Ecovillage and Permaculture Institute Director Wanted

The EPI Director manages the existing EPI courses and coordinates development of new courses that relate to the mission of EPI. The EPI Director manages a team responsible for curriculum and lesson plan development, course marketing, registration of students, managing the program budget, and hiring guest instructors.

Specific description of duties and responsibilities:

• Works with lead instructors to develop curriculum for EPI courses. Ensures that overall curriculum and individual lesson plans meet the needs of the students and accrediting organizations.
• Develops and manages EPI budget. Works with Lost Valley bookkeeper and administrative team to create yearly budget with projected revenue and expenses for EPI courses. Oversees payments to EPI staff and procurement of educational materials and supplies.
• Creates and launches additional educational programs to significantly increase EPI revenue in the next two years.
• Manages EPI staff, which includes primary instructors, guest instructors, administrative assistant, and 1-2 interns. Determines hiring, number of hours, and negotiates pay of staff, with assistance from LVEC’s Human Resources Coordinator.
• Maintains existing permaculture and Global Ecovillage Network accreditation.
• Coordinates marketing for EPI courses. Directs LVEC outreach intern in EPI marketing tasks.
• May prepare lesson plans and instruct sessions in courses in areas of expertise. May open some class sessions, and help in orienting new students.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Hours, pay scale, and to whom the position reports or is accountable:

This job is a full time salaried position.

Salary will assume an average 35 hour week and will provide a base payment and earned bonus opportunities capable of paying approximately $17,000 annually. The director may receive an additional stipend per course for teaching core course segments, in areas where he/she has competence to teach those. In addition to wages the director will receive leave time according to terms provided in the LVEC employee manual.

The position reports to the LVEC Executive Director, who is in turn overseen by the LVEC Board of Directors. The EPI director also works collaboratively with the LVEC Events Coordinator, with the LVEC Educational Services Guild, and occasionally with other LVEC staff and guilds.

General description of skills/experience desired or needed to do the job:

Education:

Qualified applicants will generally hold a bachelor degree and have done graduate work. Desired course work includes environmental studies, ecology, sustainability, human ecology, environmental planning, environmental sociology, landscape architecture, green building, business management, marketing, and education. Candidates should have at least a basic knowledge of ecology. Permaculture Design Certificate or equivalent knowledge of permaculture required. Ecovillage Design Education Certificate or similar training a plus but not required.

Knowledge and skills:

EPI curriculum related: Basic knowledge of ecovillages and permaculture, additional background in sustainability a plus. Personal experience visiting and/or living in ecovillages a plus. Skills in developing curricula and lessons plans, both for traditional classroom environments and creating interactive and hands-on learning opportunities. Advance knowledge of any specific subjects pertinent to ecovillages and permaculture a plus.

Managerial: Good at working in team settings and the ability to get along with a wide range of people. Ability to negotiate mutually satisfactory agreements. Ability to listen and be responsive while also leading and being decisive.

Administrative: Ability to preparing for and implementing a budget that is oriented towards revenue growth. Ability to think in yearly and multiple year cycles. Skills in project planning a plus.

General: Skills in systems/integrative thinking.

Computer Skills: Basic skills in spreadsheet (MS Excel or Open Office Calc), document preparation (MS Word) and basic email use. Powerpoint a plus.

List of specific skills/experience desired:

Any experience that demonstrates proficiency in the above knowledge and skill areas.

Start time for position:

Immediate

Application process:

An application form is available here. Please provide a completed application, resume, and cover letter describing what you would bring to the position.

Closing date:

February 8

If you have questions please contact John Botti, LVEC Executive Director (541) 937-3351 or Marc Tobin, EPI Director (541) 937-3351 x104, marc [at] lostvalley.org