Penn State University · 3 months ago
Executive Director, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
University Park, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$86K/yr - $130K/yr
10+ years expPenn State University is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, a resource located in central Pennsylvania. The role involves ensuring the success of educational programming through strategic planning, staff management, and fostering community engagement while promoting sustainability and excellence in experiential education.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Leading a dynamic team of 25 dedicated individuals who manage and support Penn State students, emerging professionals, and passionate volunteers
Communicating and engaging regularly with the staff and thoughtfully considering organizational needs in decision-making processes
Managing complex budgets to ensure fiscal viability, the development of funding resources, and resource acquisition for the sustainability of the site, programs and staff
Providing oversight for the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and satellite locations, and related budgeting and capital spending, compliance, procurement, project and construction management. Requires relationship building and direct work with the University Offices of Physical Plant, University Access Committee, etc
Directing the facility and operations efforts through long-term and annual planning with staff and neighboring constituents (Stone Valley Recreation Area and Stone Valley Forest)
Engaging in development efforts and working closely with Penn State Outreach fundraisers to cultivate new donors, steward current donors, and provide oversight of the center’s membership and major gifts programs, and endowment spending
Collaborating with the Vice President for Outreach and the Outreach Leadership Team on development initiatives, educational partnerships, and stakeholder engagement
Staying informed of trends in the field of experiential and environmental education, and relevant policies and regulations both internal to Penn State and external to the University
Representing Penn State Outreach and Shaver’s Creek at conferences, community events, and for media inquiries
Qualification
Required
Master's Degree
10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
A passion for experiential education and creating opportunities that leave a lasting impact on a diversity of participants and visitors
Innovative leadership and the ability to implement a clear strategic vision for the organization that inspires staff, volunteers and stakeholders to embrace shared goals that are aligned with Penn State and Penn State Outreach priorities
Proven ability to make informed and effective decisions in developing, implementing, and monitoring the scope of services as well as programmatic, course enrollment, staffing, and budgetary elements that are aligned with fiscal goals
Strong personnel management experience and skills including a history of success in coaching and developing staff, performance management, building high-functioning teams, and driving positive workplace culture
Proven track record as a financially responsible budget manager
Preferred
Extensive knowledge of environmental science, outdoor recreation, natural history, and interpretive skills
Prior experience working in higher education
Strong organizational and time-management skills with a detail-oriented approach
Highly collaborative mindset to support internal teams and external partners
Flexibility, resourcefulness, positivity, and mature judgment, especially in stressful or challenging conditions
Experience with student engagement/student success
A degree in environmental or experiential education, natural resources, education, or a related field
Experience in organizational management, program creation and evaluation, experiential, environmental, or outdoor education
Supervisory experience, including proven experience in staff leadership, training, and supervision
Evidence of successful fundraising, grant writing, and project management
Expertise in public speaking, networking, and community engagement
Ability to work flexible hours and be on-call for emergencies
Passion and commitment to the mission of connecting people to the outdoors
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
Company
Penn State University
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Hamza Jamjoom
Co-Founder - Arts & Architecture Student Council
Kara Pytko
Co-founder of Virtual Scientist Webinar Series
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