Director, Claytor Nature Center

Job Details

Position Type

Staff

Job Shift

Full time

Description

Job Title:Director, Claytor Nature Center

Department:Academics and Strategic Operations

Reports To:Chief Academic Officer/VP of Academics and Strategic Operations

Location:Bedford, VA

Job Type:Full-time

FLSA Status:Exempt

The University of Lynchburg is a nationally recognized private university where students are challenged to cultivate a world that is innovative, authentic, and inclusive. Here, independent thinkers are inspired to become trustworthy, effective leaders who shape caring communities.

Founded in 1903, a handful of professors instructed fewer than 60 students in the halls of a former resort hotel. The first graduating class consisted of only eight people. Since then, weve grown as a community and as a university to over 2,500 students with a global network of more than 36,000 alumni. At every turn, we ask ourselves: How can we best serve our students? In turn, we ask our students: How can you best serve the world?

As a staff member of the University of Lynchburg, the Claytor Nature Center Director is an integral part of ensuring that we are supporting students and employees in doing work that is meaningful within our communities.

Job Summary:The Director of Claytor Nature Center at University of Lynchburg is responsible for the general direction and management of the Center, ensuring the alignment of activities with the mission of the Center and the institution's strategic objectives. This role involves strategic planning, operational oversight, and effective team leadership. The Director will collaborate with university leadership, foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and contribute to the academic and administrative growth of the university.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
• Regularly review the strategic plan and participate in the strategic planning process with University Leadership in order to promote the mission and vision of the center.
• Prepare and submit annual center reports for appropriate constituents, including the University Board of Trustees.
• Operational Oversight:
• Manage daily operations of the Center, ensuring effective execution of programs and activities.
• Maintain the Centers budget and endowment(s) and assist the Office of Advancement with relevant University fund-raising efforts.
• Develop/maintain internal policies and procedures that are consistent with the strategic plan and ensure compliance with university and regulatory standards.
• Supervise and support volunteers, student interns, and contractors in the development and implementation of programs and facilities and land management which fulfill the mission of the center.
• Provide facility oversight to include the role of on-site coordinator for construction, landscaping, and maintenance projects in coordination with theCAO and AVP of Operations.
• Coordinate with University of Lynchburg Wedding/Event Coordinator for Cloverlea Farmhouse reservations/events
• Coordinate with Campus Safety on site security and access.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Represent the Center in university committees, meetings, and events.
• Establish and maintain contacts with university faculty and staff in order to promote uses of the center which are consistent with the mission.
• Establish and maintain contacts with external researchers and educators in order to promote use of the center as a site for environmental education.
• Actively pursue community partnerships,maintain contacts with relevant community stakeholders, and foster uses of the Center in collaboration with these stakeholders.
• Work with the chair of the Board of Conservators to convene meetings as appropriate.
• Program Development and Evaluation:
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Center programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate scheduling and support of University classes, research projects, and events on-site.
• Design and implement invasive plant control measures, ecosystem management activities, and native plant enhancement measures.
• Ensure compliance with easements, coordinate with easement holders for site visitation, and support wetlands work.
• Assist with trails and grounds design, development and maintenance.
• Communication and Advocacy:
• Act as a spokesperson for the Center, effectively communicating its mission, goals, and achievements.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for university leadership and stakeholders in response to requests and on a scheduled, periodic basis as required.
• Collaborate with the University Marketing and Communications department on Center public communications including website, social media, email lists.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or higher in an environmental education, interpretation, resource management or related field with four years of experience or equivalent.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of conservation, ecology, resource management, environmental education, interpretation and related subjects
• Ability to effectively present information to leadership, public groups and/or boards of directors
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from stakeholders and the general public
• Ability to make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems.
• Experience in budget management and resource allocation.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Familiarity with trends and challenges in higher education, land conservancy and nature centers.
• Strong network and experience in establishing partnerships with external stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires frequent exposure to outdoor elements whichmay include heat, humidity, cold, rain, snow, live or dead animals, animal waste, odors, and insects
• Must be able to walk on uneven or heavily wooded ground for the purpose of monitoring programs, assisting with trail and natural resource maintenance
• Position requires the use of small equipment, power and hand tools
• Position requires frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hand and arms, climb or balance
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
• Some travel may be required to attend university meetings on campus.

We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburgs efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University.

Submita cover letter, rsum, and three professional references to:

Human Resources Jobs Page

The University of Lynchburg is committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from persons of color, women, Indigenous/aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University of Lynchburg community.

The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.