PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:
The Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) at the University of Delaware, established in 2009, is a university-wide, international institute engaged in interdisciplinary environmental research, outreach, education and workforce development. DENIN partners with institutions of higher education throughout the US and globally, with government, and with private sector organizations, including non-governmental organizations and environmentally focused for-profit entities. DENIN has been established to coordinate the University’s significant multidisciplinary expertise around key environmental issues, and to grow a nationally significant portfolio of environmental science, engineering, and policy competencies.

The Assistant Director, Education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion serves as the key leader for DENIN’s diversity, equity and inclusion thrusts (DEI), K-16 outreach, educational programs, and workforce development. Working closely with DENIN’s Associate Director for Interdisciplinary Programs, the DENIN management team, and affiliated DENIN faculty, the incumbent develops and leads DEI, education and outreach, and workforce development initiatives and represents DENIN at national and international meetings and venues to enhance capacity and visibility of activities and programming. Central to the position is the ability to lead and participate in groups with a DEI focus, to direct education programming including student recruitment, placement, and mentoring, identify funding sources, secure funding, and build an expanded network of collaborators and participants for DENIN.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop programs and initiatives for broadening the participation of individuals historically excluded such as women, girls, and members from ethnic and racially marginalized groups.
• Develop proactive outreach strategies for partnering and developing relationships with Minority Serving Institutions across the US, including HBCUs, HSIs, and institutions with significant underrepresented or first-generation student populations.
• Work closely with DEI leadership at UD to align and leverage programs and strategic thrusts.
• Lead working groups and support the development of competitive funding proposals for federal, nonprofit, and corporate funding serving as PI, Co-PI, and/or Senior Personnel.
• Incorporate DEI best practices into funding proposals and implement those practices in awarded grants.
• Engage with the DENIN internal advisory committee for feedback and to build collaboration with relevant partners and identify opportunities for grant funding to support key needs.
• Develop a portfolio of DEI resources and metrics for evaluating success.
• Serve as liaison for affiliated students and faculty across partnering institutions.
• Direct high school and undergraduate placement in academic, industry and government research internship and workforce development programs in summer or academic year opportunities.
• Work with local high school teachers and counseling staff to engage high school students in research activities and offer presentations about careers in STEM to local high schools.
• Evaluate student transcripts and advise students transitioning from community college to 4-year college, or students transferring from 4-year college to graduate school.
• Monitor student participation and progress throughout their research experience at UD.
• Track student progress and longitudinal degree completion metrics using tools such as the UD SIS system and the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) database of degree completion.
• Oversee the development and creation of reports on student tracking and degree completion data and publish summaries and reports of student outcomes.
• Supervise interns, undergraduates and graduates, working directly on DENIN-related projects as interns, creating NSC reports and other similar material for evaluation, as well as brochures, web content, UDaily stories, Op-Eds and similar outreach and outcomes communications.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities that support internship and workforce development opportunities.
• Publish articles on workforce development and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in higher education Journals.
• Present scholarly work at national conferences focused on STEM education and diversity in STEM.
•  Build relationships across campus to share best practices and leverage resources to enhance education, outreach and research efforts within and outside of DENIN.
• Partner with UD departments and colleges to participate in relevant outreach activities such as Ag Day, Coast Day and Earth Day engagement and outreach events.
• Serve on degree committees and advisory panels.
• Develop and implement education programs to promote and enhance the development of the next generation of environmental scientists.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree, PhD preferred, and five years’ experience in higher education, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Degree in a STEM field in education, natural/physical sciences, social sciences.
• Demonstrated track record of leadership in education programming and in diversity, equity and inclusion leadership.
• Experience in a research setting and in mentoring students.
• Experience with professional development programming.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.