Director for Northern Illinois Center for Communit

at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Information

Working Position Title
 Director for Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS) - 34691
Classification
 Director
Position Number
 00034691
Open Date
 01/29/2024
Close Date
Priority Review Date
 03/17/2024
Employee Class
 Staff
Full-Time/Part Time
 Full-Time
FTE
 1.00
Position Status
 Regular
FLSA
 Exempt
Job code
 1330SPS04
Union Representation
 Non-Union
Union Code 
 N/A
Unit/Department
 VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp
College/Unit
 VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp
Division
 Research and Innv Prtnrshp
Location
 LH 301
Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
 https://www.niu.edu/niccs/index.shtml
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is transforming sustainability in higher education and is moving forward in the development of the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS) to address the challenges of environmental change, shifting demographics and sociopolitical inequity impacting our region and the world. To accomplish this, NICCS connects research and innovation to advance sustainability in food systems, water resources, and environmental adaptation while also promoting science-based policies and practices for communities. NICCS is a hub of the Illinois Innovation Network which is a collaborative effort of the state public universities to drive innovation and economic growth throughout the state. We seek a director who can help us advance this substantial new university-wide initiative.

The promotion, creation and application of research and innovation are high priorities for NICCS. The Director will facilitate faculty research that supports sustainable communities and promote development of policies for sustainable communities. The Director will facilitate local, regional, and international research and scholarship and help build transdisciplinary research teams that bring visibility to NIU and Illinois through critical research areas with global implications. The Director will also encourage the combination of cutting-edge research with policy development to help community leaders plan for change and address community issues and engage the public to create awareness and inspire action. The Director will provide leadership in the regional innovation ecosystem through research and engagement and collaborate on development of instructional and experiential opportunities to support student success. Finally, the Director will serve as primary spokesperson and advocate for NICCS including development of sponsors and external funding opportunities.
Position Summary
The Director provides visionary leadership for NICCS mission to address the
challenges of environmental change, shifting demographics, and sociopolitical inequity impacting the region and the world. They will work with faculty to facilitate and support their academic and instructional programs and liaise with other Divisions to strategically develop partnerships and programs consistent with the mission of NICCS. The Director will report to the Vice President of RIPS and work with RIPS staff to advance the research and innovation strategic goals of the University. The number and functions of direct reports will be determined by the Director and the VP of RIPS as the organization develops and matures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Facilitation of Research, Innovation, and Scholarship
Facilitate faculty research and development of policies that supports sustainable communities.
Facilitate international research and scholarship that brings visibility to NIU and Illinois through critical research areas with global implications including water resources, environmental adaptation, and food systems innovation.
Support development of instructional and experiential opportunities for students.

Strategy Development and Implementation
Develop short-range and long-range strategic plans for external partnerships in support of research and innovation, all while working with the Vice President of the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships (RIPs) and leadership from other university divisions.
Identify and create opportunities to engage regional communities by identifying mutually beneficial areas of research and engagement, as well as translating scientific and policy developments... For full info follow application link.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.