Institutional Relations and Inclusion Manager, Southeast Region

Institutional Mission:

SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:

SFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve.

Position Title: Institutional Relations and Inclusion Manager, Southeast Region

Reports to: Director of Institutional Relations

Location: The School for Field Studies U.S. Headquarters is a remote-first organization. This position will be responsible for our Southeast region. Applicants must reside in one of the following states to be considered for the role: Florida, Georgia, or Texas

Start Date: January 2, 2025

Position Summary:

The School for Field Studies (SFS), the leading provider of international environmental field-based studies, seeks a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Institutional Relations team. As the SFS representative to colleges and universities in your region, you will engage with US-based staff, global field centers, and partner institutions to promote SFS’s mission. This role plays a key part in driving institutional partnerships and student enrollment, with a strong focus on collaborating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) to support and increase diversity in our programs.

Overview

The SFS Institutional Relations team works closely with partner colleges and universities to enroll qualified students. This full-time position is responsible for institutional relations in our Southeast region, which currently includes AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, KS, LA, MO, MS, NE, OK, TN, TX. The job breakdown is roughly:

• 40% - Maintain and grow relationships with existing partner schools within the Southeast region
• 30% - Develop partnerships with public and private colleges and universities with a focus on HBCUs and MSIs
• 30% - Advise and support SFS’ internal DEI goals and initiatives, support Admissions department, work on cross-department collaborative projects

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build and strengthen relationships with existing partner institutions across the Southeast (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, KS, LA, MO, MS, NE, OK, TN, TX) to promote SFS programs and increase student enrollment.
• Lead initiatives to develop strategic partnerships with HBCUs and MSIs, expanding access to SFS programs for underrepresented student populations.
• Collaborate with partner colleges and universities to create institution-specific goals, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Design and implement tailored recruitment plans for both existing and new partner institutions, prioritizing the growth of relationships with HBCUs and MSIs.
• Organize and execute on-campus recruitment events and virtual engagements that resonate with diverse student audiences.
• Work closely with SFS Admissions to support cross-department projects, assist with applicant review, and contribute to Pre-Departure Orientations.
• Participate in high-level meetings with university stakeholders, including faculty, study abroad offices, multicultural centers, and administrative units, to alleviate barriers such as credit transfer and financial aid.
• Serve as an advocate for SFS’s diversity and inclusion initiatives by supporting internal DEIB efforts and representing SFS at relevant conferences, including the Global Inclusion Conference.
• Stay up-to-date on SFS programs, research, and field center activities to provide accurate and compelling information to partners and students.
• Collaborate with SFS domestic and international teams to organize campus visits and facilitate engagement opportunities with SFS field centers.
• Contribute to SFS’s Institutional Partnership Council meetings and other key collaborative initiatives.

Goals:

• Expand the presence of SFS on campuses throughout the region, with a particular emphasis on increasing partnerships and student enrollments from HBCUs and MSIs.
• Deepen relationships with existing partner schools and actively work to identify new opportunities for collaboration.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for partner institutions, ensuring they have the tools and information to successfully promote SFS programs to their students.
• Collaborate on DEI efforts internally and externally, contributing to the organization’s mission to diversify its student body and create inclusive study abroad experiences.
• Develop institution-specific strategies to increase SFS visibility and ensure consistent referrals from various departments within partner schools.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in institutional relations, study abroad, or a multicultural/diversity office at a U.S. college or university, with a strong focus on developing partnerships with HBCUs and MSIs.
• Educational background in environmental studies, biology, life sciences, or familiarity with SFS programs.
• Demonstrated success in new partnership development and student recruitment within higher education, especially within underrepresented groups.
• Exceptional public speaking, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with experience working across departments such as study abroad offices, multicultural centers, and risk management.
• Proven ability to foster strong, inclusive relationships with diverse student bodies and institutional stakeholders.
• Familiarity with Salesforce CRM or similar systems for managing partner relationships and enrollment data.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the U.S. and occasionally internationally during the academic year.
• Valid driver’s license and passport are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

Equal Opportunity Employer: SFS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, caste, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetics, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnic origin, or veteran status.

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with employer contribution
• Health Savings Account with a fully funded medical deductible via HSA contribution by SFS
• 15 days PTO, 12 days paid sick time and volunteer time off in your first year
• At the discretion of the SFS President, an additional week of paid time off may be provided in December
• 10 federal holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Paid parental leave, with payroll contributions to state programs covered by SFS
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with match provided by SFS after your first year of employment
• Full employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Full employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Worldwide travel assistance
• Employee assistance program (EAP) with counseling sessions available
• Employee referral bonus program
• Domestic and same sex partner coverage
• Flexible schedules
• Pro membership opportunities for discounted gear, accessories and clothing
• Employee family discount (to attend SFS programs)
• Biennial retreats with your HQ team