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[questioning]

So, here's the situation.  My SO is tenure-track faculty in a university located several states away from where I currently reside.  I work in a fairly specialized field and have been reluctant to just pick up and join hu for fear that I won't be able to find work in my area of specialty.  Hu is in a fairly non-metropolitan region, and there are very few opportunities there in my field.

The last time I visited hu, I met with several faculty members and administrators at the University where hu is located - there was a strong indication on their part that they were very interested in my background and skills.  I was invited to a lunch meeting with several high-level administrators and got the sense that I was being recruited to do work that is precisely in my area of specialty.  However, it is unclear exactly how an opportunity would present itself: this meeting included administrators from different areas of the University and I get the impression that were a position to be created, it would require some significant negotiations on who would fund it, etc.

Here's the question: I'm going to be back down in the area in a few weeks and was wondering how/if it might be appropriate to follow-up on that meeting.  Is it too early to say I'd like to meet with them again? I've had some ideas of my own on how this could be worked out, but I don't know if it would be too presumptuous on my part to discuss this with them.  On the other hand, I do want to make clear that I'm very interested in this potential opportunity, and take advantage of being in the area to show my face again, to make sure it's not an "out of sight, out of mind" situation.

Any thoughts appreciated...thanks.   

[sibyl]

I don't know how long it's been since you were there, but if it's been more than a couple of months then you should certainly follow up with your lunch partners.  Contact each of them individually -- or start with the president or provost or vice president if that makes sense -- say you are going to be in town and would love to stop by for coffee or lunch or a quick hello. 

You don't even have to mention the job at this point.  If they were serious about the positive vibes (and not just trying to lull you & spouse), they will be glad to see you and they will know the "hidden" reason for the visit.  Even if they can't meet with you, it's good to get your name to the top of their minds (even if only for a moment) so that they remember your search and are assured of your interest.

[questioning]

Thanks, Sybil. I did just that - emailed one of the people I'd met with (higher up on the administrative food chain) and just said I'd love to stop by.

Keeping my fingers crossed...