What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Learning Landscapes position at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute?
JOB POSTING
How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter, resume and/or curriculum vitae, and three references to browse@cedarcreekinstitute.org.
Director of Learning Landscapes
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute – Hastings, Michigan
Advance a mission rooted in land, learning, and community.
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is seeking a thoughtful, strategic, and mission-driven Director of Learning Landscapes to help guide the next chapter of our work in environmental education, ecological research, and land stewardship. Located on over 850 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies, and working landscapes, the Institute offers a rich setting for place-based learning and collaborative inquiry. As we approach our 25th Anniversary, we’re looking for a leader who can integrate PreK–12 programs, community engagement, land stewardship, and our Biological Field Station into a unified vision of impact. This role offers the opportunity to mentor the next generation of scientists and educators, strengthen institutional partnerships, and help shape the future of environmental learning in Michigan and beyond.
Director of Learning Landscapes will lead our environmental education, field research, land stewardship, and community engagement programs. This senior leadership role will guide a dynamic team overseeing PreK–12 education, community and volunteer programming, and ecological restoration efforts, while directly managing our Biological Field Station. The ideal candidate will be an integrator - someone who thrives at the intersection of applied ecological science, education, and community, and who can lead with both strategic vision and hands-on expertise. They bring deep expertise in field research, land stewardship, and experiential learning, paired with a collaborative spirit and a passion for mentoring and place-based impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership across PreK–12 education, community programming, and land stewardship.
- Direct and manage the Biological Field Station, including research design, field data collection, and faculty/student engagement.
- Expand course offerings, research programs, and field station visibility regionally.
- Use spatial tools and ecological data (ArcGIS, experimental design, databases) to guide program strategy.
- Supervise program managers and steward cross-departmental collaboration.
- Build academic, civic, and conservation partnerships.
- Contribute to grant writing, MOUs, and marketing for research and education.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in applied ecology, environmental education, or related field.
- 5–7 years of experience in environmental education, academic field station leadership, or nonprofit program direction.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS, field research technologies, and data management.
- Experience teaching field courses and mentoring undergraduate/graduate students.
- Demonstrated success in interdisciplinary program leadership and team supervision.
What We Offer
- A pivotal leadership role at a mission-driven organization entering its 25th anniversary year with an opportunity to shape the Institute’s next decade of impact.
- A collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, stewardship, and community connection.
- Competitive salary with benefits aligned to nonprofit budget standards.
- Work location: A beautiful workplace setting surrounded by forests, trails, wetlands, and wildlife onsite in Hastings, Michigan.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $65,000 - $72,000