Director Of Outreach

Job Summary: The Director of Outreach will create high level partnerships with other educational institutions and government agencies for the Sustainability Studies Program (SSP), which aims to modernize the curricula with degrees in Urban Plant Agriculture, Agricultural Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability and Society. They will collaborate closely with various departments within the university and play a critical role in streamlining efforts to raise the profile of LSU's sustainability degree programs.

Essential Duties:

• Create and chair an external advisory council for the development, growth and success of LSU's Sustainability Studies Program (SSP).
• Draft proposals and manage the approval process in collaboration with the faculty for curriculum alignment by working across departments to integrate SSP values and principles.
• Collaborate with enrollment services and area high schools and 2 year colleges to promote the SSP and enroll new students annually by undertaking concerted efforts to promote a diverse student body into the SSP degree pathways, thereby contributing to the vibrancy of the program and the university community.
• Partner with local stakeholders to promote La Sierra's SSP and diverse STEM programs, including expanding outreach, connecting area two-year institutions with regional high schools, and ensuring broad awareness.
• Negotiate articulation agreements with local institutions by actively seeking and establishing relationships and creating transfer pathways that facilitate student transition and success.
• Collaborate with student wellness services to support organization of informational fairs on mental health and wellness.
• Develop and coordinate effective media strategies and communication efforts enhancing grant program visibility and impact.
• Offer support for maintaining and updating relevant web pages, ensuring accurate representation of program details, achievements, and offerings.
• Perform IRB-approved research, submit abstracts and present at conferences appropriate for networking and gaining national exposure for SSP opportunities.
• Regularly participate in conferences and training to stay abreast of developments, updates, and compliance requirements related to Title V and HSI, ensuring informed and compliant program operation. 
• Work collaboratively to improve grant program processes, contributing to the program's long-term sustainability and success.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires a broad and comprehensive knowledge of student development theory.

Required Education & Experience 

Master's Degree or higher in a related field; Ph.D. preferred, with at least three years' experience with grant experience preferred. Experience assisting a multicultural population. Experience in higher education, strong written and oral communication skills, proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting, primarily related to student persistence and completion, transfer and articulation, low-income and first-generation college populations. Ability to work collaboratively with various internal and external stakeholders. Experience in outreach initiatives and community engagement. Experience with La Sierra University's policies and procedures.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information, research, and respond to questions from faculty, stakeholders, directors, managers, clients, customers, and the general public in various communication processes.

Math Ability:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability: 

Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking and persuasiveness with the ability to clearly communicate in a professional manner. Ability to understand reporting requirements and produce accurate technical reports.

Computer Skills: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, the basics of graphic and web design, Google Suite, Banner, Jaegaer and project management software.

Certificates and Licenses: 

No certifications needed

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

The Director of Outreach will supervise multiple student learning assistants and other Title V staff.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Other Demands:

Maintains the absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, personnel records and university information. Ability to work independently, and with others, on multiple projects in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while maintaining acute attention to detail and excellent follow-through.

Annual Salary $64,480 to $67,000 plus generous benefits