Job Description

Full-time, Tenure-Track

Reports to: Dean of the Graduate School

Location: South Royalton, VT

Salary: $90,000-119,000 + administrative stipend

Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community. 

Position Summary:

The Vermont Law and Graduate School invites applications for the position of Associate Dean of Environmental Programs and Director of the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to lead a prestigious institution in shaping the future of environmental sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, environmental justice, and related fields. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with a proven track record in higher education, research excellence, and successful fundraising efforts. This position can be coupled with a tenure-track appointment for a candidate with requisite experience.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a forward-thinking strategic vision for the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment, aligning with School goals and addressing pressing environmental challenges, including the climate crisis, biodiversity collapse, environmental injustice, and the urgent need for sustainability.
• Research Excellence: Foster a vibrant research environment that advances knowledge in climate science, food and agriculture, energy, environmental justice, animal protection, and other key areas of environmental sustainability. Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and support faculty and student research initiatives.
• Fundraising and Development: Lead efforts to secure external funding from government agencies, private foundations, and other private-sector partners. Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and stakeholders to support the school’s financial and strategic goals.
• Academic Administration: Oversee the academic programs, curriculum, and staff of the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment, ensuring high standards of teaching, research, and service. Provide leadership in faculty recruitment, development, and evaluation.
• Policy and Advocacy: Position the school as a thought leader in environmental and climate change policy across the school’s focus areas. Engage with policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public to influence policy decisions and promote sustainable practices.
• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to enhance the school’s impact and visibility. Promote community outreach and service initiatives that align with the school’s mission.
• Future Planning: Drive the school’s vision forward, anticipating future trends and challenges in environmental sustainability. Develop and implement innovative programs and initiatives to address emerging issues.
• Collaboration :  Collaborate with the Director of the Environmental Law Center to develop and implement interdisciplinary programs and initiatives.

Education: An advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in environmental science, climate science, environmental studies, environmental justice, environmental policy, food and agriculture, energy systems, public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.

• Experience: Demonstrated experience in higher education leadership, including administrative roles such as department chair, associate dean, or equivalent. Proven success in securing research funding and managing large-scale research projects.
• Research Track Record: A successful research agenda with a strong record of publications, grants, and contributions to the field(s) related to environmental sustainability. Expertise in climate change, pollution, environmental justice, food and agriculture, energy, or related areas is highly desirable.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans that advance the school’s mission and address global environmental challenges.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to inspire and manage a diverse team of faculty, staff, and students.
• Fundraising Acumen: Proven ability to raise substantial funds from a variety of sources, including government, industry, and private donors.

Commitment to Diversity: Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and professional settings.

ABOUT Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment

Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment at Vermont Law and Graduate School trains students to create cutting-edge solutions to the complex environmental challenges facing communities today. This school builds on Vermont Law and Graduate School’s depth of expertise in domestic and international law and policy focused on the environment, clean energy, sustainable food and agriculture, and animal protection. The interdisciplinary graduate curriculum brings climate change and racial and economic justice to the forefront. The school’s courses build practical skills and provide the rigorous training students need to succeed in the job market. Whether in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, students graduate from the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment equipped to have impactful careers in this growing field. 

Applicants must complete an online application and electronically submit (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a research agenda; and (4) the names and contact information of three references.  VLGS will only contact references for finalists. VLGS strongly encourages applications from those who would bring increased diversity to our community.  Direct inquiries about the position to Faculty Appointments Committee Chair, Anna Connolly at [email protected]. The positions will remain open until filled.   

As part of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Vermont Law and Graduate School strives to raise the bar for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of birth, marital status, disability, veteran's status, HIV status, pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime victim status.

Salary Description

$90,000-119,000

About Vermont Law and Graduate School

Vermont Law and Graduate School, a private, independent institution, is home to a law school that offers ABA-accredited residential and online hybrid JD programs and a graduate school that offers master’s degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, including programs offered by the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment, the Center for Justice Reform and other graduate-level programs emphasizing the intersection of environmental justice, social justice and public policy.

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