The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the Associate Dean, Teaching and Research Operations and Infrastructure, as part of the Dean’s leadership team to help lead and manage the college.

This 12-month, full-time position is a key member of the administrative leadership team of the College and reports directly to the Dean.  

Examples of duties include:

• Strategic planning and oversight of the college’s infrastructure and 18 production operations, which generate more than $5M in annual revenue, and off-campus ranches, such as the Swanton Pacific Ranch and the Bartleson Ranch. These operations collectively provide the teaching and research laboratories to support Learn By Doing for CAFES students
• Collaboration with department heads to ensure short- and long-term viability and relevance of CAFES production operations to support teaching and research, commercial activities and to meet the needs of supporting industries who hire CAFES graduates  
• Partner with department heads to manage production operations including strategic direction, business capital, short- and long-range planning, day-to-day operations, and personnel, to meet CAFES teaching and research needs Support the department heads to lead and manage their  teams of high-functioning direct reports from various areas and specialties that are relevant to the College
• Collaborate with department heads and production managers to manage Ag Student Housing operations and enhance facilities as needed to ensure housing is safe and current with building code requirements
• Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations (ie – Cal OSHA, Alcohol Beverage Control, USDA, FDA) pertaining to all production operations
• Work with department heads and unit managers to develop and drive unified marketing efforts both on and off campus for the production units
• Oversee and manage the CAFES Agriculture Operations department
• Oversee CAFES space and safety management
• Provide leadership for CAFES IT oversight
• Perform analysis and interpretation of institutional data and support dean with CAFES budget
• Manage and address faculty and personnel issues in collaboration with other Associate Deans in college
• Other administrative duties as assigned as it relates to Associate Dean duties within the college

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. 

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  

Required Qualifications

• PhD or terminal degree in a field relevant to the College
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex budget systems
• At least three years of relevant administrative experience
• Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others on and off campus.
• Exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills
• Excellent leadership and management skills
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary college and university leadership and outside industry leaders and partners
• A leadership style characterized by integrity, openness, flexibility, inclusiveness, transparency, and kindness
• Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, tact, and a willingness to take initiative
• Exhibit high standards of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and professionalism in dealing with sensitive matters
• Demonstrated use of tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, collaborative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Thorough knowledge of effective personnel management practices and supervisory skills including a demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Working knowledge of effective management principles including proven supervisory skills with the ability to plan, implement, manage, and evaluate multiple projects to meet deadlines with a finished, efficient, and effective product
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and online calendaring, email, and cloud-based shared drives
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies, and procedures