Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago (LUC) and the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy (CUERP) invite applications for the position of University Environmental Sustainability Director.  LUC is one of the largest Jesuit research universities in the United States, with four campuses: two campuses situated in urban settings, Lake Shore campus set along the shores of Lake Michigan, and Water Tower in downtown Chicago, a medical center in the metropolitan-area and a Center in Rome, Italy.  Loyola also serves as the U.S. host university to the Beijing Center for Chinese Studies in Beijing, China. 

Launched in September 2005 as one of LUC’s Centers of Excellence, CUERP is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to research, teaching, training, and outreach activities that focus on the urban landscape as an ecosystem. CUERP’s mission is to advance understanding of the complex interdependency between humans and environmental systems and facilitate collaboration among scholars who are interested in making a significant contribution to environmental research and policy.  CUERP also supports the undergraduate major Environmental Science/Studies Program (ESP). 

CUERP, located at the Lake Shore campus, is spearheading a movement to create a more environmentally responsible and sustainable university community by first conducting a rigorous assessment of several systems to establish a baseline against which progress could be measured.  The study focuses on energy, water, food, purchasing, and waste, the built environment, transportation, and environmental awareness.

Using the baseline assessment, the Sustainability Director in conjunction with key stakeholders will develop and implement a plan to transform LUC into a sustainable university.  The Sustainability Director will also be expected to teach a course related to sustainability in the ESP.

Drawing from the Center’s interdisciplinary resources, the Sustainability Director will be involved in all aspects of initiating and orchestrating the sustainability plan, including developing sustainability in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum.  Responsibilities of the Sustainability Director will include:

• Lead the implementation of the university Sustainability Plan and promote the concept of sustainability into daily professional behaviors of students, staff, faculty and administrators.
• Offer guidance to administrators to apply sustainability principles to education, research, and interdisciplinary projects.
• Provide support and advice to departments as they implement and target the sustainability plan.
• Network with area institutes as well as local, regional, and national experts to establish important partnerships, share information, and expand research and outreach endeavors.
• Strive to create, with its community partners, a sustainable environment in the Chicago metropolitan region.
• Collaborate with the ESP to develop courses in environmental awareness and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the CUERP Director, the Graduate Dean and other relevant Academic Deans to develop a master's in Sustainability with the goal of a PhD in Sustainability in the future.
• Cultivate collaboration with Loyola's School of Business Administration in developing course(s) on sustainability to ensure students complete globally as leaders.
• Cultivate collaboration with the Social Sciences and other disciplines, Centers and Schools. 

The Sustainability Director will report to CUERP’s Director and work closely with administration, faculty and staff.

Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will have an advanced degree in an appropriate field with a doctorate degree preferred.  
• Five years minimum experience in an academic setting, and experience and leadership in the area of sustainability, resource management, environmental studies, planning or related initiatives.
• A demonstrated record of successfully administrating projects, and developing courses and curriculum with implementation of the curriculum through teaching.
• Experience in fostering partnerships with community organizations, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

This is a permanent position based upon performance for renewal.  To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 15 May, 2008. The position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2008.

Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae (CV), letter of interest, and contact information for three references to Gina Lettiere (glettie@luc.edu), Coordinator, CUERP, Loyola University Chicago, 6525 North Sheridan Road, Quinlan Life Sciences Center, Room 422, Chicago, IL 60626. Candidates also must register their application and submit an electronic CV and cover letter at www.careers.luc.edu. Loyola University Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer with a strong commitment to the diversification of its staff.