Managing Director, Global Sustainability Leadership Institute

Managing Director, Global Sustainability Leadership Institute

Department: Finance

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Overview

The mission of the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute (GSLI) is to develop leadership and solutions that address critical sustainability challenges and shape a regenerative global economy and society. The GSLI is housed in the McCombs School of Business in partnership with the Moody College of Communication.

The Managing Director provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership to the GSLI and reports to the Executive Director. In this role, the Managing Director oversees programming, operations, financial management, and leads the interdisciplinary undergraduate Minor in Global Sustainability Leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic direction of the GSLI in consultation with the Executive Director and pursue alignment with McCombs, Moody, and UT Austin priorities.
• Provide leadership to the GSLI’s associate directors, staff, and student associates.
• Develop and execute annual work plans with GSLI staff.
• Support and manage Associate Directors and their activities pursuant to the mission of GSLI.
• Provide strategic oversight of the GSLI’s communications and outreach strategy.
• Develop and manage the GSLI’s budget, financial planning, forecasting, and assessment of financial outcomes.
• Work with Accounting and Development to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and stewardship of funds.
• Develop, oversee, and strengthen experiential learning opportunities that connect students with real‑world sustainability challenges.
• Ensure programs maintain quality, consistency, and rigor over time, innovating to anticipate changes in the sustainability landscape.
• Curate and oversee the GSLI’s events and convenings, ensuring high‑quality programming.
• Maintain and cultivate external relationships to identify program clients, mentors, judges, and speakers.
• Provide advice and mentoring to students in all experiential programs.
• Lead the GSL Minor: identify appropriate courses, advise and mentor enrolled students, oversee student requests for exceptions, and lead the practicum course.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability education for executives and practitioners in partnership with Texas Executive Education.
• Lead fundraising and resource development in partnership with McCombs, Moody, and UT development teams.
• Recruit and steward the GSLI’s Advisory Board to provide insights, strategic introductions, advocacy, and funding.
• Serve as a visible thought leader in sustainable business, representing the GSLI in academic, industry, and public forums.
• Contribute to the field through public speaking, panel participation, and publications.
• Provide leadership within relevant academic or industry associations.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree and at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including 5 years in senior leadership roles in sustainability, business, public policy, or a related field.
• Previous success designing and implementing strategic initiatives and/or programs in complex industries or institutions.
• Extensive experience managing budgets, staff, and complex, multi‑stakeholder project management and initiatives.
• Proven fundraising, partnership development, or external engagement experience.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience prioritizing efforts within multiple ongoing projects and independent decision‑making and problem‑solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a proven record of effective communication to a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated success developing and delivering effective presentations and educational content to diverse audiences, speaking confidently to large audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related field.
• Previous experience with higher education or similar public sectors.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, nonprofit, corporate, or mission‑driven organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of significant fundraising and stewardship success (>$1M gifts).

Salary Range

• $125,000 – $135,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Works in standard office conditions, in a shared office environment.
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required during peak periods and special events.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of work visas.
• This is an Austin, TX‑based position and is eligible for occasional remote work.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing pay information. Employees who have access to compensation information cannot disclose it to individuals who do not have access unless circumstances permit under policy.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Hired candidates must complete the federal I‑9 form and present acceptable and original documents to prove identity and authorization to work in the United States by day three of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment.

E‑Verify

• E‑Verify Poster (English and Spanish) (PDF)
• Right to Work Poster (English) (PDF)
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) (PDF)

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan is the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Responsible for

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

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