[Coral-List] Job Opportunity - Center Director, Panama

Jobs jobs at fieldstudies.org
Thu Jun 5 16:59:30 EDT 2014


Position Title:
Center Director
 
Location:
Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies -Bocas del Toro, Isla Solarte, Republic
of Panama
 
Program Objective:
The central theme of The School for Field Studies (SFS) Panama study abroad
program is "islands as a delicate system," with emphasis on the resources of
Panama's spectacular coastal and marine environments. Students will explore
several key interfaces: human and natural systems, terrestrial and marine
ecosystems, and conservation and development. The goal of this undergraduate
study abroad program is to assess the state of the archipelago's fragile
natural habitats, define the main environmental issues, and understand the
community goals in natural resource management. Our ultimate goal is to help
islanders maintain balance and harmony between people and nature in this
fragile ecosystem.
 
Reports To:
President of SFS
 
Position Summary:
This position is responsible for administering all aspects of the SFS
program in Panama: Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies (TIBS), including
staff management and team building; oversight of Center operations, finance
and administration; academic program planning, delivery and evaluation; the
Center's Research Plan and securing grant support; and representation of the
Center in local, regional and international arenas.
 
Serve as part of a residential team of faculty and staff that delivers an
interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a
semester abroad.
 
Center Director - Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Administration

*	Lead program planning activities prior to semester program, and
debrief following student departures, including written reports to HQ
*	Lead regular staff, faculty and student meetings in support of
program delivery
*	Resolve student discipline problems
*	On a rotating basis, act as "staff of the day" 
*	Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take meals
with the students

 
 
Personnel Management

*	Supervise small professional staff
*	Support a strong Center team and School-wide relationships through
regular meetings and open communication
*	Collaborate with the SFS HQ to recruit and retain qualified faculty
and staff, to create opportunities for professional development and to
terminate positions as needed, consistent with SFS policies
*	Monitor performance of Center staff throughout the year and conduct
formal staff performance reviews to set and meet performance objectives

Fiscal & Facility Management

*	Ensure sound fiscal management through careful review of the budget
and expenditures, working closely with the International Operations Manager
and the SFS Chief Financial Officer to develop and manage operating and
capital budgets 
*	Work with Site Manager to carry out facility and vehicle and vessel
maintenance and replacement and to manage the import process of goods and
consumables
*	Assume overall safety of all program participants, staff and
visitors, working closely with the Student Affairs Manager including the
enforcement of program vehicle and boat policies, diving protocols, and
program risk assessment and management plans
*	Ensure the Center operates in a manner which is consistent with
local, regional, and national laws, regulations and codes
*	In coordination with the Site Manager, serve as caretaker for the
Center site during non-program and intersession periods

Academic & Research Program Management

*	Work with the SFS Office of Academic Affairs, the Center team,
clients and stakeholders to ensure ongoing implementation and development of
the Center's Research Plan, including appropriate involvement of students,
publication of results, data management and record keeping, retention of
partners and achievement of research goals
*	Review with the Office of Academic Affairs the undergraduate
academic curriculum and work with the faculty to update and improve pedagogy
and content of classes and field work
*	Review program evaluations and implement actions to maintain high
academic quality standards
*	Promote the participation of local and international experts and
partners in both the teaching and research programs
*	Advise students where appropriate to assist in the success of their
academic program
*	Adhere to and enforce SFS academic policies for students and faculty

Outreach

*	Work with the HQ staff to identify funding sources in support of the
Center and assist in grant writing
*	Work with HQ staff to create and publish center specific marketing
materials
*	Actively seek out and participate in outreach activities at the
local, regional and national levels to entities such as universities,
research organizations, businesses, agencies and community institutions
*	Serve as primary spokesperson for the Center
*	Attend relevant local and international conferences, seminars and
workshops
*	Take part in Center social and field activities
*	Work to ensure consistently good relations between the Center and
its stakeholders and neighbors

Daily Center Life

*	Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take meals
with the students
*	On a rotating basis, take responsibility for "staff of the day"
duties
*	Take part in, and occasionally lead community outreach, site upkeep
projects, social and field activities
*	Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed
*	Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and program policies
and procedures

Qualifications:

*	Demonstrated upper level organizational management experience in
such areas as project management, conducting academic and/or research
programs, or heading environmental issue-driven projects, programs or
organizations
*	Ph.D. or equivalent degree in an appropriate field of study with
demonstrated research and field experience
*	Minimum three years' experience in university teaching
*	Demonstrated ability to coordinate and be part of an
interdisciplinary teaching and research team
*	Knowledge of U.S. higher education system
*	Knowledge of Caribbean island life, including culture, history, and
governmental operations 
*	Experience living at a field station preferred
*	Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

*	SCUBA certification
*	Valid boat driver's license
*	Working knowledge of Spanish language

Expectations:
 

*	Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
*	Commitment to academic success of SFS students and faculty
*	Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the program
site(s) with a resident, full-time team of faculty and staff, groups of US
undergraduate students and visiting researchers
*	Ability to travel locally and internationally to support the
program's academic work and administration
*	Enthusiastic approach to problem solving, collegial attitude and
entrepreneurial spirit

 
Compensation/Benefits: 

*	Salary commensurate with qualifications, on-site housing and meals,
relocation assistance, and excellent benefits package included.

 
To Apply:
Submit a detailed cover letter outlining relevant experiences and addressing
the qualifications and expectations stated above and curriculum vitae online
at http://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal
<http://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrd
erID=3867094> &a=details&jobOrderID=3867094.  Recommendation letters will be
required upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employer

 



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