Description

Function - The Director provides strategic, inclusive leadership for the Southern Illinois University System Office’s Institute for Rural Health. This position is responsible for designing and advancing health and social service initiatives that promote equity and community wellbeing in rural southern Illinois. Responsibilities include developing, planning, and writing grants and budgets; creating materials and projects; managing and coordinating assigned or developed initiatives; and conducting research and evaluation activities, including needs assessments, demonstrations, or feasibility studies. The ultimate goal is to secure external funding to strengthen rural health infrastructure and support community resilience. This position is also responsible for representing the SIU System in the southern Illinois region; engaging in authentic relationship-building with diverse stakeholders; and assisting with interdepartmental efforts to expand programmatic clinical efforts, and educational opportunities in the region. The Director will also be responsible for creating synergies between rural communities and the SIU System in alignment with the System’s Institute for Rural Health strategic roadmap currently under development. The Director is expected to maintain a visible and engaged Institute for Rural Health presence across all three SIU campuses.

Organizational Relationship - The Director of the Institute for Rural Health reports to the SIU System Vice President for Academic Innovation, Planning, and Partnerships, who reports to the SIU System President. The Director will also work closely with the Executive Associate Dean of the SIU School of Medicine. Organizational relationships will be maintained with other offices across the SIU System as needed.

The target salary offer for this position is $$7,956.00 - $11,666.00 monthly, and the full pay range for this position is $$95,472.00 - $139,992.00 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

The purpose of this position is to represent SIU System in the southern Illinois region; develop and sustain working relationships among regional stakeholders; and assist with interdepartmental efforts to expand programmatic and clinical efforts in the region. The incumbent’s communication with units inside and outside the University impacts the overall perception of the SIU System. This position is directly linked to the efficiency of the Institute for Rural Health and requires a professional, efficient image to maintain a good working relationship with all units involved.

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities.

Demonstrates, by actions, a deep and visible commitment to the mission and the behavioral standards of the SIU System. Provides excellent service to both internal and external communities through a lens of equity, trust-building, compassion, and respect. Provide administrative oversight for the direction, development, promotion, and management of the Institute for Rural Health. Provide fiscal oversight to grants, projects, and initiatives. Lead and supervise the Institute for Rural Health staff using inclusive and collaborative leadership practices. Develop and maintain funding and projects in partnership within the SIU System, partner universities, and health-focused coalitions. Work with existing and develop new coalitions, networks, consortia, and partnerships. Plan and oversee implementation of rural health research and evaluations. Interact with the Institute for Rural Health Advisory Board and other health-related committees. Publish and present at professional conferences to communicate the work of the Institute for Rural Health. Perform other duties as assigned. 50% Administration:   Complete reports; assist with fiscal oversight and dissemination of information for assigned projects or grants. Provide oversight to staff or students working on projects as directed by supervisor or dictated by projects developed. Complete planning documents and reports as required by funding sources or supervisor. 10% Research:    Complete needs assessments, research, and evaluation projects for funded projects. Prepare and submit manuscripts and presentations for professional dissemination. Ensure that research and evaluation efforts prioritize community-defined goals and center culturally relevant frameworks. 40% Service and Community Partnership: Coordinate and manage activities specific to current grants and new grants/projects developed. Plan, develop, and write grants and manage projects for the Institute for Rural Health. Plan, coordinate and manage any sub-grant activities with subcontractors as dictated by grant funded projects. Develop and sustain partnerships for grants and projects with community agencies, university faculty and staff, and other potential state, national or international partners. Develop meaningful, reciprocal relationships with Black, LatinX, Indigenous, immigrant, and other historically excluded communities. Provide training and technical assistance as needed in project/grant areas. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Authority and Responsibility: This position has authority to hire/fire staff members within the Institute for Rural Health and also recommend and set salary decisions within the scope of budget and through unit, college and University approval. This position may take disciplinary actions within the guidelines of the University for all Institute for Rural Health staff. This position has budgetary control and fiscal responsibility of Institute for Rural Health accounts. The position has the freedom to act independently in performing assigned duties.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in a health-related discipline and at least five years FTE professional experience in a health-related field with three years in research, program evaluation, and/or service in a health-related field and five years in project or fiscal oversight of grants, contracts, and/or cooperative agreements. A record of successful grant writing and/or fund development. Five years' experience in program management, program evaluation, needs assessments, community engagement and development, grant writing, program management, group leadership and facilitation, and supervision. A broad range of experience in collaboration, partnership and consortium building, and leveraging resources to advance health equity. Demonstrated experience working in or with rural communities. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain working relationships with diverse regional stakeholders, including public agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and higher education partners. Experience representing an organization in regional, inter-institutional, or cross-sector settings, especially in ways that shape public perception or strengthen institutional reputation. Track record of supporting or expanding clinical and programmatic initiatives, particularly in collaboration with multiple internal departments or external partners. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with internal and external audiences, fostering a professional and collaborative image. Experience working across organizational units to align priorities, build shared initiatives, and support integrated health or community services. R equired Documents : Submit a letter of application, CV, and three references.

Contact:  Cindy Scarsdale, .

SIU Carbondale is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status.