Director, Livestock and Forage Center of Excellence

Department: Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence 
Location: Saskatoon
Status: Permanent  
Employment Group: Exempt 
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $113,500.00 - 190,000.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 1/18/2021
Closing Date: Until Filled.
Number of Openings: 1

The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) is a collaborative research facility of the University of Saskatchewan, developed in collaboration with producer groups, the provincial and federal governments, and academic researchers at three Colleges from the University of Saskatchewan - the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio), and the College of Engineering. The goal of this one-of-a-kind collaboration is to be an internationally-recognized facility for supporting research, teaching and industry engagement in all aspects of livestock and forage production. Drawing on the global One Health initiative, this facility will promote multidisciplinary research involving veterinarians, forage and crop scientists, and experts in animal physiology, reproduction, nutrition and genetics, economics, policy, environment and product quality. For the first time, every aspect of the livestock value chain will be linked, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a safe and secure supply of beef for the public, tied to sustainable and responsible environmental land management.  
The LFCE operates under the Office of the Vice-President Research, University of Saskatchewan, which has delegated oversight to the Deans of WCVM and AgBio. The LFCE consists of three complementary units: the Beef Cattle Research and Teaching Unit (BCRTU), the Forage and Cow-Calf Research and Teaching Unit (FCCRTU) and the Goodale Research and Teaching Livestock Unit. The total land base of the LFCE is currently about 8500 acres including owned and leased land. The LFCE is supported by an annual operating budget of $6.9 million and is equipped with infrastructure valued at over $50 million.

Primary Purpose and Nature of Work:The University of Saskatchewan is seeking a Director for the LFCE to provide administration of LFCE research, teaching and outreach programs and oversight of financial and physical resources and non-academic human resources.  As a key strategic leader, the Director will seek out opportunities, partnerships and funding sources that support the mission and vision of the LFCE. This will require effective facilitation and management of relationships with multiple stakeholders, including the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, producer groups, major funding agencies, public and private sector forage and research organizations, individual producers, regulatory agencies, and numerous university units and departments. The LFCE Director will work closely with college leadership, faculty users of the LFCE units, LFCE management team and staff to provide leadership in operational management, financial planning and management, strategic accountability, and communications of the LFCE. 
The LFCE Director will report to the Deans of WCVM and AgBio, and will play a central role in both strategic and operational oversight of the three units that constitute the LFCE. These units employ about 14 research support staff. 

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: 
Model a high standard of performance and outcomes, and support researchers to prioritize activities and enhance outcomes aligned with the vision and direction of the LFCE, the colleges and the university.

• Develop and implement the strategic plan for the LFCE.
• Oversee research, extension and engagement activities, and training/education programs of the LFCE; ensure synergistic best use of the facilities.  
• Develop operating budget proposals and work with the financial support team to prepare yearly financial reports.
• Advise on maintenance and enhancement of facilities.
• Support the success of the management team through mentoring, coaching and managing of performance; ensure positive, diverse and inclusive work environments.
• Support researchers in their development of research funding applications. 
• Coordinate the activities of LFCE users and ensure that they are working well with each other and with the management team; chair regular meetings of the LFCE users group.
• Monitor research and licensing agreements to ensure compliance.
• Maintain a working knowledge of research activities at the LFCE to ensure that necessary resources are in place and to communicate effectively about research activities to stakeholders, funding agencies and potential donors. 
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships and partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve ex officio on the Strategic Advisory Board (SAB); request and receive advice and feedback from SAB as needed.
• Advocate for investment in the LFCE; engage with donors as needed.
• Identify, oversee and support outreach and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with University Communications teams to coordinate major announcements, media inquiries, and marketing and communications activities.
• Draft annual reports in conjunction with the Deans of AgBio and WCVM with input from the management team. 
• Contribute to publications highlighting the research, teaching and engagement that happens at the LFCE.
• Serve as the public face of the LFCE to academic, government and industry stakeholders, and to other national and international agencies and visiting scientists. 

For more information on this position, visit the full posting here.