Director, LiFT Institute

Southeastern University•Winter Haven, FL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of the LiFT Institute at SEU is a visionary and experienced leader which will resource community nonprofits and organizations to provide job and career training, financial literacy learning and mentorship, non-profit excellence certification, and other services to provide holistic problem-solving options for community growth and stability. The Director will be responsible for providing strategic direction, fostering organizational growth, and ensuring the effective execution of our mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the community and drive positive change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Education or other relevant field
Minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development or financial stewardship related roles.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including supervisory experience.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to the mission and values of SEU and its bylaws.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or participating in meetings.
Frequent standing and walking.
Ability to hear and speak clearly to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and partners.
All full-time positions at SEU are deemed security-sensitive and require background checks.
Employees required to drive their own personal vehicle, a rental car or an SEU vehicle in performance of their duties must pass an MVR records check and meet the requirements of the University’s insurance carrier in order to meet the requirements of the position.

Nice To Haves

Masters Degree in MBA, non-profit management, or other relevant field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development or financial stewardship related roles.
Proven experience in non-profit leadership, preferably as an Executive Director or Director in a similar role.
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
Track record of strong outcomes measurement and program/process implementation.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a diverse team.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the LiFT Institute in alignment with Southeastern University’s mission, institutional priorities, and the Institute’s established mission, vision, and strategic plan.
Lead the ongoing implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the Institute’s strategic initiatives, goals, and measurable outcomes.
Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and expanded community impact through strategic partnerships, programs, and initiatives.
Collaborate with SEU Winter Haven leadership to ensure alignment between the LiFT Institute and broader university objectives.
Oversee the daily operations of the LiFT Institute, ensuring effective administration, operational efficiency, and organizational excellence.
Lead, supervise, and develop Institute staff, contractors, and program leaders while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
Establish and maintain operational systems, policies, and procedures that support organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Ensure compliance with university policies, grant requirements, and applicable regulations.
Support the financial sustainability and strategic growth of the LiFT Institute.
Support donor, sponsor, grant, and partner engagement efforts through relationship management, program support, storytelling, and community impact reporting.
Collaborate with university leadership and advancement teams in the development of proposals, sponsorship opportunities, presentations, and partnership initiatives.
Provide operational input and programmatic insight to support budget planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.
Ensure responsible stewardship of Institute resources and alignment of expenditures with organizational priorities and university policies.
Serve as the primary relationship-builder and ambassador for the LiFT Institute within the community and across strategic sectors.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, government entities, churches, and community leaders.
Represent the LiFT Institute and Southeastern University at community events, conferences, professional associations, and public engagements.
Promote collaborative initiatives that advance workforce development, financial literacy, nonprofit sustainability, and community impact.
Provide executive oversight for Institute programs, events, trainings, and community initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services.
Utilize data, outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.
Ensure programs maintain high standards of quality, impact, and participant engagement.
Serve as a visible and effective spokesperson for the LiFT Institute, communicating its mission, vision, impact, and strategic priorities to diverse audiences.
Support marketing, communications, and storytelling efforts that enhance organizational visibility, engagement, and support.
Advocate for initiatives and partnerships that further the mission and priorities of the LiFT Institute and Southeastern University.
Collaborate with SEU Winter Haven leadership and university partners to advance organizational priorities and ensure strong strategic alignment.
Provide regular updates, reports, and recommendations regarding organizational performance, partnerships, program outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
Work collaboratively across university departments, campuses, and community partners to strengthen institutional relationships and maximize community impact.
Support university initiatives and represent the LiFT Institute in a manner that reflects the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Southeastern University.

Benefits

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment.
Training includes campus-related software programs and procedures, such as Jenzabar and 25Live calendar management, financial processes, and health and safety protocols.
SEU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management.
Work-related injuries must be immediately reported to Security and Human Resources.
When life or limb are at risk, please dial 911.
Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources within 24 hours of the incident.
Emergency Employees report for or must remain at work in emergency situations. Dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to this position, unless instructed otherwise by your direct supervisor or a member of the Leadership Team.
SEU is an at-will employer.
The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
SEU is committed to providing a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.
All forms of discrimination against or harassment of a person because of his or her identification within a protected category are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
This prohibition applies equally to conduct by and against employees, vendors, visitors, and students.
Southeastern University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
The equal opportunity policy will apply in University programs and activities, and all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
All employees of Southeastern University, by continued employment, agree to abide by the policies contained in the Employee Handbook and in the SEU Mission, Vision, Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.