AWI Executive Director

Position: Executive Director

Status: Full-time Regular (12 months), Exempt, Staff

Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute

Reports to: Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

Salary: $100,000 - $115,000/year plus full benefits

College Background:

Paul Smith�s College is a private, four-year institution with approximately 750 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Known as the �College of the Adirondacks,� we are the only baccalaureate-granting institution located within the six-million-acre, world-famous, �forever-wild� Adirondacks in New York�s North Country.

Built on the site of the Adirondacks� first wilderness resort, Paul Smith�s Hotel, the college is a haven for those who thrive on adventure. We are renowned for our exceptionally hands-on academics, inclusive community, spectacular location, and significant impact on the world around us.

Department Description:

The Paul Smith�s College Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is the region�s leading center for environmental research and education. Our mission is to protect clean water, conserve habitat, and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students.

We collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners to conduct important research that informs policy decisions and supports conservation in the region. We achieve success through three pillars of work: Science, Stewardship, and Community.

Position Description:

Paul Smith�s College is seeking a director for its flagship Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI). The Director of AWI will provide leadership for the institute�s research, outreach and technical assistance programs in Northern New York. The Director will be responsible for creating and implementing a compelling vision for AWI, securing critical funding, supporting and developing a high-performing team, and building strong partnerships to advance AWI's mission of protecting clean water, conserving important habitat, and safeguarding local communities. AWI also plays a key role in providing students�both undergraduate and graduate�with opportunities for research, hands-on learning, and work experience in science, communication and education. As an integral member of the Paul Smith�s College community, the director will serve on college working groups and committees as needed, ensuring alignment with the college�s strategic goals, and will represent AWI to external partners, agencies, and the media.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Limnology, Aquatic Ecology, Watershed Sciences, Soils, Hydrology, or a closely related field.
• Masters degree required, PhD preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in environmental science, research, or higher education, with a proven track record of successfully leading and managing teams and programs.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing research funding from diverse sources, including government agencies, foundations, and private donors.
• Strong experience in developing and managing large multi-grant-funded budgets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences
• Strong experience in strategic planning, program development, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and donors.
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex challenges and lead teams through change.
• Commitment to public service and a passion for environmental protection with a strong understanding of the northeastern US ecosystem and the challenges facing the region.
• A strong understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of Paul Smith's College and the Adirondack Watershed Institute.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

This AWI Executive Director position is key to maintaining the legacy of Paul Smith�s College�s historic hospitality, while looking toward the future by promoting sustainability, local business, and community.

Paul Smith�s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V