Director, LiFT Institute

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)  

EDUCATION 

Required Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Education or other relevant field

Preferred Education: 

Masters Degree in MBA, non-profit management, or other relevant field

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS 

N/A 

EXPERIENCE 

Required: 

Minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development or financial  stewardship related roles.

Preferred: 

Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development or financial stewardship related roles.   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

Required: 

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including supervisory experience. Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred: 

• Proven experience in non-profit leadership, preferably as an Executive Director or Director in a similar role.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Track record of strong outcomes measurement and program/process implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a diverse team.
• Commitment to the mission and values of SEU and its bylaws.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. 

● This position is considered {{Emergency Response Reporting}} for the purposes of Emergency Response.  Non-Essential Personnel

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or participating in meetings. Frequent standing and walking.  Ability to hear and speak clearly to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and partners. Occasional lifting and setup for events.

Travel: 

Up to 10%, as needed for community meetings, conferences, etc.

Schedule: 

Monday - Friday weekdays; 40 hours expected weekly.  Occasional night or weekend for events.

TRAINING 

All new hires and employees transferring into a new position will have a 90-day probationary period within which to learn the functions of the job and to be evaluated. Following the probationary period, the employee can transition to regular status, have the probationary period extended in order to receive more training, or employment can be terminated. Required compliance training is as follows: 

Training includes campus-related software programs and procedures, such as Jenzabar and 25Live calendar management, financial processes, and health and safety protocols.  

SAFETY 

● SEU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. 

● Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. 

● Work-related injuries must be immediately reported to Security and Human Resources. When life or limb are at risk, please dial 911. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources within 24 hours of the incident. 

● Emergency Employees report for or must remain at work in emergency situations. Dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to this position, unless instructed otherwise by your direct supervisor or a member of the Leadership Team. 

SCREENING 

All full-time positions at SEU are deemed security-sensitive and require background checks. Employees required to drive their own personal vehicle, a rental car or an SEU vehicle in performance of their duties must pass an MVR records check and meet the requirements of the University’s insurance carrier in order to meet the requirements of the position. 

DISCLAIMER 

SEU is an at-will employer. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. 

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. 

SEU is committed to providing a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. All forms of discrimination against or harassment of a person because of his or her identification within a protected category are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition applies equally to conduct by and against employees, vendors, visitors, and students. 

Southeastern University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. The equal opportunity policy will apply in University programs and activities, and all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. All employees of Southeastern University, by continued employment, agree to abide by the policies contained in the Employee Handbook and in the SEU Mission, Vision, Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.