Associate Director, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station

Summary

The Florida Agricultural Experiment Station (FAES) Associate Director interacts with IFAS off- and on-campus’ agricultural research, education, Extension, units, centers, and sites in ways that increase impact and visibility of research programs across the state and nation. This position reports directly to the IFAS Dean for Research, Director of FAES.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Works with the FAES Director to provide administrative oversight for the IFAS research enterprise. Facilitates programmatic impact for FAES statewide agricultural land resources, research activities, and investment.
• Serves as first responder to assess and mitigate natural disasters and/or damage sustained at IFAS facilities statewide.
• Provides strategic guidance on major facility upgrades which may include participating in internally and/or externally funded major infrastructure proposal submissions and/or supervising personnel in areas such as joint growth chamber facilities.
• Creates linkages with off- and on-campus Research and Education Centers (RECs) and other research and demonstration sites (Sites). Liaises with REC and Site Directors to advance research that will benefit producers and others with agricultural production and natural resources interests. Prioritizes needs and advises the FAES Director on research activity and environmental stewardship opportunities for FAES interaction and investment.
• Provides input and expertise for evaluating research centers, farms, and ranches at other land grant institutions. Leads major strategic initiatives to benefit the experiment station. These may include strategic planning for individual RECs as well as external reviews of the entire REC system.
• Develops relationships and liaises with statewide commodity organizations, appropriate federal & state agencies and their leadership to promote synergies with the FAES and IFAS.
• Represents IFAS Research Dean and/or Associate Deans on candidate search and screen committees, at grower meetings, field days and events, and other functions.
• Assist with state and federal government relations as it pertains to FAES and its agricultural efforts, projects, and initiatives. Provides leadership and communication with legislative staff and stakeholders on initiatives including the industrial hemp and other programs that require regulatory oversight.
• Manages special agricultural programs and collaborations with the Extension and Teaching missions of IFAS at REC and Site locations.
• Identifies regional and statewide trends, issues, and opportunities in agricultural production that warrant funding commitments from stakeholders and pursue opportunities in partnership with the IFAS Development Office of the University of Florida Foundation.
• Provides expertise and leadership for centralized efforts to ensure effective cost recovery for field and grove research across IFAS (i.e.-UFarm). Interacts with unit leaders, faculty users, and others to communicate various aspects and facilitate use of this online platform which is necessary to maintain compliance with Federal grant terms and conditions.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and seven years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and nine years of relevant experience.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position does have supervisory responsibility.

Competencies

• Accountability*
• Advocacy*
• Coaching/Mentoring*
• Collaboration*
• Communication*
• Emotional Intelligence*
• Execution*
• Facilitative Decision Making*
• Fair and Legal Management*
• Financial Management*
• Humility*
• Integrity*
• Judgment*
• Political Savvy*
• Resolve*
• Role Model*
• Strategic Thinking*
• Talent Selection*
• Transparency*

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.