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Position Description
The Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a new full-time Program Director for its award-winning GeoFORCE Texas education and outreach program. GeoFORCE is a unique program, operating since 2005, that entrains ~400 students from economically under-resourced school districts in grade-based cohorts participating in awe-inspiring, one-week field trips over three summers (rising 9th to rising 11th grade), wrapping with a fourth summer (rising 12th grade) on-campus research experience. The mission of the program is to identify and develop the next generation of STEM leadership for discovery, research and management of energy, minerals, water, environments, and natural hazards.
GeoFORCE program is jointly and passionately supported by Industry sponsors, individual donors and the Jackson School of Geosciences. In March, 2015, President Barack Obama awarded GeoFORCE Texas the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. GeoFORCE summer academies introduce students to geology across the country, from the Texas Gulf Coast and Hill Country to the southwestern U.S. canyonlands to the Cascade volcanos and Oregon coast. Students are engaged academically to understand and appreciate a landscape completely different from their home environment. Summer academies are led by faculty and area educators, mentored by industry professionals, and assisted by graduate students and GeoFORCE alumni. In their final year, students experience living and working on a college campus, participating in research projects mentored by Jackson faculty, and top students are given the opportunity to participate in the AGU Bright Stars program during their 12th grade year.
GeoFORCE graduates have a legacy of success in their university studies. Over 60% of GeoFORCE graduates pursue a STEM degree at a 4 year university. The personal impact of the program is reflected in the high number of GeoFORCE graduates who return to the program to serve as academy counselors, field coordinators, trail drivers, etc. Working at the Jackson School: The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences (JSG), which includes two closely allied research units, the Institute for Geophysics and the Bureau of Economic Geology. The School comprises ~125 tenure track and research faculty, and a talented cadre of research scientists, technologists, advising and administrative staff.
We currently enroll ~350 undergraduates and 200 graduate students across our degree programs. We are a world-class community of scholars with a remarkable range of specialties and access to outstanding research facilities and support. The university is located in the thriving Austin metropolitan area with a vibrant community of over 2 million people. This is a full-time, endowment-funded, 12-month appointment.
Work is conducted primarily on the UT Austin J.J. Pickle Research Campus in north Austin, ~9 miles from the main campus and relocation to the Austin area is required. The Program Director must commit to active leadership of the summer academies program for ~10 weeks each summer. The Director is encouraged to participate in at least one academy field trip per summer. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled, with a target start date of Spring 2025.
Purpose: The Program Director is responsible for the direction and execution of the GeoFORCE program, including operation of the summer academies and hiring summer staff.
Salary Range: $100,000 + depending on qualifications
Duties
- Direction and execution of the GeoFORCE program, including operation of the summer academies and hiring summer staff. The Program Director supervises the duties of full-time coordinators supporting the GeoFORCE program and reports to the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Student Affairs. The program Director is responsible for managing the GeoFORCE program within annual budget guidelines determined by the Dean's Office. The Program Director manages the GeoFORCE program independently with a high degree of professionalism, acting as an ambassador for the program and the Jackson School. The Program Director will collaborate with other University and Jackson School units to meet compliance standards and to align the program with Jackson School priorities. The Program Director will work with the JSG GeoEducator to improve the learning content of the GeoFORCE program activities. -Hosting semi-annual meetings with the GeoFORCE Advisory Council to present program updates and discuss program ambitions and challenges. The Program Director works closely with the JSG Development Team to identify and interact with established and potential sponsors.
- Interfacing with the UT GEAR UP program (hosted by the College of Education), and proposes and manages the GeoFORCE GEAR UP grant, which supports an Austin cohort of students. -Assisted by the JSG Development Team, GeoEducator and faculty, the Program Director will explore and secure internal and external grants and collaborative partnerships intended to initiate, improve, support and expand the GeoFORCE program.
- Work with program coordinators to coordinate the logistics of a summer research symposium including registration, presentations, networking, information for parents and funding.
- Work with program coordinators to host a one week Math and Science Institute summer activity immediately following the 12th grade academy.
- Monitor student progress through the program and into college, maintaining records of student achievements, degrees and job opportunities to the extent possible.
Application Process
Required Materials:
- Resume/CV -List of 3 work references with their contact information who would be able to provide letters of reference
- Letter of interest (describing your interest in the program and qualifications to lead and execute the requirements of the program)
All application materials must be submitted through UT's Workday Portal: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/details/Program-Director-of-GeoFORCE_R_00036544
Institution Information
In 2024, The University of Texas at Austin was recognized as a 5-Year Champion, having placed in the top 10 among Texas employers and in the top 15 for higher education institutions on Forbes’s list of 500 best large employers five years running. The University’s aspiration to become the world’s highest-impact public research university is driven by our outstanding people. Our employees are the bedrock of our university and are empowered to be true to themselves, to participate fully in our vibrant university, and to thrive as individuals. UT Austin offers competitive salaries, full benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education and public service.
Additional Information
Additional information about the GeoFORCE program can be found here: https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/geoforce/
Contact Information
Dr. Veronica Vasquez, Assistant Dean for Faculty and Student Affairs ([email protected])
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