Director of Research Operations and Planning I
To apply, visit https://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/staff (search position using the Job Opening ID)

Job Opening ID 35925

The Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station seeks qualified candidates for the position of Director at the T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research Center (FDRC). This position will be the administrative head of the FDRC.

The FDRC is part of the Missouri AES and contributes to the University of Missouri’s (MU) comprehensive land-grant responsibility. Its goal is to conduct high quality research that will respond to the needs of Missouri citizens, maintain and enhance our natural resource base, support a vital food and fiber system, and help keep Missouri producers competitive and profitable. FDRC faculty and staff work with campus faculty involved in teaching, research and extension along with state and federal agencies and Missouri agribusinesses to undergird education and a reliable, safe, sustainable supply of food and other agricultural products. In addition, FDRC faculty commonly collaborate with other state university faculty and staff and with others in industry on joint research projects that impact local, state, regional, national and international clientele. The FDRC facilities include 1,119 acres at five locations representing the major soil types of the region. The FDRC headquarters consists of 23 offices, seven modern laboratories, eight greenhouses, Foundation Seed cleaning and storage facilities, a cotton gin, auditoriums, an exhibit hall, a library and an outstanding professional and support staff.
This position will oversee and guide the day-to-day operations that will include but not be limited to the following:

• Supervise staff; interview, select, and evaluate performance of support staff; Ensure that FDRC faculty and campus-based faculty and staff research needs are met for successful research programs
• Create and implement a strategic plan to unite the FDRC with a shared vision. Establish a common set of values that reflect the FDRC community, while identifying goals that will unite the faculty and staff. The plan must contribute towards the developing MU and CAFNR strategic plans; Work with the CAFNR advancement office to create a strategy for targeted gifts and donations.
• Coordinate and conduct field day programs, workshops, training sessions, tours, and other events in support of agricultural producers and educational programs about food and agriculture for the local community; Develop community relationships and partnerships by actively pursue events to encourage community interactions and involvement to enhance FDRC visibility and presence at functions throughout the Missouri bootheel; Work with CAFNR Communications to successfully disseminate information from FDRC through various formats including social media.
• Manage operating budgets; Plan and prioritize activities to generate revenue and remain fiscally responsible; Identify and support capital needs.
• Work closely with state and regional commodity groups and other state agricultural agencies to bring financial and other resource support to FDRC faculty and facilities.
• Focus on crop protection needs (e.g., managing pests) of major crops in southeast Missouri (corn, soybean, cotton, and rice) and develop an extramurally funded research program; Disseminate the research-based information to producers and industry via extension presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
  The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with agriculture industry knowledge and research experience. This person will be responsible for building and growing a cohesive team who will be responsible for the success of the Fisher Delta Research Center.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in agronomy/entomology/pathology/crop protection or related field would be preferred. Supervisory and OSHA safety experience preferred.

Closing Date
Review of applications will begin as they are received and continue to be accepted until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure
Please submit a resume including a letter of application explaining suitability with qualifications sought, and contact information for at least 3 references.

Applications should be submitted at the following website: https://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/staff Job ID 35925

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that is fully committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.