Duke University Job Description:
AREA DIRECTOR, NICHOLAS INSTITUTE FOR EN (3794)


Job Title: AREA DIRECTOR, NICHOLAS INSTITUTE FOR EN 

Job Code: 3794 

FLSA:

Job Level: 73 

Revised Date: 07/01/2013  

Job Family: JF 05 

Occupational Summary

This position leads the direction, design, and management of research and policy solutions in one of the major program areas at the Nicholas Institute of Environmental Policy Solutions: Climate and Energy, Environmental Economics, Ecosystem Services, Ocean and Coastal Policy, Water Policy, and State Policy. The Institute works with Duke faculty and other partners to develop policy solutions that help decision makers to solve some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges, such as global warming, overfishing, and access to clean drinking water in developing countries, among others. The Area Director assists the Nicholas Institute Director in development and implementation of a plan for strategic growth of the assigned program area. The Area Director also helps to direct the program's fundraising activities with foundations, corporations, and other external funding sources.

Work Performed

Manage the general operations of the assigned program area.

Recruit, manage, and directly supervise research staff, including management of various personnel functions including, but not limited to, hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, transfers and vacation schedules.

Conduct research and publish results internally, as well as in peer- reviewed academic journals, as appropriate.

Communicate scientific understanding and policy approaches to various Institute audiences.

Coordinate engagement with university faculty, external stakeholders, and policymakers, including ongoing development of Nicholas Institute working groups with faculty.

Serve as a point of contact for foundation program officers and, as applicable, other external stakeholders, such as representatives from non-profits, corporations and corporate philanthropies.

Work with faculty and stakeholders to plan and conduct meetings, workshops, conferences, and events.

Develop, secure, and manage research funding for assigned area programs.

Determine fiscal requirements for assigned area program and prepare budgetary recommendations

Manage grant funds and projects, including spending, reporting to Duke units charged with sponsored project monitoring, and reporting to funders on project performance, completion, and impacts.

Work collaboratively with other institute programs on strategic program initiatives, in particular finding ways to integrate work across the program areas (land, water, climate and energy, oceans/coasts).

Identify opportunities for publicizing the Nicholas Institute's work, including informing external stakeholders about research projects and output.

Respond to requests for information, including legislative drafting, from government officials.

Supervise and manage student research assistants, internships, and externships related to the program.

Identify new opportunities to involve Duke students and faculty in the program.

Represent the Institute through travel to meetings, conferences, and donor solicitations.

Attend Institute staff and directors meetings, and serve as a liaison for research staff in the assigned program area to the Institute Director, other program directors, Director of Operations and Planning, and key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training:

Master's degree or equivalent in science, engineering, law or policy, or a field directly related to the position. PhD or JD preferred.

 

Experience:

With master's degree, 7 years of progressive experience in policy and analysis at the international, federal, regional, and/or state level. A degree higher than a master's degree may substitute for two years of experience.

 

Skills:

Management, organizational and interpersonal skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability and willingness to travel

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


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Essential Physical Job Functions

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