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Adjunct Faculty Advisor for the Puerto Rico Project Center
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Position Number: 4062353
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: Business - International Business

JOB TITLE
Adjunct Faculty Advisor for the Puerto Rico Project Center

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Integrative & Global Studies - JM

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Global School is seeking an adjunct faculty to help develop projects and advise undergraduate project teams in San Juan, Puerto Rico as part of WPI's signature Global Projects Program. The mission of the Puerto Rico Project Center is to engage students, faculty, and Puerto Rican partners in "shared action learning" projects, which are supportive of sustainable development in historically disadvantaged communities. For over 30 years, WPI has sent two dozen students and two faculty advisors annually to work on locally sponsored projects. Past projects have focused on issues of climate change adaptation and emergency preparedness, waste management, sustainable agriculture, environmental management, support for the arts, community engagement, among others. Our students are based in San Juan, although we have worked on projects outside San Juan. For more information on the WPI's Puerto Rico Project Center, please visit our website: https://wp.wpi.edu/puertorico/

JOB DESCRIPTION

Advisors work with students completing the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) at WPI's Puerto Rico Project Center. The IQP is one of the most distinctive elements of WPI's signature project-based curriculum. Unlike an academic course, the Global Projects Program IQP is a 13.5 credit hour (~4.5 course equivalent) experience, and involves students working in multidisciplinary teams to tackle an issue that relates science, engineering, and technology to society.

Advisors guide students through their project experience while also providing student support onsite. Advisors provide intensive guidance for students to conceptualize their project, identify and conduct appropriate research methods, and analyze their findings - all while providing detailed feedback on student writing. Advisors lead onsite orientations, cultural excursions, respond to emergencies, and assist project teams to resolve issues of group dynamics, sponsor relationships, or other issues that arise. These highly demanding positions require a significant amount of flexibility, self-initiative, and the ability to excel under challenging conditions while efficiently accomplishing tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will co-advise with another WPI advisor two cohorts of 24 third-year undergraduates, divided into 6 project teams/cohort. The position will also involve working with the Center Directors on project development (e.g., networking with potential project partners) and logistics related to housing, transportation, health/safety, etc.

This position is offered for one year, with the expectation of continuing annually and growing into a more substantial role with excellent performance. The person holding this position is considered an independent contractor. Position dates:

Aug.-Oct. 2023: Project and logistics development (part-time approximately 10 days total, flexible schedule)
Oct. 23-Dec. 15, 2023: Cohort 1 preparation advising (1 day/week, completed remotely)
Jan. 8-Mar 2. 2024: Cohort 1 advising in San Juan (4 days/week) and Cohort 2 preparation advising (1 day/week).
Mar. 10-May 3, 2024: Cohort 2 advising in San Juan (5 days/week)

An ideal applicant will hold an advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and successful project-based undergraduate or graduate teaching experience. They will also have applied community development experience with a community-based, non-profit, or governmental organization.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and names and contact information for three references to the Puerto Rico Project Center Directors (Dr. John-Michael Davis jdavis4@wpi.edu; Dr. Scott Jiusto sjiusto@wpi.edu). The cover letter should feature the candidate's relevant teaching and advising experience, area(s) of scholarly interest, and commitments to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Applications will be considered until position is filled.

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Adjunct-Faculty-Advisor-for-the-Puerto-Rico-Project-Center_R0002358

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.