Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs

The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is seeking applicants for the position of Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs. The position is based in Costa Rica, and requires a commitment to 1-2 weeks in the field and several weeks in the office during each semester.

Start Date: January 4, 2011

Application deadline: November 15, 2010

Definition of job position:
The main responsibility of the Undergraduate Program Coordinator is to supervise Undergraduate Program of the OTS: activities, operations, programs, and projects in Costa Rica; as well as to coordinate and manage the organization's policies and guidelines. The Undergraduate Program Coordinator reports directly to his/her supervisor who is the Education Director of OTS.

Qualifications:

1. Education:
   1. MS/Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology or a related field. (mandatory)
   2. Bilingual: 100% Spanish/English (mandatory)
2. Experience:
   1. The Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs should have proof of experience and knowledge in education programs management; experience in teaching and managing field courses; personnel management; budget management; planning; fundraising; supervision and execution of projects.
   2. Experience in field-based education and hands-on experiential teaching a plus.
   3. Professional experience in supervision of undergraduate field research.
   4. Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Basic duties:

• Oversee the implementation of all OTS Undergraduate Programs based in Costa Rica.
• Supervise undergraduate program staff, including orientation, training, clarification and enforcement of program policies, and regular reviews of job performance.
• Supervise program design, implementation and evaluation.
• Facilitate communication and effective coordination between field staff, station personnel and the CRO logistics unit.
• Prepare program budgets and supervise financial performance and conformance.
• In coordination with Education Director and HR Department, assist in hiring new faculty, regarding OTS procedures.
• Collaborating with the full spectrum of staff colleagues, with the fulfillment of policies and procedures of OTS: IT, Finances, Human Resources and Operations.
• Provide support for the Undergraduate Recruitment Officers in the student recruitment, selection and admissions process.
• Work together with HR Department to recruit qualified staff: legal and salaries suggestions.
• Maintain excellent collaborative relations with partner institutions involved in the planning and implementation of Undergraduate Programs.
• In coordination with the Education Director and the Development Office, write proposals for continuation and/or enhancement of Undergraduate Programs.
• Participate, to the extent possible, as an Instructor in Undergraduate Program course offerings.
• Oversee the implementation of emergency response protocols and procedures.
• In coordination with the Education Director, participate in strategic planning of the organization.
• Maintain your professional affiliations.
• Participating in the general management and strategic planning of the organization.
• Collaborating with the full spectrum of staff colleagues, with the fulfillment of policies and procedures of OTS.
• Upon request, assisting the OTS Education Director with general OTS activities.
• Assist with other general OTS Education Program activities, as defined by the Education Director.
• Any other duty that his/her acting supervisor assigns that is inherent to the position and his/her capacity