"CARRI Fellow - Agriculture"

SUMMARY

The Division of Academic Affairs at Stephen F. Austin State University, a member of The University of Texas System, is seeking an Agriculture Fellow who leverages the resources of the Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI) and the university’s entrepreneurship initiatives to strengthen the connection between academia and the agriculture industry. This position is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation within the agriculture department by building strong partnerships between faculty and industry. The successful candidate will support initiatives, provide resources for the department, and support faculty and students in navigating innovative ideas and goals.

The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison between the university and agricultural sectors –including livestock, horticulture, and poultry – ensuring programs align with both the academic discipline and industry needs. With a deep understanding of U.S. agriculture, particularly within the East Texas region, the fellow will identify strategic opportunities to attract resources and expand the entrepreneurial impact.

This position will report to the Associate Vice President of Entrepreneurship and the Chair of the Department of Agriculture.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in agriculture.
• Extensive knowledge in the field of agriculture, livestock, horticulture, and poultry industry.
• Ability to develop and grow potential relationships with agriculture industry corporations, entities and individuals.
• Physical condition adequate to permit full performance of duties, including work at the Walter Todd Research Center and exposure to extreme heat and freezing cold.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of U.S. agriculture, and more specifically that of the East Texas region, and a demonstrated record of instruction, scholarship, and service in the field of agriculture, particularly at the university level.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional position responsible for contributing significantly to the accomplishment of the goals of the univerity's academic mission through development, relationship building, and service. Works under general supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Associate Vice President of Entrepreneurship.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the designated discipline is required. Faculty rank and tenure may be available (pending UT Board of Regents approval) for candidates who successfully demonstrate a sustained record of effective teaching, research/scholarly/creative accomplishments and service to the academic and general communities.

Demonstrated experience developing collaborative relationships and working collegially with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents is required. Demonstrated record of instruction, scholarship, and service in the designated field, particularly at the university level, is preferred. Exemplary communication skills for various audiences is preferred. Commitment to working collaboratively with faculty peers, students, and industry personnel is preferred. Ability to build and maintain relationships between the university, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Establishes connections with industry groups and corporations in order to facilitate partnerships and innovations that achieve departmental goals.
2. Collaborates with assigned department to design, facilitate, and support innovative programs and initiatives for faculty and students.
3. Develops and implements fundraising plans and campaigns to meet financial goals.
4. Builds and maintains relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations, creating a supportive network that fosters collaboration between industry and faculty.
5. Provides services to the university and the profession.
6. Prepares and submits grant proposals and manages reporting requirements to grant-making organizations.
7. Organizes and manages fundraising events from conception to execution to engage donors and raise awareness.
8. Works with University Marketing Communications and other campus departments to align messaging and support fundraising efforts.
9. Identifies future students and internship/employment opportunities in order for faculty and recruiters to conduct post-event outreach.
10. Stays informed of developments and emerging trends related to the designated field.
11. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as teaching scheduled courses, independent studies, and/or internship supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
2. May teach in the area(s) of expertise related to the discipline of the terminal degree.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Extensive knowledge in the designated field(s) and industry/ies.
3. Extensive knowledge and deep understanding of the departmental goals and programs to effectively inspire donors.
4. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
5. Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
6. Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, events, and deadlines.
7. Ability to develop and execute creative and effective strategies for fundraising and donor engagement.
8. Ability to work within a fast-paced environment.
9. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
10. Ability to develop and grow potential relationships with corporations, entities, and individuals in the designated industry.
11. Ability to effectively market the programs and services of the department.
12. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
13. Ability and desire to promote a favorable image of the center, the college and the university.
14. Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license.
15. Physical condition adequate to permit full performance of duties.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation and CV are required with the application.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.