"Director of the Agricultural Technology (AT) Program"

Director of the Agricultural Technology (AT) Program

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech invites applications for the position of Director of the Agricultural Technology (AT) Program, a two-year associate degree program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in agriculture and the green industries. The program currently offers two academic tracks: Applied Agricultural Management and Landscape and Turf Management. Known for its strong industry ties and hands-on learning environment, the AT program provides students with the tools to become workforce-ready in just two years.

The Director will hold a faculty appointment within CALS and serve as the academic and administrative leader of the program. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, the Director will guide the program's vision, foster academic innovation, and cultivate relationships with industry, alumni, and internal stakeholders. The Director will lead a team of six instructors, teach within the program, and collaborate with CALS departments to ensure the AT program reflects the evolving needs of agriculture and life sciences.

This is a 9-month faculty leadership appointment with anticipated summer responsibilities compensated through an additional assignment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Associate Dean, department heads, and other academic leaders across CALS.

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching Excellence and Instructor Support: Promote teaching innovation and pedagogical enhancement by partnering with departments, university teaching centers, and other stakeholders. Provide AT instructors with resources, training, and coaching to support continuous professional growth.
• Community and Student Engagement: Collaborate with CALS Academic Programs faculty to support student-facing programming.
• Strategic Planning and Vision: Develop and implement the program's strategic plan, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of the agricultural industry.
• Curriculum Development: Oversee the creation and revision of academic programs, ensuring they are relevant and prepare students for successful careers.
• Advocacy and Industry Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with agricultural businesses, organizations, and professionals to create opportunities for students. Represent the program's interests to stakeholders.
• Program Management: Provide leadership and oversight for academic courses, student organizations, and outreach activities.
• Management and Administration: Supervise and coach AT instructors. Manage educational programs, oversee agricultural operations, design strategies for diverse agricultural needs, and manage financial resources.

Required Qualifications

• MS degree in a field related to the life sciences, agriculture, or a relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated success in teaching and curriculum development in higher education.
• Experience with faculty development, academic programming, or pedagogical innovation.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across academic departments and administrative units.
• Capacity to advocate for program vision and goals to internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a field related to the life sciences, agriculture, or relevant discipline.
• Experience supervising personnel, managing budgets, and leading academic teams.
• A track record of engaging external partners and building stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of associate-degree or workforce-oriented programs in agricultural or technical fields.

Overtime Status: Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type: Regular

Salary Information: Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week: 40; M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Review Date: 09/03/2025

Additional Information: The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.