Managing Director, Global Sustainability Leadership Institute

University of Texas at Austin

1d•$125,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

Texas McCombs is a top business school at the center of one of the most innovative cities in the U.S. The McCombs community champions hands-on experiences alongside the ground-breaking research and thought-leadership of a world-class faculty. The collaborative spirit and enterprising drive of the Longhorn alumni network, one of the largest university networks in the world, is embedded in our culture, making us human-centered and future-focused in all our endeavors. We are shaping those who will shape tomorrow, and solving challenging problems while remaining committed to creating a community that is dynamic, supportive, and challenging. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about Texas McCombs please visit: https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/ Purpose The mission of the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute (GSLI) is to develop leadership and solutions that address critical sustainability challenges and shape a regenerative global economy and society. The GSLI is housed in the McCombs School of Business in partnership with the Moody College of Communication. The GSLI Managing Director provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership to the GSLI and reports to the GSLI Executive Director. In their role, the Managing Director oversees programming, operations, and financial management of the GSLI, and, in partnership with the Executive Director, leads the GSLI’s interdisciplinary, undergraduate Minor in Global Sustainability Leadership (the Minor).

Requirements

Masters’ degree and at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles in sustainability, business, public policy, or a related field
Previous success designing and implementing strategic initiatives and/or programs in complex industries or institutions
Extensive experience managing budgets, staff, and complex, multi-stakeholder project management and initiatives.
Proven fundraising, partnership development, or external engagement experience.
Strong communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills
Extensive experience prioritizing efforts within multiple, ongoing projects and independent decision-making and problem-solving experience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and a proven record of accomplishment in communicating effectively to a wide variety of audiences.
Demonstrated success developing and delivering effective presentations and educational content to a wide variety of audiences.
Able to speak confidently to large audiences.

Nice To Haves

Terminal degree in a related field.
Previous experience with higher education or similar public sectors.
Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams.
Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, nonprofit, corporate, or mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated track record of significant fundraising and stewardship success ($1M+ gifts).

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the annual work plans with the GSLI staff.
Support and manage Associate Directors and their activities pursuant to the mission of GSLI.
Provide strategic oversight of the GSLI’s communications and outreach strategy, ensuring alignment with GSLI’s priorities and key messages, and ensure quality and consistency in all external communications.
Develop and manage the GSLI’s budget, financial planning, forecasting, and assessment of financial outcomes.
Work with Accounting and Development to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and stewardship of funds.
Develop, oversee, and strengthen experiential learning opportunities that connect students with real world sustainability challenges, such as through GSLI’s LIFT program.
Ensure that programs maintain quality, consistency and rigor over time, innovating to anticipate changes in the sustainability landscape.
Curate and oversee the GSLI’s events and convenings, ensuring high-quality programming that elevates GSLI visibility and impact.
Maintain and cultivate external relationships to identify program clients, mentors, judges, and speakers.
Provide advice and mentoring to students in all experiential programs and students from campus interested in or participating in GSLI offerings.
In partnership with the Executive Director of the GSLI and the GSL Minor faculty committee, lead the GSLI minor.
Identify appropriate courses to include in the Minor as student enrollment increases and sustainability topics evolve, for example by liaising with deans and department heads of other colleges.
Advise and mentor enrolled students.
Identify appropriate changes in the program requirements, and oversee student requests for exception to requirements
Lead the GSL Minor practicum course, which includes approving the associated student capstone projects.
Identify opportunities for sustainability education for executives and practitioners.
Partner with Texas Executive Education to create and implement educational programming.
Lead fundraising and resource development in partnership with McCombs, Moody, and UT development teams.
Cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders to support programs, research, and student opportunities.
Recruit and steward GSLI’s Advisory Board to provide insights, strategic introductions, advocacy, and funding.
Serve as a visible thought leader in sustainable business, representing the GSLI in academic, industry and public forums.
Contribute to the field through public speaking, panel participation, and publications.
Provide leadership within relevant academic or industry associations, helping to shape discourse and practice.