Director, Maricopa Agricultural Center (Maricopa, AZ)

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/.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.