Tribal Research & Education in Ecosystem Sciences Center Director

General Summary

The Director of the TREES Center leads the College's national efforts to create and sustain pathways for Indigenous and underserved students into forestry, wildland fire, and allied natural resource careers. The Director will design, administer, and evaluate national student internship programs and cohort-building educational programs; cultivate and maintain national partnerships (tribal organizations, Intertribal Timber Council, tribal, federal, and state natural resource agencies, research networks, and industry partners) as to expand Salish Kootenai College's (SKC) capacity to serve students in natural resources;

build and sustain national recruitment and outreach for TREES programming; secure and manage federal, foundation, philanthropic, and partner funding; supervise center staff; and represent the College in national discussions that expand student employment pathways and institutional capacity.

The Director will also oversee strategic national workforce development activities, involving analysis to identify obstacles, increase student enrollment nationally, and to create professional development & leadership growth opportunities. The Director must understand forestry, wildland fire, and natural resource workforce & skillset needs as to provide the leadership and analytical thinking necessary for TREES to perform its mission successfully. The Director may be assigned limited, as needed teaching.

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Wildland Fire, or related Natural Resources field is required. At least two years of progressive professional experience administering or managing multi-site or national student internship programs, coordinating student workforce pathways, or comparable program development/management experience. Experience placing students in federal agencies, research networks, or industry internships. Demonstrated experience working with tribal organizations and national tribal bodies (e.g., Inter Tribal Timber Council), tribal, federal, and state natural resource agencies, and research networks.

Demonstrated experience facilitating and building coalitions or networks that support student employment pathways. Experience working within a tribal college/university or other Indigenous-serving institution. Demonstrated experience or collaborative efforts with outreach/recruitment and grant, philanthropic, or partnership funding to grow program capacity. Willingness to teach on an as-needed basis. Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, and written communication skills; experience working with Indigenous communities and culturally responsive practices.

Demonstrated ability to convene partners, build collaborative agreements (MOUs), and manage placement relationships with external hosts. Supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to manage staff and student employees. Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently. Must have knowledge of post-secondary institutions, financial aid and student advising skills. Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills. Proven competencies with computers, preferably with Networks and Teleconferencing, Internet, E-mail, and Microsoft Office expertise.

Must be familiar with issues encountered by students in rural areas and the socioeconomic challenges, employment barriers, and diversity-related needs of Native Americans.