system of the College.

Skidmore embraces bedrock traditions of intellectual freedom and freedom of inquiry. It is within this broader context that we assert that enthusiasm for teaching a diverse population of students is essential for transformative liberal arts educational experiences. We welcome candidates who have experience with diverse populations, who can contribute to intellectual life at Skidmore. Within this broader context of academic freedom, we welcome candidates with a sustained commitment to social transformation in their interconnected roles as educators, researchers, and community members at Skidmore. We encourage you to discuss any aspects of your candidacy that are relevant to these issues in your application materials.

Education:

A Ph.D. in Africana Studies, African Studies, History or a related field is required. The successful candidate should have their Ph.D. in hand by August 2026.

Review of applications will begin on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Required documents needed to apply:

1. Online Application


2. Cover Letter


3. Curriculum Vitae


4. Teaching Statement 


5. Research Statement


6. List of Three References who may be contacted at a later date to provide letters of recommendation

Note: finalists will be expected to provide additional materials at a later date (e.g., letters of recommendation, sample syllabi, and sample publications).

Pay Range: $78,000 - $85,000

Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Winston Grady-Willis, wgradywi@skidmore.edu.

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

 Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

 CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.

About Skidmore College

Skidmore is a highly selective liberal arts college with a reputation for its creative approaches to just about everything. With its relatively small size and student-faculty ratio, the College is a close-knit academic community. Skidmore is known for its faculty of teacher-scholars devoted to the instruction and mentoring of undergraduates; approximately 2,400 talented men and women from some 47 states and 46 countries.In the universe of selective, private liberal arts colleges, Skidmore's distinctiveness is expressed in the statement that "Creative Thought Matters". This idea reflects not only the historical strength of the College's programs in the fine and performing arts but also the understanding that creativity is required for achievement in any area of human endeavor.The city of Saratoga Springs is widely recognized as one of America's great communities. It is located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, within a three-to-four-hour drive from New York City, Boston or Montreal. Travel & Leisure calls Saratoga Springs one of "America's Greatest Main Streets" as well as "one of the best college towns in the nation," Money Magazine says it's one of the nation's top 100... places to live, and Princeton Review describes it as a "perfect college town." It's a community rich in history and tradition. Famed mineral waters, a Revolutionary War battlefield, and the nation's oldest thoroughbred racetrack represent portions of that history. Also, it's a community of arts and culture. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is the summer home to the New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra, and a performing venue for top rock and jazz musicians.The Skidmore College community awaits your arrival, so if you welcome challenges and are interested in making a difference, come join us!

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