Associate Dean of Environmental Programs, Director of the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment

Associate Dean of Environmental Programs, Director of the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment and 

Associate/Full Professor of Law 

Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment

Contract, tenured

Full-time, Exempt

Residential Faculty

Benefits-Eligible

Salary: $130,000-$160,000

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.

About the 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. Maverick Lloyd School is home to four research centers/institutes including the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, the Animal Law Protection Institute, the Institute for Energy and the Environment, and the U.S.-Asia Partnerships for Environmental Law.

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 role offers the opportunity to lead an 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. It is anticipated that this candidate will be hired with tenure subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

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.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:  

• 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.

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 contact references only 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]. Please do not email your application materials. The positions will remain open until filled.    

*Document upload note: if you are attempting to attach a document and receive an error that the file size is too large, the pdf must be compressed before uploading to your application. This can be done via a free web program, or a program such as Adobe Acrobat. If you are still receiving errors uploading your attachment, please email directly to HR Business Partner, Christine Moyer, [email protected]. 

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.