Project Gabriel Project Director
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Project Management
Posted on April 18, 2024
Project Gabriel Project Director
The VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence (IE) welcomes applications for the Project Director of Project Gabriel. The Project Director will be responsible for implementing and sustaining the recommendations of the Project Gabriel Commission.
The mission of the Division of Inclusive Excellence is to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable community in which people from all backgrounds and life experiences are supported and valued.
At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's generous benefits package that includes competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity, and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), tuition waiver, partner discounts, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement. Learn more about working for VCU and job benefits
Background
Project Gabriel was developed in response to legislation (Va. Code 23.1-615.1) established by the Virginia General Assembly on March 30, 2021, that stipulated the establishment of the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship and Memorial Program in five Virginia Colleges. In spring 2023, the VCU Office of the President launched Project Gabriel to report, reconcile, and heal the wounds caused by VCU's historic ties to the institution of slavery. A commission was appointed (Project Gabriel Commission) and charged with recommending to the Administration and Board of Visitors of VCU specific ways in which the institution should: "(i) identify and memorialize, to the extent possible, all enslaved individuals who labored on former and current institutionally controlled grounds and property; ii) provide a tangible benefit such as a college scholarship or community-based economic development program for individuals or specific communities with a demonstrated historic connection to slavery that will empower families to be lifted out of the cycle of poverty."
The project is named for Gabriel Prosser, an enslaved Black man owned by Thomas Prosser of Henrico County. After a foiled attempt to capture the Capitol and hold Governor James Monroe hostage to bargain for freedom for enslaved people in Virginia, Gabriel was executed by hanging on August 30, 1800. Despite the outcome of Gabriel's rebellion, his fierce desire to free himself and others from the shackles of slavery resonates today – some 223 years after enslaved informants and a violent storm thwarted his plans.
The Project Gabriel Commission met throughout the spring and summer of 2023, gathering input from memorization experts, including memorization experts from other universities, experts on the history of the Medical College of Virginia and Richmond, museum experts, community stakeholders, and others involved in enslavement and memorization efforts. Several forums were held to obtain input and recommendations from the local Richmond and VCU communities. Forums were held in schools, faith-based institutions, at VCU, and virtual.
Over 500 persons participated in forums and provided input on Project Gabriel. Following the collection of community stakeholder input, four sub-committees were convened to identify and prioritize recommendations for memorization, scholarships, and individual and community programs. These recommendations were presented and received by VCU's Board of Visitors in September 2023.
Summary:
The Director of Project Gabriel will be responsible for implementing its three primary recommendations:identification and memorialization, scholarships, and community-based economic development programs for individuals and communities.
Reporting to the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, the director will join a diverse and dynamic organization of thought leaders in social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
The Project Director will be a creative and thoughtful visionary leader in African American history and memorialization, social justice, and with expertise in addressing racism and other social and economic inequities. This leader will build collaborative partnerships with units throughout VCU and external community partners. Essential skills involve project management, careful listening, cultural awareness and humility, and effective written and oral communication.
Primary Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Develop operational goals, objectives, and timelines for implementing Project Gabriel's recommendations
● Convene and engage an advisory council comprised of community stakeholders and members of the VCU community
● Communicate and disseminate the progress of the project to stakeholders
● Work with marketing to raise awareness of and support the project
● Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships with various units at the university (e.g., VCU Health, School of Medicine, School of the Arts, History Department, Development) and in the local community to support the recommendations of Project Gabriel
● Oversee the creation and maintenance of Project Gabriel memorialization, including architecture construction, and art teams
● Engage with community organizations to implement recommendations regarding scholarship and social and economic community impact
● Work with VCU Development Office to develop strategies for obtaining sustainable funding for Project Gabriel
● Work with other stakeholders to plan and implement educational programs that address the legacies of slavery and racism
● Prepare reports and presentations on Project Gabriel
● Identify, if possible, through historic record enslaved laborers at MCV
● Maintain project documentation and monitor and measure project performance
Required Qualifications and Skills:
● Master's Degree or equivalent experience in a discipline such as African American studies, public history/humanities, art history, museum studies, library science, public health/policy, social and behavioral sciences, or another related field.
● Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, manage time, meet simultaneous deadlines, and attend to details with minimal supervision (at least three years of project management experience)
● Five plus years' of professional experience in initiatives focused on African American history and culture, reconciliation/enslavement, social justice, or community-based social, educational, and economic programs
● Experience engaging and working collaboratively with community partners
● Demonstrated experience in managing working with, and leading teams of a diverse group
● Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
● Ability to take initiative when working independently, with the ability to also work in a team environment with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
● Strong interpersonal and relational skills
● Analytical and problem-solving skills
● Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse and inclusive organization
● Demonstrated skills in fiscal and budget management and reporting
Preferred Qualifications:
● Administrative or programming experience in higher education or collaborating with higher educational institutions
● Experience fundraising from donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other sources
● Familiarity with digital and archival retrieval of information
Job Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements:
Physical Demands & Activities
Light Lifting (<20 lbs): Marginal
Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs): Marginal
Heavy Lifting (>50 lbs): N/A
Pushing/Pulling: N/A
Standing: Marginal
Sitting: Essential
Repetitive Motion: Essential
Walking: Marginal
Climbing: N/A
Reaching: Essential
Bending: Marginal
Emotional Demands
Fast pace: Essential
Average Pace: Essential
Multiple Stimuli: Essential
Intense Customer Interaction: Marginal
Frequent Change: Essential
Mental/Sensory Demands
Memory: Essential
Reasoning: Essential
Hearing: Essential
Reading: Essential
Analyzing: Essential
Logic: Essential
Verbal Communication: Essential
Written Communication: Essential
Application Process:
All applications should include a cover letter; a resume or CV; a statement of contributions to equity, inclusion, and diversity; and the contact information of three professional references.
Review of applications will begin February 1, and continue until the position is filled.
Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Salary Range:
$90,000-$100,000
Position Details:
Department: Inclusive Excellence
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Faye Belgrave, fzbelgra@vcu.edu
The VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence (IE) welcomes applications for the Project Director of Project Gabriel. The Project Director will be responsible for implementing and sustaining the recommendations of the Project Gabriel Commission.
The mission of the Division of Inclusive Excellence is to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable community in which people from all backgrounds and life experiences are supported and valued.
At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's generous benefits package that includes competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity, and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), tuition waiver, partner discounts, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement. Learn more about working for VCU and job benefits
Background
Project Gabriel was developed in response to legislation (Va. Code 23.1-615.1) established by the Virginia General Assembly on March 30, 2021, that stipulated the establishment of the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship and Memorial Program in five Virginia Colleges. In spring 2023, the VCU Office of the President launched Project Gabriel to report, reconcile, and heal the wounds caused by VCU's historic ties to the institution of slavery. A commission was appointed (Project Gabriel Commission) and charged with recommending to the Administration and Board of Visitors of VCU specific ways in which the institution should: "(i) identify and memorialize, to the extent possible, all enslaved individuals who labored on former and current institutionally controlled grounds and property; ii) provide a tangible benefit such as a college scholarship or community-based economic development program for individuals or specific communities with a demonstrated historic connection to slavery that will empower families to be lifted out of the cycle of poverty."
The project is named for Gabriel Prosser, an enslaved Black man owned by Thomas Prosser of Henrico County. After a foiled attempt to capture the Capitol and hold Governor James Monroe hostage to bargain for freedom for enslaved people in Virginia, Gabriel was executed by hanging on August 30, 1800. Despite the outcome of Gabriel's rebellion, his fierce desire to free himself and others from the shackles of slavery resonates today – some 223 years after enslaved informants and a violent storm thwarted his plans.
The Project Gabriel Commission met throughout the spring and summer of 2023, gathering input from memorization experts, including memorization experts from other universities, experts on the history of the Medical College of Virginia and Richmond, museum experts, community stakeholders, and others involved in enslavement and memorization efforts. Several forums were held to obtain input and recommendations from the local Richmond and VCU communities. Forums were held in schools, faith-based institutions, at VCU, and virtual.
Over 500 persons participated in forums and provided input on Project Gabriel. Following the collection of community stakeholder input, four sub-committees were convened to identify and prioritize recommendations for memorization, scholarships, and individual and community programs. These recommendations were presented and received by VCU's Board of Visitors in September 2023.
Summary:
The Director of Project Gabriel will be responsible for implementing its three primary recommendations:identification and memorialization, scholarships, and community-based economic development programs for individuals and communities.
Reporting to the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, the director will join a diverse and dynamic organization of thought leaders in social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
The Project Director will be a creative and thoughtful visionary leader in African American history and memorialization, social justice, and with expertise in addressing racism and other social and economic inequities. This leader will build collaborative partnerships with units throughout VCU and external community partners. Essential skills involve project management, careful listening, cultural awareness and humility, and effective written and oral communication.
Primary Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Develop operational goals, objectives, and timelines for implementing Project Gabriel's recommendations
● Convene and engage an advisory council comprised of community stakeholders and members of the VCU community
● Communicate and disseminate the progress of the project to stakeholders
● Work with marketing to raise awareness of and support the project
● Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships with various units at the university (e.g., VCU Health, School of Medicine, School of the Arts, History Department, Development) and in the local community to support the recommendations of Project Gabriel
● Oversee the creation and maintenance of Project Gabriel memorialization, including architecture construction, and art teams
● Engage with community organizations to implement recommendations regarding scholarship and social and economic community impact
● Work with VCU Development Office to develop strategies for obtaining sustainable funding for Project Gabriel
● Work with other stakeholders to plan and implement educational programs that address the legacies of slavery and racism
● Prepare reports and presentations on Project Gabriel
● Identify, if possible, through historic record enslaved laborers at MCV
● Maintain project documentation and monitor and measure project performance
Required Qualifications and Skills:
● Master's Degree or equivalent experience in a discipline such as African American studies, public history/humanities, art history, museum studies, library science, public health/policy, social and behavioral sciences, or another related field.
● Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, manage time, meet simultaneous deadlines, and attend to details with minimal supervision (at least three years of project management experience)
● Five plus years' of professional experience in initiatives focused on African American history and culture, reconciliation/enslavement, social justice, or community-based social, educational, and economic programs
● Experience engaging and working collaboratively with community partners
● Demonstrated experience in managing working with, and leading teams of a diverse group
● Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
● Ability to take initiative when working independently, with the ability to also work in a team environment with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
● Strong interpersonal and relational skills
● Analytical and problem-solving skills
● Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse and inclusive organization
● Demonstrated skills in fiscal and budget management and reporting
Preferred Qualifications:
● Administrative or programming experience in higher education or collaborating with higher educational institutions
● Experience fundraising from donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other sources
● Familiarity with digital and archival retrieval of information
Job Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements:
Physical Demands & Activities
Light Lifting (<20 lbs): Marginal
Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs): Marginal
Heavy Lifting (>50 lbs): N/A
Pushing/Pulling: N/A
Standing: Marginal
Sitting: Essential
Repetitive Motion: Essential
Walking: Marginal
Climbing: N/A
Reaching: Essential
Bending: Marginal
Emotional Demands
Fast pace: Essential
Average Pace: Essential
Multiple Stimuli: Essential
Intense Customer Interaction: Marginal
Frequent Change: Essential
Mental/Sensory Demands
Memory: Essential
Reasoning: Essential
Hearing: Essential
Reading: Essential
Analyzing: Essential
Logic: Essential
Verbal Communication: Essential
Written Communication: Essential
Application Process:
All applications should include a cover letter; a resume or CV; a statement of contributions to equity, inclusion, and diversity; and the contact information of three professional references.
Review of applications will begin February 1, and continue until the position is filled.
Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Salary Range:
$90,000-$100,000
Position Details:
Department: Inclusive Excellence
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Faye Belgrave, fzbelgra@vcu.edu
