Open Position -- Centre Director: The SFS Centre for Wildlife Management Studies, near Karatu, some twenty minutes’ drive from Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania, seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented Centre Director to lead a resident staff in the delivery of high quality, field-based academic programs to undergraduate students from American colleges and universities. Institutional Mission: SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship. Program Focus: The SFS Centre for Wildlife Management Studies maintains field stations in northern Tanzania in Rhotia near Lake Manyara National Park and in southern Kenya in Kimana, Oloitoktok, near Amboseli National Park. We operate programs simultaneously at both field stations. The Centre is committed to providing educational and research opportunities to visiting students while collaborating with local stakeholders on setting the research agenda and sharing research outcomes. We operate year-round, delivering two semester and two summer programs. The Centre strives to make a meaningful contribution to the effective management of wildlife and regional ecosystems, and towards the rural development opportunities for local communities. The Centre research activities are carried out in four thematic areas: wildlife and range conditions, land reform and land use change, water resources, and communities and tourism. Reports To: SFS President Start Date: Position available immediately; start date no later than January 2012 Position Summary: This position reports to the President of the School, in close collaboration with the CWMS Senior Director in Kenya, and is responsible for administering all aspects of the SFS – Centre for Wildlife Management Studies in Tanzania, including staff management and team building; oversight of Centre operations, finance and administration; academic program planning, delivery and evaluation; the Centre’s Five Year Research Plan and potential grant support; and representation of the Centre in local, regional and international arenas. The Tanzania Centre runs a shared program in the fall and spring with the Kenyan Centre, so collaboration and joint strategic planning in operations will be critical for the success of the East African Program. Duties and Responsibilities Program Administration - Lead program planning activities prior to semester and summer programs, and debrief following student departures, including written reports to HQ
- Lead regular staff faculty and student meetings in support of excellent 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 Centre 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 Centre 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 President, Controller and the Site Managerto develop and manage operating and capital budgets
- Work with Site Manager to carry out facility and vehicle maintenance and replacement and to manage the purchasing of goods and consumables
- Assume responsibility for overall safety of all program participants, staff and visitors, working closely with the Safety department at SFS headquarters and the resident Student Affairs Manager, including the enforcement of Centre vehicle policies and Centre risk assessment and management plans
- Ensure that Centre 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 Centre during non-program and intersession periods
Academic Research & Program Management - Work with the SFS Dean’s office, the Centre team, clients and stakeholders to ensure ongoing implementation and development of the Centre's Five Year 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 Dean’s office 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
Community Outreach - Work with the HQ staff to identify funding sources in support of the Centre and assist in grant writing
- Work with HQ staff to create and publish Centre 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 Centre
- Attend relevant local and international conferences, seminars and workshops
- Take part in Centre social and field activities
- Work to ensure consistently good relations between the Centre and its stakeholders and neighbors
Minimum Qualifications: - Tanzanian work authorization required
- Demonstrated upper level organizational management experience in such areas as project management, university level administration, conducting academic and/or research programs, or heading environmental issue-driven projects, programs or organizations
- Ph.D.or equivalent in ecology, resource management, socio-economics or related field with demonstrated research, scholarly outputs, and field experience
- Minimum two 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
- Extensive knowledge of Tanzania, including its culture, history, and governmental operations
- A valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Experience with capital, physical and human resource management and optimization
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working with rural government agencies and NGOs
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team
- Residential student group management and risk management experience highly desirable
- Experience living at a field station preferred
Other Expectations: - Candidate will be expected to have or acquire the equivalent of a Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification before beginning employment (SFS reimburses up to a cap)
- 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 Centre 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 Centre’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. We are proud to be an EEO / AA employer M/F/D/V. |
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