JOB SUMMARY
The Director of the LiFT Institute at SEU is a visionary and experienced leader which will resource community nonprofits and organizations to provide job and career training, financial literacy learning and mentorship, non-profit excellence certification, and other services to provide holistic problem-solving options for community growth and stability. The Director will be responsible for providing strategic direction, fostering organizational growth, and ensuring the effective execution of our mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the community and drive positive change.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Executive Director, SEU Winter Haven - Sara Beth Wyatt
Supervisory Responsibility: Program Manager for the LiFT Institute at SEU
Indirect Supervisory Responsibility: N/A
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
May include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the LiFT Institute in alignment with Southeastern University's mission, institutional priorities, and the Institute's established mission, vision, and strategic plan.
- Lead the ongoing implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the Institute's strategic initiatives, goals, and measurable outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and expanded community impact through strategic partnerships, programs, and initiatives.
- Collaborate with SEU Winter Haven leadership to ensure alignment between the LiFT Institute and broader university objectives.
Organizational & Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operations of the LiFT Institute, ensuring effective administration, operational efficiency, and organizational excellence.
- Lead, supervise, and develop Institute staff, contractors, and program leaders while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
- Establish and maintain operational systems, policies, and procedures that support organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, grant requirements, and applicable regulations.
Financial Stewardship & Partnership Support
- Assist the Executive Director of SEU Winter Haven in supporting the financial sustainability and strategic growth of the LiFT Institute.
- Support donor, sponsor, grant, and partner engagement efforts through relationship management, program support, storytelling, and community impact reporting.
- Collaborate with university leadership and advancement teams in the development of proposals, sponsorship opportunities, presentations, and partnership initiatives.
- Provide operational input and programmatic insight to support budget planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of Institute resources and alignment of expenditures with organizational priorities and university policies.
Community Engagement & Partnership Development
- Serve as the primary relationship-builder and ambassador for the LiFT Institute within the community and across strategic sectors.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, government entities, churches, and community leaders.
- Represent the LiFT Institute and Southeastern University at community events, conferences, professional associations, and public engagements.
- Promote collaborative initiatives that advance workforce development, financial literacy, nonprofit sustainability, and community impact.
Program Leadership & Evaluation
- Provide executive oversight for Institute programs, events, trainings, and community initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
- Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services.
- Utilize data, outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.
- Ensure programs maintain high standards of quality, impact, and participant engagement.
Communications & Advocacy
- Serve as a visible and effective spokesperson for the LiFT Institute, communicating its mission, vision, impact, and strategic priorities to diverse audiences.
- Support marketing, communications, and storytelling efforts that enhance organizational visibility, engagement, and support.
- Advocate for initiatives and partnerships that further the mission and priorities of the LiFT Institute and Southeastern University.
University Collaboration & Reporting
- Collaborate with SEU Winter Haven leadership and university partners to advance organizational priorities and ensure strong strategic alignment.
- Provide regular updates, reports, and recommendations regarding organizational performance, partnerships, program outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
- Work collaboratively across university departments, campuses, and community partners to strengthen institutional relationships and maximize community impact.
- Support university initiatives and represent the LiFT Institute in a manner that reflects the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Southeastern University.
ADDITIONAL/NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES
All remaining duties are considered "nonessential" within the context of the ADA, which means that the function could be reassigned to another employee in order to allow a disabled individual to hold the position. Alternatively, the manager could try to provide a reasonable accommodation so that the disabled individual could perform the function.
LOCATION
Southeastern University's Winter Haven Campus in Winter Haven, Florida
Hybrid (some remote, some Winter Haven campus, and/or some other physical location)