Overview
The Assistant Director of Outreach and Education (Program Coordinator III) will support IORT’s externally funded projects, help build and sustain strategic partnerships, lead educational programming efforts, and enhance the Institute’s digital presence. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead one of the nation’s most impactful applied research and outreach programs dedicated to outdoor recreation and tourism development.
This position is telework eligible within the state of Utah.
Responsibilities
The Assistant Director will play an integral role in shaping partnerships and educational initiatives that inform the planning and management of outdoor recreation resources. Primary duties include:
- Outreach and Education (30%) – Lead and support ongoing externally funded projects focused on creating educational materials related to outdoor recreation and tourism development and other environmental issues.
- Event Planning and Coordination (30%) – Organize the annual Basecamp Conference and Workshop, a regional gathering that fosters dialogue and collaboration in outdoor recreation and gateway community planning.
- Development Support (20%) – Contribute to fundraising and philanthropic giving campaigns to advance IORT’s mission and initiatives.
- Partnership Building (10%) – Establish and maintain relationships with landowners, local governments, agencies, and nonprofits across the region.
- Digital Communications (10%) – Support maintenance and content development for the Institute’s website and YouTube channel.
This position is fully funded for two years, with the expectation and intent to secure additional funding to support the role beyond the initial term. Continued employment is contingent upon future funding availability.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in a field related to IORT’s mission (e.g., outdoor recreation, planning, environmental studies, or related disciplines) by the date of hire.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to impactful outreach programming tailored to a variety of audiences.
- A strong interest in working with local, state, and federal partners on outdoor recreation and public land issues.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading or contributing to interdisciplinary research projects.
- A record of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.
- Familiarity with grant writing, stakeholder engagement, or strategic planning in outdoor recreation or conservation settings.
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department Highlights
The Department of Environment and Society in the newly merged S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, uses the social, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences to understand human-environment interactions at a range of spatial scales and to bring human considerations into natural resource and environmental management. Faculty promote people-centered solutions for sustainability transitions and climate change adaptations and deliver graduate and undergraduate education in environmental studies and social sciences, recreation resource management, and geography.
The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University is a regional leader in applied research, public engagement, and workforce training for sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism. Founded alongside the nation’s first academic program in Recreation Resource Management, the Institute has been a critical resource for Utah’s land managers, policymakers, and communities for over 25 years.
Formally established by the Utah Legislature in 1998, IORT advances research, provides technical assistance, and supports evidence-based decision-making on recreation and tourism throughout the Intermountain West. Its mission includes:- Investigating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of outdoor recreation and tourism- Supporting public land managers in balancing access, conservation, and community well-being- Providing data and guidance to decision-makers at all levels
Today, the Institute plays a central role in establishing Utah as a national and global leader in sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism by providing data-driven support for community development, land management, and economic growth.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected].
*updated 09/2025
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
[email protected]
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
[email protected]
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| [email protected]
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | [email protected]
*updated 10/2025
Education