FutureGenerations/Graduate School
To Research, To Demonstrate, To Teach - How Communities Change
Position Opening: Director of the Graduate School
Future Generations Graduate School is located on a 60-acre mountaintop campus at the headwaters of the Potomac River, a three-hour drive west of Washington, DC. Additional information about the organization and program can be found on our web site: www.future.edu.
Future Generations Graduate School, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, seeks a dynamic individual to lead an original and creative educational approach focused on and based in communities. This is a unique opportunity for a person who has the combined experiences of work at the community level and leadership in academic programs. Currently, the School offers a Master's Degree in Applied Community Change and Conservation, and this position offers the opportunity to
influence and expand this degree program to develop other applied research and training programs in higher education.
Future Generations two-year Master's degree uses a pedagogy that emphasizes learning within communities and for communities. The vast majority of our students are mid-career professionals who seek knowledge and skills in community-led approaches to development and
conservation. This M.A. program allows students to continue serving their communities and organizations without having to relocate for graduate school. Class IV, includes representatives from nine countries and four continents. To date students have been drawn from 24 countries. Future Generations approaches learning as a continuous and life-long process and engages with its students beyond their formal studies.
Three instructional modes include:
1. Online coursework and interaction with global peers and faculty using the internet, email, Skype, and webinars while based in and working with their own community
2. On-site field residentials, one-month each term in such countries as India, the U.S., Peru, Nepal and Tibet, China)
3. A two-year faculty-guided practicum carried out within each student's community
Qualifications for this post include:
* At least five years of experience in economic and/or social development or nature conservation, some of which has been focused at the village or community level
* Five years of experience in teaching and leading graduate level academic programs
* A PhD (or a Master's degree with exceptional experience directly relevant to this position)
* Experience in academic administration, student recruitment, and fund raising
* An interest in and commitment to improving lives of the disadvantaged
This position requires diverse skills applied to a variety of tasks. Specific responsibilities are to:
* Implement the long-term strategy for Future Generations Graduate School
* Administer an academic program as approved by the Board of Trustees
* Recruit and manage full-time and part-time faculty
*Direct instructional arrangements for course programs, including interactive online learning, country residentials, and support for students' community-based interventions
* Teach in the Graduate School and other institutional training programs
* Advise one or two students on their practicum project
* Lead student recruitment
* Conduct research
* Assist in raising funds for the program and scholarships
* Support parallel educational programs being set up in countries where Future Generations works and develop partnerships with educational and development agencies in new training initiatives
*Develop ways and means to provide on-going learning opportunities for alumni
*As a member of senior management of Future Generations, support the broader institutional activities of Future Generations
Compensation is competitive with senior leadership posts in academic or non-governmental agencies in West Virginia. The Director reports to the President. The position is open and employment would begin as soon as possible.
Submit Applications (CV, cover letter explaining interest and qualifications, and the names of three references) to: rebecca(at)future.org
