Costa Rica Director and Vice President of Academic Programs

The Costa Rica Director and Vice President for Academic Programs is responsible for setting and administering the strategic direction for OTS programs and operations in Costa Rica. This is a supervisory position that includes, among other responsibilities, the oversight of all aspects of the organization related to science and education programs, administration, and logistics in Costa Rica. An important aspect of this position is defining the future research agenda of the Organization and overseeing the Science activities undertaken by the Station Directors at the three field stations in Costa Rica. The successful candidate will be actively involved in fostering collaborative initiatives in emerging areas of tropical science and writing grant proposals with scientists from member institutions and strategic allies. He or she will be expected to increase the number and scope and maintain the quality of scientific programs at OTS field stations. The position supervises the Costa Rica Education Director and provides oversight to the Education offerings of the Organization in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica Director and Vice President for Academic Programs will represent OTS in Costa Rica including being the principal OTS representative to the host government and its agencies and Costa Rican academic institutions. This individual will represent OTS at national and international scientific meetings.

The Costa Rica Director and Vice President for Academic Programs will report directly to the OTS President and CEO at Duke University and will closely coordinate activities with Vice Presidents for Marketing & Communication, Development, Finance, and Global Programs & Partnerships. This position is responsible for recruiting and hiring scientific, education, and administrative staff, as well as, directly or indirectly, managing and evaluating their performance. The position is located in the San José office in Costa Rica. In-country and international travel is required.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a field relevant to the mission of OTS, to provide leadership in education, research, and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics, and have at least ten years demonstrated management experience in a complex scientific, academic, and/or natural resource organization. The candidate should have a demonstrated record of excellence in tropical science as well as a strong record of success in obtaining external research support. Good interpersonal skills, strong communication skills both verbal and written, and demonstrated supervisory skills in a bi-cultural organization are prerequisites. Other requirements include fluency in Spanish and English, knowledge of Costa Rica and other parts of the tropical world, and a strong knowledge of international organizations. Salary is commensurate with experience. To apply, please send in a single pdf or doc file: (1) letter of application with details of programmatic and administrative experience, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information of three references Or mail to: Search Committee, OTS, Box 90630, Durham NC 27708-0630. Position will remain open until filled.

OTS values diversity within its staff and encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

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