Education and Engagement Director - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, & Environment

Job Summary

Lead signature outreach and engagement initiatives for the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), including major events such as iSEE Congress, Critical Conversations, academic workshops, stakeholder convenings, and professional training programs. The Outreach and Engagement Director works closely with faculty leaders, the communications and events teams, external stakeholders, and partner institutions to develop, execute, and manage programs that advance iSEE’s mission.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Engagement Programming
  • Convene and lead faculty organizing committees to collaboratively design iSEE engagement events such as the Congress, Critical Conversations, and other academic workshops and seminars.
  • Manage full‑cycle event planning in coordination with the iSEE communications and events teams, covering agenda development, program design, logistics, marketing, registration, and post‑event evaluation.
  • Oversee venue selection, contracts, vendor coordination, budgeting, and timeline development.
  • Develop briefing materials and background documents for iSEE leadership and visiting speakers.
  • Provide on‑site event leadership for iSEE programs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.
  • Leverage iSEE research and faculty expertise for the I‑Sci Explorers program outreach curriculum.
• Online Education Program Development
  • Work with iSEE faculty leaders and faculty across campus to collaboratively design and implement online continuing education offerings aligned with sustainability, energy, and environmental priorities.
  • Coordinate curriculum development workflows and ensure alignment with pedagogical and outreach goals.
• Stakeholder Relations
  • Develop, manage, and track partnerships across academia, industry, government agencies, and professional associations.
  • Work with the communications team to design engagement strategies for key stakeholder groups and support message development tied to iSEE events and initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate records and databases associated with stakeholder participation, invite lists, follow‑up, and engagement metrics.
• Administrative, Communications, and Logistical Support
  • Maintain accurate records of event details, timelines, planning documents, and reports.
  • Support the use of event‑related technology, registration tools, project management platforms, and databases to streamline processes and improve user experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science, social and behavioral science, engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience managing collaborative research or engagement projects in academic, government, or industry settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science, social and behavioral science, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years experience in collaboratively managing research or engagement programs, with at least two years at the management level.
• Experience supporting conferences, workshops, high‑profile events, or multi‑stakeholder convenings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability in project and time management, including collaboratively leading the planning and execution of complex events.
• Strong collaborative leadership and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage across campus units and external partners.
• Ability to independently lead cross‑functional teams, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative with minimal day‑to‑day supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing timelines, and logistical considerations.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, administrators, community leaders, and external partners.
• Demonstrated professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event or project management tools.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as required.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000 to $95,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

EEO Statement

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The University encourages applicants with disabilities to apply and may provide reasonable accommodations. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion.