Job Description

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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.

Position Overview: The Center Director serves as the administrative head of the University of Florida/IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) located in Immokalee, FL. The Center Director provides strategic leadership and support for the integrated teaching, research, and Extension programs developed by faculty that address the essential needs of the stakeholders, including agricultural, natural resource conservation, and environmental. The Center Director is responsible for developing, promoting and overseeing proactive programs that address current and emerging issues affecting agricultural, natural resource, and urban communities.

SWFREC faculty-led programs address critical regional priorities, including pest and disease protection and production of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, water resource management, and the urban-agriculture interface. Through these efforts, the Center advances the sustainability and competitiveness of agricultural systems, supports natural resource conservation, and enhances the quality of life in southwest Florida.

Leadership Responsibilities: The Center Director provides strategic vision and leadership to advance interdisciplinary, high-impact programs conducted by SWFREC faculty, staff, and students. The Director is responsible for supporting and strengthening teaching, research, and Extension programs and for leading efforts to address clientele needs through visionary and proactive Extension programming and scientifically recognized research efforts.

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities: The Center Director is responsible for the effective and accountable management of SWFREC's financial, personnel and physical resources, including laboratories, field research infrastructure, and associated facilities. The Center Director establishes priorities and implements short- and long-term goals related to programs, personnel, and capital investments to ensure operational excellence and sustained growth of the Center.

The Center Director is accountable for developing, maintaining, and strengthening strategic partnerships with UF/IFAS administration, county Extension faculty, and local, state, and federal agencies, as well as agricultural, environmental, and industry stakeholders. These relationships are essential to advancing the Center's mission and ensuring program relevance and impact.

In collaboration with stakeholders and UF/IFAS leadership, the Center Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously advancing a strategic vision that enhances SWFREC's impact at the local, regional, and statewide levels.

Faculty, Staff, and Academic Leadership: The Center Director is responsible for fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment that supports excellence among faculty, staff, and students. The Director provides leadership in faculty development, including mentoring, performance evaluation, and oversight of programmatic activities. Responsibilities include coordinating promotion and tenure processes in consultation with appropriate academic department chairs.

The Center Director co-supervises State Specialized Agents (SSA) and Regional Specialized Agents (RSA) located at SWFREC in collaboration with the District Extension Director. The Center Director exercises effective communication and management practices, including delegation of responsibilities and timely decision-making, to ensure efficient and coordinated operations.

The Center Director reports administratively to the Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and programmatically to the Deans for Research, Extension, and Academic Programs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: The Center Director serves as a key representative of UF/IFAS and is accountable for building, sustaining, and strengthening productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The Director is responsible for fostering trust, maintaining goodwill, and ensuring active engagement with commodity organizations, regulatory and governmental agencies, agricultural and natural resource associations, and private-sector partners, including producers, industry representatives, and environmental organizations.

The Center Director is responsible for initiating, coordinating, and advancing collaborative efforts with UF/IFAS Department Chairs, Research and Education Center directors, District Extension Directors, county Extension faculty, and other UF units. These efforts support the integration of programs across research, teaching, and Extension and ensure the effective development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives that enhance the Center's regional and statewide impact.