North Carolina State University (NCSU), College of Natural Resources (CNR) is situated among a spectacular abundance of natural resources, which provide substantial commodity and amenity benefits to residents statewide. In the context of the CNR’s commitment to strengthen public service and outreach, and integrate them with current research and teaching to enhance their excellence, the College will provide a variety of educational opportunities to its constituent professional and public communities.
Essential Job Duties
The Director of Continuing and Professional Education is central to the College’s mission in providing this value to the citizens of the State, College alumni, and the CNR and NCSU community. The Director of Continuing and Professional Education will coordinate closely with various members of the CNR Dean’s Office, Associate Deans and Department Heads.
The Director of Continuing and Professional Education is responsible for leading the College of Natural Resources (CNR) in the development, oversight and success of continuing and professional educational programs and providing information and support on a wide range of activities related to the promotion and positioning of CNR’s broader continuing and professional education program. The Director will lead this comprehensive program through strategic planning, implementing and overseeing a service-oriented infrastructure in support of the educational, research, scholarship and engagement mission of the College. Working successfully with CNR faculty and staff members, other units of the College and University, and client groups in both the public and private sector is an integral part of the position. The Director is also responsible for advising faculty and staff in all areas of CNR in the development of continuing education and professional education programs and providing information and support on a wide range of activities related to the promotion and positioning of the CNR’s broader continuing and professional education endeavors. This position reports directly to the Associate Dean of Extension.
The Director will require experience and expertise in strategic planning, production, marketing, vendor management, distance education technologies, PCI compliance, University and event budgets, and personnel management. The Director will be responsible for tracking and facilitating the development and management of CNR’s continuing and professional education program, the CNR’s Speakers’ Bureau, and proposed certificate programs. The Director will exercise independent judgment and discretion in developing and managing the CNR professional education program.
The Director will:
Identify key topics that are not being fully served by current centers or faculty and facilitate a response to serve that niche in an integrated coordinated fashion.
Create interest in continuing education and professional education and facilitate delivery effectiveness, including the use of educational technology and distance learning. Requires serving as Coordinator for Wolfware Outreach and REPORTER, a non-credit course registration system.
Provide expertise and focus to the College’s existing diverse outreach efforts, by working closely with the Associate Dean of Extension, assisting centers, faculty and other course instructors, and scientific and technical associations in the development and presentation of programs, including such services as planning and consulting, financial management, marketing, registration services, logistics, and evaluation.
Develop a well recognized and regarded brand for CNR’s broader outreach and continuing education programs, in coordination with other CNR programs and publications.
In cooperation with college working groups and centers, establish programmatic outreach requirements for registration, PCI Compliance, asset management, reporting, and marketing.
Minimum Education and Experience
Master’s degree in a field relevant to the College of Natural Resources with three (3) years’ experience in an educational outreach position of similar responsibility required.
The Master’s degree requirement may be waived if the candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the College of Natural Resources with five (5) years’ experience in an educational outreach position of similar responsibility.
Other Required Qualifications
Proven leadership and teamwork skills and demonstrated ability to organize and direct outreach programs, including financial management.
Computer literacy and familiarity with standard software programs.
Familiarity with a full menu of tools for the development, delivery and evaluation of outreach and continuing education programs.
Must be willing to travel and work flexible hours.
Ability to plan, organize, work, and interact with stakeholders from diverse socio-demographic groups and with varied background knowledge.
Ability to partner with industry partners and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Creative, enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to react quickly to the changing needs of the organization and to take initiative in applying new approaches to outreach projects to benefit CNR continuing and professional education and move it to a higher level.