For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit additional materials by March 31, 2022.  The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.This position was previously posted in Interfolio (requisition # 72254). Previous applicants are not required to re-apply.

Location: North Florida Research and Education Center/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/University of Florida - With campuses at Quincy (headquarters), Marianna, and Live Oak, Florida

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

The Center Director is the administrative head of the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) and provides leadership and support for research, extension and teaching programs essential to the agricultural, natural resource conservation, environmental and consumer interests of the area encompassing the eastern Florida Panhandle through the Suwanee Valley and much of NE Florida. A key component of success in the Director position is stakeholder engagement across these areas that will unify efforts toward common interests and identify stakeholder needs.  The Director is responsible for encouraging development of proactive programs addressing present and future needs of surrounding agricultural, natural resource and urban communities. The primary responsibility will be administrative but there may be opportunities for research, extension, or teaching. NFREC programs seek to improve the viability of regional agricultural economics, protect and enhance natural resources, support sound urban landscape practices and encourage positive interests at the urban-agricultural interface.

The Center Director is responsible for effective management of NFREC resources - most importantly budgetary and personnel management - and for development of short- and long-term goals involving programs, equipment, physical plant and personnel. The Center Director is to actively seek private funding and endowments to enhance the sustainability of the NFREC. Encouraging and supporting faculty to seek extramural grant opportunities is a key job requirement. The Center Director will liaison with local, state, and federal agencies and will interact with UF/IFAS administration, county extension faculty, other UF faculty and staff, and agricultural and environmental leaders in accordance with the Center’s mission and goals. The Center Director is expected to use appropriate communication and management skills to promote teamwork among faculty and staff, delegate responsibility when appropriate, and make timely decisions.  The Director is responsible for evaluation of NFREC faculty programs and initiation of tenure and promotion actions in consultation with department chairs and also must actively engage in filling positions after retirement on established programs. The Center Director is expected to work strongly towards establishing new faculty positions and programs with a clear vision for future agriculture and natural resource development goals for the region and the state. The Center Director will form stakeholder advisory committees, composed of clientele, to assist with program related recommendations and decisions and to generate support for needed facilities and equipment. The Center Director should initiate and encourage cooperative research projects with national and international institutions. The Center Director reports directly to the Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and is responsible programmatically to the Deans for Academic Programs, Research and Extension.

The Center Director must take an active role to develop and maintain goodwill for the Center among various support and clientele groups, local agencies, and consumers.  Strong ties must be developed and maintained with commodity organizations, regulatory agencies, environmental groups and local and statewide governmental agencies. The Director will cooperate with UF/IFAS Department Chairs, other UF/IFAS Research and Education Center directors, district extension directors, county extension faculty and other UF units in program development. 

An earned doctorate in a field related to agriculture or natural resources with experience in conducting a major research, extension and/or teaching program with academic credentials equivalent to the full professor rank are required.  The candidate should have demonstrated strong professional leadership, communication, interpersonal and administrative skills.  Candidates should also have experience in obtaining legislative and financial support from commodity and industry groups and must show strong commitment to extension, research and teaching. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability. 

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/519544 and submit:

• A formal letter of application that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s leadership skills and vision, administrative philosophy, and ideas on the role of an off-campus UF/IFAS Research and Education Center with diverse programs across three campuses.
• A current curriculum vitae which includes a biographical sketch, leadership roles, service, consultant roles, and a complete list of publications.
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation