Director of Operations & Outreach; Term

Director Of Operations And Outreach

Northwestern University has launched the Thriving Planet Institute (TPI), a new institute aligned with the University's strategic priority to lead in sustainability. TPI is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research and education at the intersection of environmental systems and health, recognizing the interconnected nature of interventions that affect water, land, and air, and impacts on human health. Through this integrated approach, the Institute seeks to develop innovative solutions that promote both planetary and human well-being.

The forthcoming institute's first Director of Operations and Outreach (DOO) will play a key role in establishing the institute and promoting its mission and goals by leading the strategic business management and tactical operation of the institute. The DOO innovates, implements and continually enhances the institute's programs and plans to ensure excellence at all levels. Proactively interfacing with institute leadership, the DOO manages current initiatives and long-term planning in support of the institute's education, research and outreach mission.

The DOO fosters the collaborative spirit of the institute with alliances both internal and external to the University. The DOO will also oversee evaluations, coordination with affiliate centers, and help build and coordinate relationships with relevant partners. The DOO will focus on providing strategic leadership, attracting novel funding streams, and supporting faculty in executing their vision across the institute's four areas of emphasis (water, land, air, and health).

This position will support the faculty director of the institute, as described above.

Specific responsibilities include: multidisciplinary research institute development; strategy implementation and operations oversight; staff supervision and hiring; partnering to identify, secure, and administer research funding; fund raising collaboration in partnership with Northwestern's development office (for donor relations) and/or grant funding institutions; budget and financial operations; research and interdisciplinary program development and implementation; engagement with institute leadership and the University's central offices; communications and marketing support;

creative/proactive ideas and strategy input and support. This is a two-year term position. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding. A cover letter is required to apply for this position.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's in business, accounting or a related field with 5 or more years' experience in administrative or supervisory capacity with exposure to a combination of project management, finance, grant administration, and staff supervision. 5+ year's management experience with progressively larger responsibilities. Interest in the business of higher education and research. Knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint or similar packages; familiarity with web development.

Minimum competencies:
Proven communication, interpersonal and analytic skills. Adept at project management. Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines. Demonstrated competency in organization management and financial stewardship. Proactive, energetic, innovative. Excellent writing and presentation abilities. Ability to work independently and yet is an accomplished team player.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $100,000-$120,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs.