The University of Illinois Extension is seeking a person to lead and develop statewide educational programming in energy and environment, air, land, and water, forestry, wildlife, outdoor economy, and systems that support these critical areas for the Illinois food, agriculture and outdoor industry. The Assistant Dean (Program Leader) for Natural Resources, Environment and Energy (NREE) serves as the Associate Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, among other responsibilities. Earned doctorate related to subject matter emphasis is required. To view the complete job description and apply, visit https://go.illinois.edu/139509. Closing date is March 12, 2021.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The University of Illinois is an equal access/equal opportunity university. We strongly encourage women, minorities, and people from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply. For more on Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s commitment to inclusion, please see our values statement.

BACKGROUND

The Assistant Dean (Program Leader) for Natural Resources, Environment and Energy (NREE) serves as a regular, full time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for leading and developing statewide educational programming in energy and environment, air, land, and water, forestry, wildlife, outdoor economy, and systems that support these critical areas for the Illinois food, agriculture, and outdoor industry. The Assistant Dean for NREE serves as the Associate Director of the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) and oversees the University of Illinois Arboretum and the Energy Education Council (EEC). The Assistant Dean for NREE supports one of the six core Extension program areas and within the NREE program area may focus on one or more of the following interdisciplinary initiatives: Community; Economy; Environment; Food, and/or Health. The Assistant Dean for NREE provides organizational leadership in building relationships and reporting outcomes to Regional and County Directors, local, state and national legislators, and other stakeholders. The incumbent provides leadership to Extension’s volunteer delivery system and provides summaries of the value of volunteers and NREE program outcomes and impacts.

The Assistant Dean for NREE will be expected to lead and deliver research-based educational programs and to work within team settings that may consist of other Extension Assistant Deans, Extension Regional and County Directors, Extension Educators and Specialists, IISG Specialists at the University of Illinois and Purdue University, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES. Establishment of a program of work based on community-based needs assessments is essential to provide clear directions, partnerships, and collaborations to successfully solve grand challenges.

Specific responsibilities related to IISG include the following: 

• Assure program development, delivery, evaluation, and administrative management of the Illinois Sea Grant programs of the IISG.
• Work in conjunction with the Director of IISG, at Purdue University, and the IISG Leadership Team to implement programmatic, reporting, and fiscal requirements of Illinois activities in the program.
• Develop and oversee existing and new sponsored activities within the program.
• Provide guidance on natural resources issues at the state, regional (focused on the Great Lakes region), and federal levels as related to IISG.
• Develop partnerships in natural resource programs within the University of Illinois, as well as with other universities, agencies, industries, and non-government organizations.
• Integrate IISG programs, activities, and services into Illinois Extension and Outreach.
• Address state and regional water issues and ensure that appropriate technology transfer occurs and all required reporting is completed.
• Manage Illinois Extension personnel of the IISG.

APPLICATION

To apply, go to https://go.illinois.edu/139509. Log in to your account and upload a cover letter and resume as well as the names and contact information of three professional references. Resume dates must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by the close date of March 12, 2021. 

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a part of University of Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension.