"Director, Maricopa Agricultural Center (Maricopa, AZ)"

Director, Maricopa Agricultural Center (Maricopa, AZ)

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Extension and Outreach

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req24329

Department: Maricopa Agricultural Center

Location: Maricopa

Address: 37860 W. Smith Enke Rd., Maricopa , AZ 85138 USA

Position Highlights

The Arizona Experiment Station in the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension is looking for an experienced Director for the Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC).

The Director will lead and administer the 2,100-acre Center, which includes fields, labs, shops, equipment, and personnel, to support research, instructions, and Extension activities performed by University, public and private partners.

This position is responsible for managing the $2.5M annual operating budget, as well as execution and delivery of contractual services and agreements generating ~$1.3M revenue annually. The incumbent will administer and manage the agricultural research center by overseeing and engaging with all aspects related to the development, operation, infrastructure, policy, and funding. This is an important research center dedicated to essential research programs in support of the well-being of the community and beyond.

The Director is responsible for strategic planning to ensure the relevance of on-going and future research activities, which involve recruiting and supporting research faculty, working in conjunction with academic unit heads, overseeing support staff, engaging with industry representatives and stakeholders, transitioning to self-sustainability, and representing a University institution.

The Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) strives to be at the forefront of disciplinary field investigations, as well as develop, deliver and service the best integrated agricultural technologies. Home to the USDA ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, MAC's main focus is on cotton, small grains, alfalfa, and new specialty crops that could be used to provide fibers, oils, pharmaceuticals, and other biological products. Beyond research and development, MAC provides a community hub for Cooperative Extension and 4-H agricultural literacy programs including a hands on Agventure demonstration area available for school and group tours. The facility also provides a plant diagnostic lab, cactus garden, demo garden and orchard provided by the Master Gardener program.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit https://talent.arizona.edu/.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer the Research Facility by overseeing and making daily and long-term business decisions and with reviewing and developing management strategies for the center, which includes academic, research, and operational areas. Oversee internal and external aspects for the off campus center, working with both internal and external partners.
• Plan and execute daily research operations, including managing and monitoring service agreements for projects, and work with compliance and basic maintenance requirements for labs.
• Enforce University standards and policies and establish operational guidelines for the Center for planning and executing daily operations. Resolve issues during challenging situations.
• Engage and communicate with research faculty, industry representatives, stakeholders, community leaders, and support staff personnel in designing, planning, and executing a variety of research programs, strategic initiatives, activities, and meetings.
• Fund and support the Center's research facilities and programs by engaging in revenue generating ventures which includes setting up service agreements for cost recovery. Collaborate on grant opportunities by giving input, drafting letters of support, and assisting with drafting language. Utilize resources to improve revenue opportunities.
• Develop and implement an operational budget by strategically evaluating, reviewing, analyzing data, and planning future goals.
• Participate with community economic development projects, both with University campus administrators, local community leaders, and the research center's personnel.
• Work with faculty on research by overseeing their projects to move them forward, and act as the first point of contact. Lead support staff personnel assigned to research projects.
• Coordinate resources and facility infrastructure and identify needs by bringing researchers and stakeholders together to collaborate on research projects.
• Evaluate performances, solicit and recruit personnel, and build team strengths and personnel awareness.
• Coordinate and collaborate with research faculty, staff personnel support, and external industry research clients to identify areas that have overlapping research and projects to better utilize resources. Foster a strong and collaborative working environment at the facility through peer engagement, strong communication, and development of a vibrant work place culture.
• Develop business relationships with external and internal entities in support of the Center's research programs and funding opportunities.
• Market the Center's resources and develop funding opportunities through entrepreneurial efforts.
• Collaborate with other departments for better resource utilization and enriching capacities and capabilities by expanding knowledge, infrastructure, resources, and opportunities.
• Support and interact with University educational and research departments and programs through collaborations with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for research and projects.
• Engage with educational, extension, and public outreach programs.
• Develop venues and infrastructure facilities/equipment for supporting educational programs and housing outreach events/activities on site for internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Evidence of ability to supervise and evaluate employees.
• Demonstrated skills in addressing and resolving complex problems, sometimes without clear precedent.
• Demonstrated ability to develop coalitions, collaborate, and create a shared vision.
• Evidence of skill and proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and digital communication tools such as Teams and Zoom.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and capacity to engage with the types of local economic, social, and governance challenges and opportunities in Maricopa County's context.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Seven years of related work experience, including three years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a related field of study.
• Evidence of successful grant and contract acquisition and management for interdisciplinary approaches.
• Experience managing budgets, public funding streams, grants, contracts, and with public and private fund development.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $117,883 - $153,248

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 13

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level M3

Job Family Research Program Admin

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Brett Blum
bcb@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.