STEP Program Director

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity:

At this dynamic cross-campus center, the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES), students and faculty conduct groundbreaking research and develop solutions to complex 21st-century climate and sustainability challenges. Work at IBES combines an understanding of the natural world and human dimensions because environmental stewardship, human rights, and economic well-being are inextricably linked.

Through our unique interdisciplinary approach, IBES cultivates actionable research outcomes, while equipping and empowering the change agents of tomorrow through our rigorous and diverse academic programs. 

IBES faculty, staff, and students play key roles in the global conversation about environmental issues – on campus, at the State House, in boardrooms, and at the United Nations. 

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of IBES, the Student Transformative Engagement Pathways (STEP) Program Director guides the development and execution of the STEP Program across the Institute’s portfolios of research, education, alumni engagement, and both internal and external partnerships. The STEP program is a new initiative at IBES featuring expanded paid internships and research assistantships in climate, sustainability, and the environment serving undergraduate students from across Brown. The STEP program will require close coordination with the Center for Career Exploration (CCE) and other academic units across campus as well as external organizations who will serve as hosts for student internships. As such, the position will serve as a key liaison with Brown alumni and other external stakeholders and partners in sourcing internship opportunities, working directly with the IBES Advisory Council as a key resource, and leveraging the IBES Alumni and Family Network. The STEP Director will also work closely with faculty from across campus in supporting high-quality undergraduate research experiences in climate, sustainability, and the environment. The Director will also lead the development and delivery of curricular offerings, including classes, seminars, and/or training modules that support student success in pre-professional internships and undergraduate research experiences supported by the STEP program.

The STEP Director will oversee the development and execution of a high-profile speaker series that brings noted climate, sustainability and environmental speakers (including many Brown alumni) to campus. The position will also play an executive role in the planning and execution of the annual Brown Climate Career Fair, in close partnership with CCE. The position will also be charged with STEP program evaluation, to include the creation and execution of evaluation tools (surveys etc) and the analysis and communication of results to a wide variety of stakeholders to include program funders.

The IBES STEP Program Director will work closely with existing IBES staff to administer the STEP program, will receive program support from the IBES Academic Specialist, and will supervise part-time undergraduate, graduate, and/or postdoctoral workers in fulfilling STEP job functions. The position may supervise additional staff as the STEP program grows and develops in its first years. This position has broad discretion in decision-making over program design, implementation and reporting, in consultation with the IBES Director, IBES and CCE staff, and Brown students, faculty and alumni engaged in the STEP program.

This is a term-limited position with potential for renewal pending university funding and need. The current end date for this position is 01/31/2029.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: 

• Advanced degree in science, educational administration, business or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 8+ years of experience in higher education administration, career advising, science, or related field, including experience at the leadership level. 3+ years of supervisory experience. 

• Experience with philanthropic fundraising and associated reporting/stewardship activities

• Experience in budget planning and management

• Experience with program evaluation and metric tracking

• Experience in environmentally-focused work is preferred.

Job Competencies

Essential

• Demonstrated ability in program design and management following specific timelines and milestones

• Expertise in strategic planning and implementation

• Demonstrated expertise in facilitating cross-team communication and collaboration

• Strong ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, with the energy and dynamism to inspire others and effectively engage internal and external constituents

• Excellent written, oral, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills

• Experience managing complex, multi-month assignments with multiple contributors and review phases under strict timelines

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• Ability and interest in working in a fast-paced campus environment and managing multiple competing priorities and timelines

• Experience working with internship programs, career development programs, or career services is preferred

Salary Grade:

12

Additional Information: 

A background check must be completed prior to employment..

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter.