Lasell University seeks a dynamic and accomplished leader in lifespan development for the role of Director of the Rosemary B. Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies to start in Fall 2024. The director will provide vision and direction to advance intergenerational collaboration in higher education. The Fuss Center was established in connection with Lasell Village, an award-winning retirement community hosted by Lasell University promoting lifelong learning and healthy aging. As part of our Age-Friendly University (AFU) efforts, the Director will play a pivotal role in shaping age-inclusive education and scholarship by conducting and supporting research, advancing intergenerational teaching & learning, seeking external project funding, overseeing campus and community events such as the Talk of Ages Series, and engaging with professional organizations especially around the AFU initiative. The Director will work closely with the University’s Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, Assistant Provost, and President of Lasell Village in guiding programming and advancing intergenerational connections between Lasell Village and Lasell University. The Director will hold faculty rank, teach one course per term, advise students, supervise interns, assist with scheduling of intergenerational courses and related classroom activities, and provide professional development support and training on intergenerational exchange. The Fuss Center Director serves ex-officio as a member of the Lasell Village Board of Trustees. This is a ten-month position; rank will be determined based on experience and other credentials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Fuss Center that aligns with the University’s mission and values.
• Scholarly Advancement: Foster a culture of age-inclusive scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, and community partners.
• Program Development: Create and oversee educational programs and events that promote learning and research related to healthy aging and intergenerational collaboration.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with external community partners.
• Fundraising/Grant-writing: Work with University development office and secure external funding through grants, donations, and partnerships to support the Center’s initiatives and research projects.
• Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty, staff, and students involved in intergeneration teaching and age-inclusive scholarly work.
• Administration: Manage the day-to-day operations of the Center, including budget oversight.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for culturally sensitive, age-inclusive, intergenerational teaching and research in a student-centered environment. A superior record of teaching lifespan development in higher education, an accomplished scholarly record, experience with intergenerational programming, and demonstrated success in administrative experience are essential.
• A terminal degree (Ph.D. preferred) in the social sciences, public policy, gerontology, or related field with expertise in lifespan development.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with a demonstrated commitment to continual development of effective intercultural interactions and skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

As an institution, Lasell is committed to creating an intellectually enriching and inclusive educational environment. We are dedicated to enhancing our employees’ intercultural competence and sensitivity in fulfilling their roles and interacting with students, Lasell Village residents, and employees who are broadly diverse regarding various aspects of identity, such as age, race, ethnicity, ability status, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, and religion. Candidates who share this commitment to increasing the diversity and inclusion on our campus are encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Candidates should send a cover letter, a philosophy of research and teaching, an overview of administrative experience, CV, and names of three (3) references in their application. 

Lasell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package for eligible employees.  This includes but is not limited to outstanding time off benefits, health, dental and vision insurance, a 403B with a matching contribution after two years of service, tuition benefits and more.  Faculty at Lasell do not follow a tenure system and are employed on renewable single and multi-year contracts. 

Lasell University is committed to equal opportunity in every aspect of hiring and employment. Lasell proactively reviews its policies and practices to assure that decisions with respect to every dimension of employment are made without regard to age, color of skin, disability, gender expression and identity, genetic predisposition, marital status, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran's status, status as a victim of domestic violence, and all other protected groups and classes under Federal and State Laws and executive orders.