How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is seeking a Director for the Land Responsibility Initiative. You will report to Kyle Whyte, Professor of Environment and Sustainability. You will have two main objectives: (1) to promote research on how Indigenous Peoples and local communities can regain land ownership for conservation and cultural preservation, and (2) to develop educational tools, including teaching modules and online/hybrid training programs, to educate a new generation of skilled professionals in land acquisition by Indigenous Peoples and local communities for the purposes of conservation and cultural preservation.
Mission Statement
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*
- Manage a prominent academic and research program that functions independently beyond the direction of a single school, including a repository of case study summaries related to community-based land acquisition for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, as well as analytical research.
- Cultivate financial, real estate, and economic strategies for enabling land acquisition by communities with limited initial resources.
- Oversee the development and administration of a non-degree program centered on community-based land acquisition, conservation, and cultural preservation, including the creation of in-person and hybrid certificate curricula and graduate/undergraduate syllabi designed to reflect the perspectives and needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
- Recruit, lead, and support a research curriculum team.
- Collaborate with one or more SEAS faculty members to advise and mentor students on research projects in the context of conservation and cultural preservation.
- Connect University of Michigan research with potential grantors and donors to secure funding for further research and education initiatives related to land acquisition, conservation, and cultural preservation.
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree in ecology, biology, or a related environmental science field. Doctorate degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience leading real estate transactions that support conservation goals at both state and regional levels.
- Expertise in state and federal policies and regulations related to property, real estate, and conservation.
- Proven track record of raising over $5 billion in funds for land acquisition to support conservation initiatives.
- Successful history of land acquisitions for conservation, totaling more than 200,000 acres.
- Extensive experience in management and leadership roles within U.S. based conservation initiatives, with strong focus on collaboration and impact.
- Deep, broad-based experience across a variety of conservation settings, sectors, and organizational types including international and non-profit.
- Established network of strong relationships with key leaders in the conservation field.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Salary will be determined based on experience.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.