Director of the Paul Smith’s College Visitor’s Interpretive Center

Paul Smith’s College is recruiting a visionary leader to be its Director of the Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). The Director will be responsible for overseeing the strategic development and operation of this iconic institution. This role requires an experienced professional with a deep passion for environmental education, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a proven ability to build and foster partnerships. The Director will leverage the VIC’s rich history to create a thriving center that integrates with the College’s academic, athletic, and environmental mission. This includes developing innovative programs that inspire and educate both the public and the Paul Smith’s community, strengthening the VIC’s world-class Nordic facility, and working with faculty and staff to provide experiential learning opportunities for students. The position will also be responsible for overseeing the management of the college’s John Dillon Park, the region’s only campground that is fully accessible to people with disabilities. We are looking for someone who can succeed in pursuing funding from government and private foundation grants and private philanthropy to help build and grow the VIC programs. The Director will be a member of the college’s leadership team and play a crucial role in repositioning the VIC as a catalyst for growth and innovation, aligning with the goals of the College’s newly formed Center for Research, Partnerships, and Innovation. We are looking for someone who has a strong business mindset and a proven track record of building successful partnerships to expand the VIC’s reach and impact. This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of the VIC and make a significant impact on the Paul Smith’s College community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the VIC aligned with the College’s mission.
• Provide strategic oversight for all VIC operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation, exceptional visitor experiences, and environmental stewardship.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, donors, and the college community.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate student-centered research, the arts, athletics, social and environmental justice, and other academic programs into the VIC’s offerings.
• Generate revenue and secure funding to support VIC initiatives and growth.
• Position the VIC as a premier destination for environmental education, research, the arts, tourism, recreation, and world-class winter sports.
• Oversee seasonal operations at John Dillon Park.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture within the VIC.
• Build and lead a high-performing VIC team dedicated to the VIC’s mission.
• Develop and implement innovative programs and exhibits that engage diverse audiences and advance the VIC’s educational goals.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize the use of VIC facilities and PSC property for educational, recreational, and research purposes, including identifying and pursuing new opportunities for enhanced visitor experiences and academic programming.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Natural Resource Management, Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education, or a related field, OR 10 years leadership experience in the these fields, OR a combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills and ability to develop high-performing teams and a collaborative, inclusive work culture.
• Experience in managing complex projects and operations.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including the public, partners, and staff.
• Proven financial management skills, including resource allocation and preparing and managing multi-faceted budgets.
• Track record of successfully securing and managing government and private foundation grants and contracts.
• Deep understanding of environmental education, interpretation, and outdoor recreation with a passion for sharing knowledge and experiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction with a focus on providing exceptional visitor experiences.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and achieving organizational goals.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.

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