Chairperson-Management

Chairperson-Management

The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) 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, multi-disciplinary focus, and demonstrated 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 for a new chair and what will make us unique from other institutions 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.

The Chairperson will provide leadership and mentoring of the Department in all teaching, research, Extension, and outreach programs, including the extensive gardens associated with the department. The Chairperson is expected to maintain and enhance a creative, productive, and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students, and serve as the principal representative and advocate of the Department with authority and responsibility for administrative decisions.

The Chairperson reports directly to the Dean of the CANR, and interacts with senior leadership of the College, MSU Extension, MSU Ag Bio Research , and commodity stakeholders.

Key responsibilities of the Chairperson are to:

• 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 (e.g., 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
-plant science or closely related field

An 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.

(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.