This position will serve as a dynamic and collaborative leader as Executive Director of the Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR). This position will have the opportunity to make a significant global impact by fostering research, leveraging resources, building connections, and leading efforts to turn world-class science into global practice. This position will also have the opportunity to build on a unique partnership with the City of Norfolk, expanding that to include other localities within the Hampton Roads region.
Type of Recruitment General Public Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree or other advanced degree in science, engineering, business and economics, health sciences, geography, policy studies, or other related field. Considerable experience leading interagency and interdisciplinary teams for research and development, commercialization, and/or community engagement. Considerable experience participating in profile-raising efforts of an organization such as media outreach, social media, and high-level relationship management. Considerable experience in one or more of the following areas: coastal oceanography, atmospheric science, policy, law, climate change adaptation, environmental risk analysis, or stakeholder engagement and facilitation. Considerable knowledge of the strategies, practices, and procedures employed when leading interdisciplinary and interagency teams. Considerable knowledge related to adaptation and resiliency in one or more of the following areas as related to coastal adaptation and resilience: atmospheric/oceanic/climate science, engineering, geography, geoscience, economics, law, or another related field of study. Excellent interpersonal skills interfacing with senior leaders in a variety of organizations including government, academia, and industry. Strong skills in short and long-term strategic planning, business plan development and execution, and partnership development in a complex and rapidly evolving context. Strong advocacy skills used particularly in developing regional partnerships, coordinating policies and interventions amongst community members, academics, elected officials, media representatives, and members of the business community. Demonstrated ability to articulate and communicate a vision, and to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels of the enterprise to work toward that vision. Demonstrated ability to find new and impactful approaches, recommend new and innovative ways for diverse organizations to work together to navigate obstacles, and influence others. Demonstrated ability to effectively work well in a collaborative environment, balancing team and individual responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships with nonprofits, community groups, government agencies, corporations, and peer organizations locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical findings in a succinct and easy-to-understand manner using captivating language meant to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Substantial track record of experience acquiring or managing funded projects for research, outreach, or education related to adaptation and resilience initiatives.
Conditions of Employment
Completion of Statement of Personal Economic Interests is required upon hire.
Job Open Date 01/29/2020 Open Until Filled Yes Application Review Date 03/07/2020 Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required
A resume with an accompanying cover letter must be submitted via e-mail to Matthew Pohl ([email protected]). Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Opus Partners at (215) 790-1188 ext. 232.
Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check. Department Information
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is a global leader in adaptation and resilience research, innovation, outreach, and education, and is in the heart of a community recognized as being on the cutting edge of flood preparedness and resiliency world-wide.
The unique combination of a research university in a key coastal area has inspired a decade of investment and commitment by ODU, led by President John R. Broderick, to advance fundamental and applied research in the areas of sea-level rise and coastal resilience. This interdisciplinary approach, with its array of immediate real-world application opportunities, has been formalized in the launch of the Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR), Old Dominion’s comprehensive effort to synthesize and grow research, outreach, education, engagement, and innovation in the areas of sea-level rise and coastal resilience.
ICAR focuses on the interdisciplinary areas of 1) Climate Science and Sea Level Rise; 2) Flooding and the Built Environment; 3) Social Science and Policy; and 4) Health Dimensions of Coastal Resilience. As an interdisciplinary endeavor, ICAR will collaborate with all six academic colleges at ODU: Batten College of Engineering and Technology; College of Arts and Letters; College of Health Sciences; College of Sciences; Darden College of Education and Professional Studies; and Strome College of Business. In addition to the schools, institutes, and initiatives of ODU, ICAR will collaborate with community members, municipalities, nonprofits, corporations, military, and other academic organizations with similar missions, interests, and applications. The vision of ICAR is to provide an interdisciplinary, research-based approach to addressing pressing issues for the regional coastal communities neighboring ODU that also invites global applications. Stakeholders across the region share a deep appreciation for the value of leveraging resources towards this effort and bringing together researchers and practitioners from inside and outside ODU.
The vital importance of the work of ICAR for the region and the world has already garnered significant private and public support. In 2019, philanthropist Joan Brock, an alumna and longtime supporter of Old Dominion University, donated $3 million to the Institute to enable early design and programming and the recruitment and support of an Executive Director to lead ICAR forward in its work. This gift, along with institutional support from ODU and others, coincides with a first-of-its-kind partnership that formally brings together Old Dominion University with the City of Norfolk to address coastal resiliency. Through the agreement with Norfolk, the Executive Director of ICAR may serve as a Senior Resilience Strategist to the City of Norfolk, working closely with the city staff and leadership to leverage the city as a testbed for resilience policies, strategies, and technologies. This partnership will enable faculty to directly connect to the city as a natural lab for innovative technologies and practices, and will support applied faculty research and student projects that leverage Old Dominion’s strengths in modeling and simulation, economics, engineering, and more to build resilience in Norfolk’s neighborhoods. ICAR will look to learn from and build upon this partnership to engage additional municipalities and communities.
ICAR builds on, collaborates with, and complements resilience-related expertise and initiatives at Old Dominion University including the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency, a partnership between Old Dominion University, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and William & Mary Law School’s Virginia Coastal Policy Center created by the general assembly in 2016 to provide applied research and services to build flooding resilience in Virginia, and the ODU Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography. The Open Seas Technology Innovation Hub, a newly announced catalyst and convener for innovative concepts related to water-related industries and issues, is another powerful collaboration relevant to ICAR in which ODU is already engaged. The Hub is a partnership between ODU, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and the College of William & Mary, and will partner with similar maritime centers internationally, focusing on innovations related to maritime, shipping and logistics; aquaculture and fisheries; and flood mitigation and resilience.
There is enthusiasm and support throughout Old Dominion to consider opportunities to develop and deepen curricula related to resiliency and adaptation and to recruit faculty and attract students who would be drawn to this work.
Equity Statement
Old Dominion University does not discriminate in admissions, treatment, employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, family medical and genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity at (757) 683-3141.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
ODU Statement
Old Dominion University, located in the City of Norfolk in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of coastal Virginia, is a state-assisted, Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement. Its 24,000 students, including over 6,000 graduate students, form a diverse and multicultural community in six academic colleges. Through a collaborative and innovative approach to education and research, the University focuses on student learning and addresses critical needs in the professions. ODU’s programs are offered on the main campus, at higher education centers in the region, and at numerous distance learning sites.
