About CKS
The Center for Khmer Studies (CKS), an American Overseas Research Center in Cambodia, is based in Siem Reap, with a branch office in Phnom Penh. CKS promotes research and scholarly exchange in the social sciences, arts, and humanities between American, international, and Cambodian scholars through a variety of programs focused on Cambodia and its region.
Job Description
CKS is seeking a motivated Director committed to our mission to expand knowledge and understanding of Cambodia and Southeast Asia in Cambodia and abroad by supporting students and scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
As an ambassador for CKS, the director will introduce CKS to students, scholars, and faculty members in Cambodia and abroad at colleges, universities, and academic conferences. The director will also create and nurture links with foreign and domestic government institutions, granting institutions, and other donors, and with faculty members and leaders within institutions of higher education in Cambodia and the US. The director will oversee the Center as a whole while supporting programs and initiatives, outreach and communications, staff administration, and budget management.
The Director reports directly to the President, who, in turn, reports to the Board. The Director represents CKS in Cambodia and is accountable for in-country work. The position is located at CKS’s main offices in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
This is a part-time 60% position with the possibility of full-time. Work times will fluctuate depending on Center activities and deadlines.
CKS offers a competitive compensation package.
Major Responsibilities: Leadership, Fundraising, and Outreach
CKS seeks a committed leader who can plan, implement and evaluate its long-range mission, in collaboration with its Board and President, and provide high-level representation of CKS to key audiences in-country and internationally, especially donors and partners. The ideal candidate will be interested in all areas of Cambodian and Southeast Asian studies. The Director will take a hands-on approach, working collaboratively with other members of staff to meet the needs of CKS’s programs, initiatives, and everyday functions.
Responsibilities
Grants & Fundraising
- In conjunction with the CKS US office, the Director will undertake fundraising, including researching and identifying grants, maintaining relationships with granting foundations, grant writing and reporting; outreach efforts; and maintaining current grants and donations
- Develop fundraising initiatives and contacts in Cambodia among institutions and private donors
Outreach
- Supporting program development and oversight
- Outreach and networking with colleges and universities, and other institutions in Cambodia and abroad
Programs and Institutional Activities
- Oversight of translation/publications program
- Working with the Deputy Director to deliver an active program of conferences and workshops
Staff Management & Administrative
- Reviewing outgoing communications and oversight of activities within the Center
- Developing, monitoring, and managing expenses within the annual budget
- Reporting to the President and the Board
- Working with Deputy Director in hiring, supervising, and developing staff to be successful in their roles
- Staying abreast of current Cambodian labor and business laws and keeping MOU with ministries up to date
- Monitoring and ensuring the safety and security of CKS staff, property, and grounds
Qualifications
- Commitment to CKS’s mission
- Graduate degree(s) in the social sciences or humanities, preferably a PhD
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Khmer
- Demonstrated ability to set priorities, organize workload, manage competing demands, meet deadlines, and achieve ambitious goals
- Strong leadership initiative, flexibility, professionalism, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse, independent, international Board, and experience working with professionals in a diverse multicultural environment navigating cultural sensibilities with staff, leadership, and all constituents
- Solid understanding of higher education norms, structures, and institutions, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, and experience in the administration of academic programs and conferences
- Expertise in Cambodian and/or Southeast Asian Studies
- Demonstrated ability to draft and monitor budgets
- Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and reporting
- Desire and ability to travel overseas for conferences, board meetings, and other events.
- Google Workspace and Microsoft Office skills required
- Commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation
Desired Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with US Government grants
- Fluency in Khmer
- Familiarity with US academic institutions
- Strong public relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
- Working knowledge of Cambodia labor law
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online. Applications will be reviewed as received.
- A cover letter setting forth your interest in the position, including a description of relevant academic, research, and administrative experience, showing how these meet the needs of the position
- CV
- Writing sample demonstrating your English language skills
- Expected salary range
- Be prepared to provide three (3) references who are knowledgeable about and who can best comment on your qualifications. If you are a finalist for the position, we will request voice and email contact information, as well as the current time zone of your references. We prefer one past manager or professor, one peer, and one subordinate.
CKS does not discriminate based on disability, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, or religion.