"Director, Environmental Innovation Center"

Job Details

PRIMARY PURPOSE

EIC will leverage the strengths of all three campuses of Lewis & Clark: the Law School, the Graduate School of Education and Counseling, and the College of Arts and Sciences. The inaugural Director will fulfill EIC’s vision and mission and oversee implementation of its essential functions by developing new programs, supporting and strengthening existing academic pathways and programs, and building relationships both within Lewis & Clark and with external partners in support of collaborative environmental work. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, enthusiasm, and vision to this role as they seek to strengthen Lewis & Clark’s national reputation as a hub for environmental innovation and solutions. They will have experience in program development and management, fundraising, partnership cultivation, and working with students to support meaningful, real-world projects. To be successful in this role, the individual must work effectively with diverse perspectives and approaches, inspire collaboration across disciplines, foster inclusive and community-engaged approaches, and ensure the Center’s initiatives translate into measurable outcomes.

The Director will report to the Dean of the Law School and will work directly with deans, faculty, staff, and students across the three Lewis & Clark schools, in addition to community partners. The Director will be supported by a Steering Committee of invested faculty and staff from across the College who both understand existing interests and resources and see dynamic opportunities for change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Establish the EIC as a recognized leader in environmental innovation.
• Lead the development and execution of the EIC’s strategic direction, aligning initiatives with Lewis & Clark’s mission, strategic plan, and sustainability priorities.
• Establish and nurture a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity across academic and community partnerships.
• Guide the integration of environmental project and program opportunities across undergraduate, law, and graduate schools to strengthen interdisciplinary learning and cross-campus relationships.

Program Development and Management

• Design, launch, and oversee programs and initiatives that advance environmental education, research, advocacy, and applied learning.
• Create and oversee the Environmental Innovation Lab (EIL), serving as the launchpad for student-engaged, community-based environmental projects.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and operational resources to ensure program sustainability and alignment with institutional goals.
• Utilize project management tools to track progress, allocate resources, and monitor and report outcomes.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Collaborate with the Office of Advancement to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors who support EIC’s mission.
• Support the development of a fundraising-focused Board of Advisors.
• Develop and submit grant proposals that expand funding for student projects, research, and operational needs.
• Track and report fundraising progress through established systems.
• Support faculty and staff in identifying funding opportunities and coordinating proposal submissions.

Communication and Marketing

• Represent EIC in public forums, media opportunities, and institutional events, serving as a spokesperson for environmental innovation at Lewis & Clark.
• Oversee the creation of marketing materials, newsletters, and web content in collaboration with the Office of Communications.
• Foster storytelling that highlights the impact of EIC and EIL projects across campus and the community, ensuring prospective students, parents, donors, and potential community partners engage with our content.
• Engage with regional and national networks to elevate the visibility and influence of EIC and Lewis & Clark’s programs.

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, employers, alumni, and local government to advance shared environmental goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison for EIC partnerships, ensuring projects reflect community needs and values.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen student engagement in community-based environmental initiatives.
• Promote transparent communication and shared success across all partners.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that align institutional priorities with environmental innovation goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that inspire collaboration and shared purpose across academic and community settings.
• Superior relationship-building and partnership-development skills with campus and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in fundraising and grant development, including proposal writing, donor cultivation, and resource management.
• Proficient in budget management, data-informed decision-making, and financial oversight using platforms such as Workday and Excel.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the capacity to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficient in using digital tools for collaboration and recordkeeping.
• Strong presentation and public engagement skills with the confidence to represent the institution to external partners and the public.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with sound judgment and a forward-thinking mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating respect, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Proficient in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture that values collaboration and mutual respect.
• Exceptional initiative and creativity in developing new approaches to environmental education, community engagement, and resource development.
• Excellent resilience and adaptability in navigating complex organizational environments and emerging priorities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental science, sustainability, public policy, or a related field.
• JD, MS, PhD or other advanced degree in a related discipline.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in program leadership, administration, budget, or organizational management with an environmental organization, entity, program or department.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant development, or donor relations.
• Experience in community engagement or partnership development with diverse organizations and groups.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary projects focused on environmental or sustainability initiatives.
• Experience with and understanding of local, national, and international environmental regulatory frameworks or accords relevant to EIC’s work.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in higher education settings.
• Experience managing staff or leading cross-functional teams in complex organizations.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans or institutional initiatives.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, generally 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend hours for events or meetings
• Benefit Eligible: Yes
• Travel: Occasional travel for conferences, meetings, and community engagement activities
• In Person: The position will be based in Portland, on campus. Largely in-person presence with possibility for limited remote work as approved

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting at $100,000-$110,000 per year, with consideration for experience