Executive Director, School of Forestry - Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of the School of Forestry housed in the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS). NAU seeks a strategic, visionary leader to shepherd a nationally recognized forest science curriculum into the future and to grow its internationally active research enterprise.

The Executive Director will collaborate with the college's academic leadership team to pursue a strategic agenda to build high-value programming that serves diverse students through inclusive academic excellence. Duties include overseeing educational programs, fundraising, and recruiting/retaining outstanding and diverse faculty, staff, and students. As the school's leader, the executive director is expected to collaborate across campus and champion the school's vision, goals, and achievements within the University and the community.

NAU seeks a dynamic administrator with proven ability to lead the school, who embodies a philosophy that promotes inclusive excellence. The successful candidate will support students of all backgrounds. The next Executive Director will advance the role of the School of Forestry as a leader in contributing solutions to climate adaptation, recognizing the needs of diverse societies inhabiting Arizona, including indigenous cultures, rural communities, and Arizona's rapidly growing urban centers. NAU seeks an individual who effectively engages with regional, state, national, and international partners and stakeholders to strengthen existing connections and develop new directions that support success among the faculty, staff, and students. They will be a spokesperson for the long-term vision of the School of Forestry. The Executive Director will be approachable, compassionate, supportive of the CEFNS team, and an inclusive decision-maker. They will be a person of integrity who listens well and communicates transparently.

The Executive Director reports to the dean of CEFNS. The executive director will develop productive relationships with institutional administration, faculty, staff, students, alums, industry, and community partners.

Responsibilities Include:

• Oversees ongoing committees.
• Develops and implements School policies and procedures.
• Acts as liaison with the community, students, faculty, and staff in facilitating university programs.
• Promotes the faculty development process.
• Serves as a representative of the University at state, regional, and nation meetings as assigned.
• Assists with the developments of long and short-range goals and strategic plans.
• Provides technical advice and problem-solving assistance and answers to questions regarding goals, and policy interpretation.
• Conducts surveys/studies relevant to organizational management.
• Completes reports related to recruitment, special programs, and professional development.

This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation.  Opportunities for remote work are rare.