Metcalf Institute is hiring for multiple open positions in 2023. Position description for the Inclusive Science Communication Program Specialist to come.

Job Opportunity: Director of Metcalf Institute

University of Rhode Island Metcalf Institute seeks a new leader to implement its mission and strategic priorities and expand its stature and impacts across the globe.

The environmental challenges we face today have raised the stakes for effective communication about science. Metcalf Institute advances informed, inclusive public conversations about environmental issues by conducting science training for journalists, communication training for scientists, and a variety of public programs. Metcalf is an international leader in professional development training, benefitting thousands of journalists, scientists, science communicators and their audiences around the world since 1998. The Institute is also an international leader in the inclusive science communication movement, a broad push to center equity and inclusion in all aspects of science communication.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We seek a dynamic, innovative leader who is passionate about advancing informed, inclusive public conversations that lead to action on environmental challenges and solutions. The new director will serve as the public face of the Institute to raise its national and international profile among potential trainees, collaborators, donors and funders. The director will continue to advance the Institute’s and the University’s strategic goals around justice, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The person in this position will work collaboratively with Metcalf staff to identify and implement Metcalf Institute programs and to leverage connections and experience to create new funding and partnership opportunities for the Institute.

Metcalf Institute strives to offer a supportive work environment where our team’s diverse experiences and perspectives are valued. We seek a leader who shares a commitment to a respectful, equitable work environment in which we can collaboratively advance the Metcalf mission. We encourage applications from all individuals who believe they would excel in this position, whether they meet some or all of the listed experience and qualifications.

The University of Rhode Island is an AA/EEOD employer. Women, persons of color, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other protected groups members are encouraged to apply. We strongly encourage applications from individuals whose identities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, journalism, or science communication. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership in evolving and implementing Metcalf Institute’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Secure financial support for all Metcalf Institute initiatives and staff in collaboration with URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement colleagues and the university research office. This may include writing and submitting proposals and cultivating and soliciting private/foundation/corporate funding sources for endowment, program-specific, and/or annual giving support.
• Lead the development, updating, and implementation of Metcalf Institute’s strategic plan in consultation with the professional staff and Metcalf Institute Advisory Board. 
• Advance the Institute and the University’s strategic goals around diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Represent Metcalf Institute at relevant meetings and conferences to raise the Institute’s profile and solicit new opportunities for funding and collaboration.
• Supervise Metcalf Institute professional staff and consultants.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff at URI and with external networks, organizations, communities, and individuals to identify and implement programmatic opportunities for professional journalists, scientists, other science communicators, and diverse public audiences.
• Work in collaboration with the Metcalf Institute Advisory Board Chair to plan and organize Executive Committee and Advisory Board agendas, meetings, and priorities.  Review board member nominations and maintain board relations. Leverage Advisory Board connections to create new funding and partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with URI colleges, departments, units, and programs to further integrate Metcalf Institute expertise across the University. 
• Oversee fiscal management, budgeting, and reporting activities related to Metcalf Institute funds

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in environmental science, science communication, journalism, environmental policy, or related field. In addition, applicants must have a minimum of ten years of experience communicating scientific and/or environmental issues with public and/or training audiences, as well as at least five years of management experience. See the full position description for additional required qualifications.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & WORK LOCATION

Salary range for the role is $80,395-$173,149 and is commensurate with lived and professional experience. URI offers a generous benefits program including health insurance, retirement, and leave.

The position is based at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston Campus, six miles from Narragansett Bay, 30 miles from Providence, the state capitol, and nestled on the coast between Boston and New York.

APPLYING FOR THE POSITION

Applications will be reviewed beginning March 31, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled. For a full description of the duties and requirements of the position and to apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/11346. In addition to the online application form, applicants must submit a letter of application, a resume/curriculum vitae, and a leadership statement that provides responses to two questions.