Research Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco

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* Title:

** Research Center Director, Texas A&M Agri Life Research and Extension Center at Weslaco  
** Appointment:
** 12 months  
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* Reports To:

** Director, Texas A&M Agri Life Research  
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* Location:

** Weslaco Research & Extension Center, Weslaco, TX
* Develop a vision for the continued role of the Center and Agri Life Research in the dynamic environment of agriculture, food and water science in Texas and elsewhere.
* Provide intellectual, philosophical and strategic leadership to Center faculty and scientists, staff and students to enhance research, extension and teaching missions.
* Develop strategic responses to food and agriculture-related issues and opportunities, particularly in meeting the needs of the local food and agricultural industry.
* Develop and/or lead research teams to respond to internal and external research grant opportunities with the involvement of research faculty from Agri Life Research and Agri Life Extension, as well as other research institutions.
* Manage human and fiscal resources, including team building and leading a contract and grants program that elevates the Center’s efforts throughout Agri Life.
* Represent the Center to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, key industry groups and international organizations.
* Provide leadership for the coordination of efforts between research, teaching and extension faculty to create an effective and synergistic working relationship.
* Liaison with the administration of Agri Life Research to plan initiatives, convey research and extension information and pursue fundraising opportunities that will benefit the Center far into the future.
* Maintain communication with Agri Life Program Administration, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department Heads, Agri Life Extension leadership and other Texas A&M University System components regarding issues affecting Texas A&M Agri Life or other system components.
* Develop collaborative administrative leadership approach between Center Director and District Extension Administrator for Research and Extension programs and operations for the Center.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
* A Ph.D. in one or more related fields such as horticulture, agronomy, plant physiology, breeding, water sciences and/or environmental sustainability.
* Experience in managing human and fiscal resources.
* Be a well-recognized leader in agricultural sciences, with an excellent research background in a relevant field, as demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals, grant funding and stature appropriate for a full-time faculty appointment at the professor level.
* Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholder groups, identify critical issues and act on those needs through research activities that bring resolution to problems.
* Demonstrated success in building, supporting and leading interdisciplinary programs and teams.
* Excellent English verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
* Strong writing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, administration, and stakeholders.
* Ability to manage multi- and interdisciplinary teams.
* Ability to utilize leadership skills to inspire Center employees, manage teams, and invest in the individual success of staff members.
* Knowledge of a commitment to the mission of a Land Grant University is essential.
* Knowledge of fundraising, where development ideas advance the goals of the Center.
* Ability to coordinate with broad-based partners and stakeholders to address current and emerging agricultural, food, and water challenges statewide, nationally, and internationally.
* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
* At least 10 years conducting competitively funded research
* Knowledge of the Land Grant System and a track record of using research and extension to solve problems and convey practical solutions to stakeholders
* Demonstrated experience navigating conflicting interests to achieve accepted practices among groups (e.g., stakeholders, trade associations, commodity groups, state and/or federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, etc.)As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M Agri Life brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.
If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M Agri Life has to offer you.
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