Director, LiFT Institute

Job Details

• Job Location:
  
  FL
  - Winter Haven
  - Winter Haven, FL 33880
• Position Type:
  Full Time
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
• Travel Percentage:
  Negligible
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category:
  Executive

The Director of the LiFT Institute at SEU is a visionary and experienced leader which will resource community nonprofits and organizations to provide job and career training, financial literacy learning and mentorship, non-profit excellence certification, and other services to provide holistic problem-solving options for community growth and stability. The Director will be responsible for providing strategic direction, fostering organizational growth, and ensuring the effective execution of our mission.

This position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the community and drive positive change.

Reports to:

Executive Director, SEU Winter Haven
- Sara Beth Wyatt

Supervisory Responsibility:
Program Manager for the LiFT Institute at SEU

Indirect Supervisory Responsibility: N/A

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the LiFT Institute in alignment with Southwestern University’s mission, institutional priorities, and the Institute’s established mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Lead the ongoing implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the Institute’s strategic initiatives, goals, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and expanded community impact through strategic partnerships, programs, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with SEU Winter Haven leadership to ensure alignment between the LiFT Institute and broader university objectives.

Organizational & Operational Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the LiFT Institute, ensuring effective administration, operational efficiency, and organizational excellence.
• Lead, supervise, and develop Institute staff, contractors, and program leaders while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Establish and maintain operational systems, policies, and procedures that support organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, grant requirements, and applicable regulations.

Financial Stewardship & Partnership Support

• Assist the Executive Director of SEU Winter Haven in supporting the financial sustainability and strategic growth of the LiFT Institute.
• Support donor, sponsor, grant, and partner engagement efforts through relationship management, program support, storytelling, and community impact reporting.
• Collaborate with university leadership and advancement teams in the development of proposals, sponsorship opportunities, presentations, and partnership initiatives.
• Provide operational input and programmatic insight to support budget planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of Institute resources and alignment of expenditures with organizational priorities and university policies.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Serve as the primary relationship-builder and ambassador for the LiFT Institute within the community and across strategic sectors.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, government entities, churches, and community leaders.
• Represent the LiFT Institute and Southwestern University at community events, conferences, professional associations, and public engagements.
• Promote collaborative initiatives that advance workforce development, financial literacy, nonprofit sustainability, and community impact.

Program Leadership & Evaluation

• Provide executive oversight for Institute programs, events, trainings, and community initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services.
• Utilize data, outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure programs maintain high standards of quality, impact, and participant engagement.

Communications & Advocacy

• Serve as a visible and effective spokesperson for the LiFT Institute, communicating its mission, vision, and strategic priorities to diverse audiences.
• Support marketing, communications, and storytelling efforts that enhance organizational visibility, engagement, and support.
• Advocate for initiatives and partnerships that further the mission and priorities of the LiFT Institute and…