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

Overview
Position Summary
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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 generated by NICCS.
• Identify opportunities to align NICCS activities with regional plans and aspirations to attract sustainable businesses and support existing businesses in improving their environmental sustainability, all while working with university and community leaders.

• Work with a range of stakeholders to fulfill the mission and vision of NICCS by cultivating mutually beneficial research and innovation partnerships with the public and private sectors.
• Advance the mission and vision of NICCS by cultivating mutually beneficial research and innovation partnerships with the public and private sector.
• Ensure visibility, alignment and integration of NICCS with the Illinois Innovation Network.

• Lead the NICCS facilities design, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Possess operational oversight for hiring and supervising of staff along with developing and overseeing yearly budgets.
• Ensure that NICCS operations and facilities model best practices in sustainability.
• Serve as the primary advocate for NICCS and will identify sponsors and external funding opportunities to ensure NICCS becomes financially independent.

• The individual hired may choose to be aligned with a Department and/or a Center. As such, tenure may be granted if appropriate.
• Stay current with developing information in the field.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Master's degree or equivalent in business, public administration, science, or engineering or a related field
• Minimum of five years of experience and proven track record driving of research and innovation in a well-regarded corporate, community, or academic environment
• Experience with fundraising

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Deep understanding of sustainability, sustainability research, sustainability management, and sustainable development
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills; excellent presentation skills; independent judgment.
• Business acumen, negotiation skills and demonstrated success in large-scale collaborations
• Knowledge of academic research and innovation methods
• Ability to work effectively and manage large-scale collaborations with a broad range of constituents including faculty, staff, attorneys, sponsors, community members, and industry representatives.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to handle multiple, complex tasks and projects concurrently
• Success developing intra- and inter-institutional partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Ph.D. in business, science, or engineering or a related field.
• Technology commercialization experience such as an entrepreneurial leadership role in a startup or small business and experience establishing successful relationships with venture capitalists, angel investors, and entrepreneurs.
• Supervision of professional staff.
• Experience in public higher education administration.
• Demonstrated collaboration with faculty, graduate students, and administrators to advance a culture of research and innovation.
• Success in facilitating interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.

Physical demands/requirements

• Regular office related duties
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time
• Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date As soon as possible after priority date
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Percent of Staff Year 1.00
Standard Hours Per Week 37.50
Working Hours 8:00-4:30, occasional evening and weekend hours
Salary Commensurate with experience and qualifications; NIU offers a robust benefits package.
Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range See above
Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter stating interesting and experience in sustainability and innovation
• List of three professional references

Special Instructions
Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/76253
Is Background Check Required? Yes
EEO Statement Summary
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation
Safety Information