Chairperson-Management

Position Summary

The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University invites applications for Department Chairperson. The department seeks a dynamic and creative leader who will strategically focus the intellectual resources of our faculty, students, and staff. The Department’s size, multidisciplinary focus, and commitment to the land‑grant philosophy represent a substantial opportunity for a leader with the vision and desire to broaden our impacts across the Great Lakes region, the nation, and the globe.

A major attraction is the number, size and scope of our specialty crop industries and the extensive partnerships we have with industry that translate to unique opportunities for faculty. The position is a full‑time, 12‑month tenure‑system appointment.

• Provide leadership for advancing and articulating the mission, vision, and values of the Department within the broader mission of CANR and MSU.
• Foster a culture of transparency and equity that supports the success of a large, diverse, and inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students.
• Promote a collaborative attitude that fosters collegiality, civility, and respect among peers, staff and students in classrooms and the work environment.
• Work cooperatively within the departmental governance structure, such as the faculty‑elected advisory committee.
• Recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff, assign responsibilities, evaluate performance, and promote faculty, student and staff development with transparency and empathy.
• Supervise staff positions that require annual reviews, goal setting, leadership, and consistent oversight.
• Manage and administer the Department budget, allocate resources equitably, and provide leadership in the procurement of financial and structural resources necessary to enable the Department’s success.
• Serve as liaison and advocate for the Department within the larger governance structure of the College and University, and with other Departments and Colleges.
• Promote the Department’s teaching, research, Extension, and outreach programs to state, regional, national and international audiences.
• Maintain and enhance existing relationships with stakeholders, commodity groups, and donors.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Doctorate in plant science or closely related field.

Other – Horticulture.

• Earned a doctorate in horticulture, plant science, or closely related discipline and meet the requirements for tenure at the rank of full professor in the Department of Horticulture at MSU.
• Experience in administration of personnel, budgets, and programs.
• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a diverse community.
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrators, faculty, staff, students, stakeholders, donors, and other groups.
• Demonstrate a commitment to fostering a positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging in the Horticulture community, including in a range of academic and professional activities.

• Outstanding record of achievement, including a demonstrated record of teaching, research and/or Extension scholarship, service, leadership, team building and collaboration, and developing and fostering partnerships.
• Experience administering a large, multidisciplinary team with a variety of appointments and assignments.
• Experience overseeing academic department budgets, an ability to garner additional funds and resources for programs and experience with advancement and development.
• Experience building capacities with horticultural industries through integrated programs in research, education, and outreach and engagement, consistent with the land‑grant mission.
• Experience securing financial support from external donors (e.g., gifts, endowments, capitol campaign development).

(1) A letter of interest that includes a vision statement and administrative philosophy for the department, an explanation of how your experience aligns with the role, and how you would contribute to our positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging (five page maximum).

(2) A complete curriculum vitae.

Candidates selected for initial interviews will be asked to provide contact information for five references.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package.