The Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies (“ASI or Au Sable,” www.ausable.org)  seeks a full-time Director of College Programs. The person filling this position will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of our curriculum of college courses serving 53 partner Christian colleges and other institutions of higher learning throughout the U.S. and Canada.  The position will also teach courses as needed and determine Au Sable’s role in providing research opportunities for students from partner schools. The Director of College Programs reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Admissions Manager.

Job Title

Director of College Programs

Salary and Benefits 

Annual salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, ranging from $60,000 to $71,000. The position qualifies for benefits, including healthcare coverage and retirement contributions.    

Applications

Review of applications will begin July 1 and continue until the position is filled.

Location

While it is preferred that the position be based year-round out of our Great Lakes office, we will consider candidates who work September to April from a remote location and spend the summers (May to mid-August) on-site here in northern Michigan.  Housing will be provided during the summer months for the employee and immediate family.

Start date

Our strong preference is that this position can begin in Fall 2022.  However, we will consider applicants who are not able to begin until early 2023.

About Au Sable

At ASI, we believe Christians should be leading the way in solving the earth’s toughest environmental challenges. Through hands-on learning in the outdoors, engaging professors who integrate faith into their instruction, and a supportive community of friends, we inspire and educate students to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth. We accomplish our mission through various programs including a college academic program which supports students from our 53 partner Christian colleges and universities and other institutions of higher learning.  ASI currently offers 25 university-level courses each summer at multiple locations in the United States (northern Michigan and Pacific Rim) and in Costa Rica (www.ausable.org/college), and online. Twenty-two campus based courses, offered in a 3-week May Session or in two 5-week summer sessions, are intentional in providing field-intensive (>50% or course time outside the classroom) and skills-based experiences through small class sizes that prepare students for careers or further study in environmental vocations.  We are a financially healthy organization with a committed board, a growing group of generous donors, and are positioned for many more years of mission delivery.  

Job Responsibilities

•    In all aspects of the job, share a personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the biblical principles of Creation care.

•    Coordinate and manage Au Sable’s college program, including addition, revision, or deletion of courses and elements of the certification program.

•    Assess the courses and topics needed at our partner colleges and develop creative delivery options to meet student needs, potentially including online, field, hybrid, summer, and semester programs. 

•    Supervise and support Au Sable teaching faculty in delivery of courses.  Lead faculty hiring and retention decisions.  

•    Play an active role in Au Sable’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, including a desire to attract more diverse students and faculty.  

•    Develop supportive relationships with Faculty Representatives and gain an understanding of their environmental programs and curriculum. 

•    Determine Au Sable’s role in research and pursue opportunities to provide research experiences for students from partner schools. 

•    Evaluate and manage existing partnerships with Pacific Rim and Costa Rica campus locations.

•    Review and evaluate student applications for admission and scholarship decisions.

•    In collaboration with the Admissions Manager, schedule and facilitate college visits and Zoom sessions to meet with prospective and enrolled students.

•    Manage partnership agreements with existing school partners and pursue new partnership opportunities with other institutions.  

•    Organize and manage the annual Academic Council on Au Sable’s campus (held last weekend in September).

•    In partnership with the Executive Director, other staff, and the Board of Trustees, implement goals of the strategic plan and adhere to Board-approved budget for the college program and organization.  Participate in board meetings and keep board apprised of key metrics of success related to the college program.

•    Keep current on trends in Christian higher education and off-campus study programs.

•    Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experiences

The ideal candidate should possess a PhD in biology, environmental science, or a related field, have work experience in an academic setting, and have proven ability to cultivate relationships with undergraduate students, faculty and administration. Highly desirable experiences include: effectiveness in undergraduate teaching; professional mentoring of faculty and colleagues; research experience; desire and ability to effectively integrate Christian faith with teaching and science.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong commitment to Au Sable’s mission with a demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith.

• Professional and pleasant demeanor, collegiality, creativity, good interpersonal skills, and desire to humbly serve Faculty Representatives and undergraduate students who may hold diverse views.

• Demonstrated standard of excellence with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Proven ability to work independently and be self-directed while collaborating well with others in a team setting whether in-person or remote.

• Passion for serving undergraduate college students and helping them meet personal and educational goals.

• Ability to organize priorities, with keen attention to detail and deadlines.

• Ability to effectively manage budgets and finances, including administration of grants and scholarships.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

ASI is committed to combating racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and all individuals who will contribute to the excellence of the Institute. Au Sable does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin July 1 and continue until the position is filled. Please send an e-mail with an attached cover letter and resume that clearly states your interest and qualifications for this position to: jon.terry@ausable.org. Please do not send any letters of recommendation at this time. Selected applicants will be asked to provide three professional references who are able to address relevant experience, and one pastoral reference who is able to address Christian commitment and maturity. Additional information, including academic transcripts, may be requested during the review process.

Questions regarding the position or assistance for persons with disabilities can be made to:

Jon Terry
Executive Director
Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
7526 Sunset Trail NE
Mancelona, MI 49659
Cell: 231-881-6402