Institute for Ecological Resilience Program Director II

University of Houston•Houston, TX

42d

About The Position

Responsible for the operations of a large program or center at the university. Oversees staff, budgets, and projects. Supports the mission of the University of Houston's Institute for Ecological Resilience (IER) by leading and coordinating on-the-ground ecological restoration and community engagement activities. Serves as the chief coordinator for ecological restoration, events, and public engagement activities at the University of Houston Coastal Center, while also assisting with select IER events and initiatives across the Greater Houston region. The Programs Director works in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Research Liaison Officer, and UH Coastal Center caretaker to design, implement, and manage programs that advance the Institute's goals in research, education, and public outreach. The position serves as a key representative of the Institute to local communities, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and other institutional partners to promote and scale nature-based solutions that improve ecological resilience and public health.

Requirements

Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.
Requires a minimum of five (5) years of directly job-related experience.
Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a Master's Degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed.
Requires a minimum of four (4) years of directly job-related experience.
The candidate should demonstrate high proficiency with computer systems and a willingness to learn and utilize Microsoft Office products, project management tools, as well as artificial intelligence large language models (e.g., ChatGPT or similar) to effectively plan, track, and report on program activities.
All positions at the University of Houston System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

The candidate should ideally possess advanced knowledge of ecological restoration principles, practices, and techniques. Candidates with a Master's degree in ecology or allied fields will be preferred.
The candidate should possess strong communication and collaboration skills, with a welcoming, professional demeanor suitable for engaging the general public and being the face of UHCC. This individual will represent the University of Houston Institute for Ecological Resilience and the University of Houston Coastal Center in a trusted and professional manner.

Responsibilities

Oversees a large department, program or center.
Manages budget and engages in strategic planning to ensure all goals are met.
Hires and directs the activities of staff.
Resolves personnel issues as they arise.
Engages in budget-planning, grant oversight, and policy development.
Implements new programs and projects and monitors ongoing activities of department or center.
Reviews department policies and processes and implements improvements as needed.
Represents department or center to internal and external constituents.
Performs other job-related duties as required.
Plans, coordinates, and oversees ecological restoration and habitat management activities at the University of Houston Coastal Center, ensuring that all work aligns with the Institute's research, education, and outreach goals and the strategically aligned direction for the UH Coastal Center.
Leads the planning and execution of events, workshops, volunteer programs, and career readiness initiatives at the UH Coastal Center, including community workdays, educational programs, and partner gatherings that advance the Institute's mission and visibility.
Collaborates with the Executive Director and other IER staff to develop and implement plans and strategies that support the University of Houston Coastal Center's growth, visibility, and accessibility as a core component of the Institute for Ecological Resilience.
Assists the Executive Director with outreach to governmental officials, community organizations, local educational institutions, and other current and prospective partners of the Institute for Ecological Resilience and the University of Houston Coastal Center.
Coordinates and assists with the development of funding proposals and related activities in collaboration with the appropriate university administrative departments.
Engages University of Houston students, interns, and volunteers in ecological restoration, research, and community programs at the UH Coastal Center, providing hands-on learning opportunities and workforce development experiences.
Assists researchers from the University of Houston and partnering institutions in identifying, planning, and facilitating research activities at the University of Houston Coastal Center.
Builds partnerships and collaborative networks with external organizations-including nonprofits, schools, local governments, and community groups-to expand the impact and capacity of the Institute for Ecological Resilience and the University of Houston Coastal Center. These partnerships help mobilize volunteers, align resources, and strengthen the Institute's ability to deliver programs effectively.
Serves as the principal lead for reporting activities at the University of Houston Coastal Center, documenting research, education, and outreach accomplishments, and providing reports to the Executive Director on an annual basis or as needed.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.