Assistant Director

Job Description:

Position Overview 

We are looking for an Academic Assistant to act as an Assistant Director and work closely with the Director in implementing the vision, growth, and sustainability of the center. The Assistant Director will provide high-level oversight across programs and projects, contribute to strategic planning and development, and represent the center to external stakeholders including donors, university leadership, and partners. The Assistant Director will collaborate with the Operations Manager, Communications Team, Program Leads, Executive Committee, and Advisory Board to align internal operations with long-term goals and to maximize the center’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Programs Development and Oversight

• Program Leadership Support: Work closely with Program Leads to monitor progress, provide strategic input, and ensure coordination and synergy across programs in alignment with the center’s mission and vision.
• Cross-Program Initiatives: Lead or support multi-program initiatives that cut across different research areas or require inter-program collaboration.
• Academic & Research Support: Contribute to the center’s academic agenda by participating in research design, publication planning, and efforts to build research capacity among staff and affiliates.
• Research Relevance: Continuously ensure that programs are addressing pressing, relevant, and contextual issues.
• Support Academic Related Activities: Including internship programs and annual student competitions.

2. Organizational Development & Leadership

• Institutional Strategy: With the Director, support in developing and refining the center’s strategic plan, mission, and vision.
• Daily Operations: Manage the day-to-day coordination of research activities, grants, and programs.
• Team Culture: Foster and support a collegial, collaborative work environment.
• Monitorship and Supervision: Support and mentor young researchers.
• Impact Evaluation: Oversee evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of the center’s work and guide future direction.
• Internal Policies: With the Operations Manager, provide support in developing internal policies.
• Executive Committee Engagement: Engage with the Executive Committee on strategic decisions.
• Advisory Board Relations: With the Director, support in managing the Advisory Board, including meeting preparation, reporting, and follow-up on recommendations.

3. Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Grant Strategy & Development: Collaborate with the Director and research staff in identifying funding opportunities, articulating research agendas, and coordinating grant submissions.
• Major Gifts & Donor Stewardship: Build and maintain relationships with major donors, foundations, and philanthropic partners. Represent the center in donor meetings and work with the Director to steward high-level funders.
• Proposal Development: Support the team in writing and submitting concept notes, and small and large grant proposals.

4.  University & Academic Collaboration

• University Engagement: Act as a liaison with university departments, leadership, and administrative offices. Represent the center in university-wide initiatives or committees.
• Student & Faculty Involvement: Promote involvement of faculty and students in research activities, foster academic partnerships, and support curriculum-linked research initiatives.

5. External Relations & Representation

• Public Engagement: Represent the center at conferences, public forums, university events, and policy dialogues.
• Partnership Building: Cultivate strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners to advance the center’s mission.
• Communications Strategy: Collaborate with communications staff to shape the center’s public messaging, branding, and media outreach.

Qualifications and Skills

• Graduate degree Master’s or Ph.D. in conservation, sustainability, environmental studies, or any related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in leadership roles within academic, nonprofit, or research organizations.
• Proven track record in fundraising, strategic planning, and managing external partnerships.
• Background in research design and academic writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication (oral and written).
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills, with a track record of supporting diverse research teams.
• Organizational and ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate initiatives, and meet deadlines in a dynamic research environment.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective responses.