Executive Director for Institute for Sustainability

Eastern Connecticut State University is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director for Institute for Sustainability.  Eastern is located in Willimantic, Connecticut, 1.5 hours from Boston and 2 hours from New York City.  Eastern is one of four universities in the Connecticut State College and University System (CSCU), and as a state university, employees enjoy substantial health and retirement benefits.

Under the supervision of the University President, the Executive Director for the Institute for Sustainability is responsible for the overall organization and operational management of the Institute and serves as the Institute’s chief operating officer.  Specific responsibilities of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to, the following:

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  Conduct, manage, and direct the daily operational functions of the Institute at the direction of the President.  Develop the vision, priorities, goals, and planning for the Institute.  Form community partnerships positioning the institute as a leading resource for sustainability initiatives in Connecticut.  Develop innovative programming and projects to engage the university community – especially students.  Coordinate sustainability efforts on campus in collaboration with the Green Campus Committee, the Center for Sustainability, and Facilities.  Partner with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to host seminars, workshops, training, and develop curricular and co-curricular sustainability initiatives.  Promote the innate connections between the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability aligned with the university mission and values.  Develop budgets, manage Institute finances, seek external funding, and submit annual progress reports for all programs and projects.  Organize and conduct program review, administrative evaluation, and executive briefings for all programs and projects as required by the University, and/or funding organization.  Supervise institute staff including assistant director, university assistant and student interns.  Convene regular meetings with the Institute’s Board of Advisors.  Performs other duties related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position, as assigned by the President.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Ph.D. in a sustainability-related discipline such as environmental science, sustainability, urban or environmental planning, or similar and five years of experience in higher education is required.  Related abilities include program development and management; collaborative leadership skills; ability to organize and manage program teams; and excellent communication, writing, planning, and analysis skills.  Understanding of sustainability concepts and trends, and familiarity with initiatives specific to Connecticut and higher education is necessary. A commitment to integrating and promoting diversity and equity as a core principle of sustainability is expected.   Aptitude for communicating sustainability concepts to the public, building partnerships, and experience working effectively with diverse groups is preferred.

To Apply:  Please submit a cover letter, current resume and contact information of three professional reference to Rebecca Davis at davisr@easternct.edu.

Eastern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: LaMar Coleman, Vice President for Equity and Diversity, (860) 465-5112, colemanla@easternct.edu.