University of Virginia Hiring for Research Assistant Professor of Law and Education Rights Institute Fellow at Charlottesville, VA Full Time

The University of Virginia School of Law seeks a Research Assistant Professor of Law to serve as an Education Rights Institute Fellow (“ERI Fellow”). This non-tenure-track Academic General Faculty position will have a two-year appointment and offers $70,000 compensation annually plus benefits.  This is a gift funded restricted position contingent on funding and performance.

 The Education Rights Institute, launched in 2023, aims to expand the opportunity for every student in the United States to enjoy a right to a high-quality education that empowers them to be college and career ready and engaged civic participants. It will accomplish this by advancing the following strategic priorities:

• Producing scholarship and commentary that engages public debate and support for legislation or litigation guaranteeing a federal right to a high-quality education;
• Amplifying research about educational opportunity gaps and their impact on individuals, families, communities, democracy and our economy through digital and other modern communication strategies to increase public awareness of these gaps; and,
• Serving as a catalyst that expands the capacity of school districts to better utilize federal laws, regulations, policies, research and assistance that can increase access to high-quality schools and close opportunity gaps so that more students are college and career ready and engaged citizens;
• Producing reports that help school districts understand their obligations to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and engaging with school districts to support their understanding and compliance;
• Hosting invitation-only and public convenings and events about the above topics.

The Institute does not represent individual clients in legal proceedings. ERI Fellows support the Institute by taking on the following responsibilities:

• Writing and publishing research regarding a federal right to education, including articles, reports, essays, and editorials.
• Assisting with the creation and implementation of a plan for collecting, organizing, amplifying and communicating research and data on educational opportunity gaps, particularly racial, national origin and socioeconomic gaps, including through social media, and by writing and publishing editorials, essays, reports, articles, etc.
• Developing and implementing a plan for social media engagement for the Education Rights Institute in conjunction with the Director.
• Contributing to the development of a plan to increase district compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including research and publications regarding policies and practices that have a disparate impact on the basis of race, color or national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and how districts can remedy such violations of federal law.
• Supporting invitation-only and public convenings and events about the Institute’s priorities.

ERI Fellows work under the direction of and closely with the Institute’s Director, Professor Kimberly Jenkins Robinson. The Director will allocate responsibilities among the fellows based on the background, experience, and interests of the fellows, as well as the needs of the Institute. ERI Fellows may attend and participate in faculty workshops and other law and university events. ERI Fellows will engage with other faculty. Professor Robinson mentors ERI fellows as they develop and revise research and publications and contemplate future career opportunities. Learn more about the launch of ERI on Education Week.

The anticipated start date is summer 2024 but an early start date will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Qualifiations

Candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or foreign equivalent. One or more years of professional or research experience, which may be in an academic setting, education policy, legal practice or a judicial clerkship, is beneficial but not required. Strong academic and professional background and superior scholarly promise is expected. Successful candidates should have a demonstrated interest in education law and policy in the United States or a closely related field. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others, as well as excellent analytical, research and writing skills are required. Candidates also should demonstrate first-rate organizational and communication skills and familiarity with social media platforms. Successful candidates will bring a passion for and insights regarding how to use law and policy to ensure each and every student receives a high-quality education. 

Application Instructions

Apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com/136874. Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:

• Cover letter
• CV/resume
• Writing sample
• An up to two-page statement of research topics and interests that you would like to pursue as a Fellow.
• Names and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Kimberly Robinson, Professor of Law, at [email protected]. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter at [email protected].