Elkus Ranch REC Director - Half Moon Bay, CA,

Job Description

Under the general direction of UC ANR leadership, the Director provides strategic,administrative, and academic leadership for research and extension activities, educational programming, facility operations, and community partnerships at the site.

The incumbent is responsible for planning, developing, and managing academic and outreach programs that align with UC ANR's mission of extending research-based knowledge to the public, particularly in the areas of youth environmental education, sustainable agriculture, natural resource stewardship, and community engagement.

The Director oversees the site's staff, budget, facilities, partnerships, and safety compliance, and represents UC ANR in local, regional, and statewide collaborations. The position ensures that all programs are inclusive, financially sustainable, and grounded in UC ANR's academic excellence and public values.

This is a leadership position within UC ANR's statewide Research and Extension Center system and requires broad decision-making authority, independent judgment, and collaboration across multiple academic, governmental, and community partners.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the Elkus Ranch REC. While this position normally is based in Half Moon Bay, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $/year to $/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 10/12/2026.

• 40% Program Leadership and Development:
  • Provide vision and direction for research and extension programming at Elkus Ranch.
  • Design and oversee delivery of environmental education, 4-H youth, and community outreach programs.
  • Foster collaboration with UC academics, local schools, community organizations, and government partners.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness using UC ANR impact metrics and continuous improvement practices.
  • Ensure that programs align with UC ANR's statewide strategic priorities.
• 25% Operational and Administrative Management:
  • Oversee staff managing day-to-day operations of the Elkus Ranch facilities, livestock, and grounds.
  • Develop and manage the annual operating budget; ensure fiscal accountability and cost recovery.
  • Direct staff in facility scheduling, maintenance, safety compliance, and visitor management.
  • Coordinate with UC ANR administrative units on contracts, grants, and compliance matters.
  • Develops and implements strategic plans for research focus areas, land use, and infrastructure investment. Evaluates programs using UC ANR metrics. Identifies funding, partnerships, and grant opportunities to sustain and expand Center programs. Participates in statewide REC leadership initiatives.
• 15% Academic and Research Coordination:
  • Support UC and county-based academics in conducting applied research at Elkus Ranch.
  • Facilitate research-extension linkages by integrating findings into public programming.
  • Manage site access, resources, and compliance for academic projects.
• 10% Community and Stakeholder Relations:
  • Represent UC ANR and Elkus Ranch to external partners, donors, and stakeholders.
  • Cultivate partnerships with K-12 educators, non-profits, local agencies, and donors to support programming.
  • Communicate the public value and impact of UC ANR and Elkus Ranch through reports, outreach materials, and public presentations.
• 10% Supervision and Staff Development:
  • Supervise career and limited-term staff, volunteers, and student interns.
  • Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
  • Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive…