Director - Panhandle Research, Extension and Educator Center
- Employer
- Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Location
- Nebraska, United States
- Salary
- Salary Commensurate with experience
- Date posted
- Jul 12, 2021
View more
- Position Type
- Faculty Positions, Science, Technology & Mathematics, Agriculture & Animal Sciences
- Employment Level
- Administrative
- Employment Type
- Full Time
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR)
invites nominations and applications for the Director of the
Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC). We are
seeking candidates who are collaborative, visionary, innovative,
inclusive, and entrepreneurial. The Director coordinates and
manages all aspects of the IANR and PREEC missions at the Center
and represents the university and IANR to the communities in the
western part of the state. To do this, they must possess
well-developed talents in translational science, strategic
visioning, team building and collaboration, communication, and
facilities and personnel management.
Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances
creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, IANR and
Nebraska Extension are committed to creating research, Extension,
and teaching and learning environments that are inclusive of all
forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from
and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups
including racial and ethnic minorities, women, sexual and gender
minorities, persons living with disabilities, and veterans.
Our three Research, Extension and Education Centers (REEC) are hubs
of research, extension, community engagement, and teaching and
learning activity. They are strategically positioned throughout the
state to ensure that a) IANR faculty members are able to conduct
research relevant to the state’s farmers, ranchers, food
processors, natural resource managers, and regional economic
development leaders and others involved in the agricultural
industry; b) Extension programming is community-based and relevant
to the needs of Nebraska residents; and c) students have research,
learning and community engagement opportunities that they wouldn’t
otherwise have access to in an urban campus setting. The mission of
the network of REECs is to develop solutions that enhance the lives
of Nebraskans through improved management of landscapes, production
systems, and resources across the state.
Overview of the Position
The Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center director is
an administrative appointment within the Institute of Agriculture
and Natural Resources. This is a five-year renewable term subject
to satisfactory annual reviews and a satisfactory formal
reappointment review. The director serves as IANR’s “chief
translational science officer” in the Panhandle ensuring that
IANR’s research and discovery engine – including graduate students
and postdocs – is mobilized and extended in compelling and creative
ways that advance and support the diversity of agricultural
producers, processors and natural resource systems managers in the
Panhandle through data-driven solutions and insights that are
economically sound and enhance profitability. The PREEC Director is
IANR’s lead for engaging with farmers, ranchers, food processors,
natural resource managers and regional economic development
leaders, to ensure programs, initiatives, and accomplishments are
highly responsive to the Panhandle’s surface and groundwater
systems and the integrated, precision cropping and livestock
systems they underpin. The PREEC Director is a key collaborative
and strategic partner with IANR’s academic unit leaders, Nebraska
Extension program leaders, center and institute directors, and
those leading key State offices and agencies to leverage talent and
assets from across IANR and beyond. The PREEC Director also works
closely with the coordinators of Nebraska Extension’s Engagement
Zones that touch the Panhandle (i.e., Engagement Zones 1, 2, 3, and
4), who serve as IANR’s primary liaisons with local leaders and
elected officials and who supervise Extension professionals working
in the areas of Community Environment, The Learning Child, Food
Nutrition and Health and 4-H Youth Development.
The PREEC director reports to the dean of the Agricultural Research
Division (ARD) and freely engages with other members of IANR’s
senior leadership team to include the IANR vice chancellor; senior
associate vice chancellor; the deans of the College of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR), the College of Education
and Human Sciences (CEHS), and Nebraska Extension; and Engagement
Zone Coordinators located in the Panhandle. The PREEC director is
responsible for co-creating and carrying out the strategic plan for
IANR’s extensive statewide network of research, extension and
learning platforms. The PREEC Director is uniquely positioned and
expected to serve as a key cultural broker between those based in
Lincoln and across Nebraska with the needs and efforts of those in
the Panhandle.
The director fosters an inclusive culture in which all
contributions are appreciated and recognized, collaboration and
innovation are encouraged, and the abilities of all are engaged to
fully realize the potential of the team and each contributor. The
Director exemplifies the responsible management of resources to
maximize the impact and effectiveness of those resources and
supports others in the responsible management of resources. The
Director ensures opportunities are open to all, programs and
initiatives are inclusive of all constituencies, and efforts are
made to engage diverse audiences, especially those that are
traditionally underrepresented. In collaboration with the directors
at the other REECs, the director leads ongoing development and
operational execution of an IANR Statewide REEC Strategic Plan that
contributes to the mission of IANR and that meets the needs of
Nebraska residents, faculty and students. This shared vision will
be continuously examined for relevancy and refreshed as
needed.
Annual performance evaluations are conducted by the ARD dean with
input sought from other leaders across IANR with whom the PREEC
Director partners, serves and engages.
Qualifications for the Director of the Panhandle Research,
Extension and Education Center
To be considered for
the position, candidates must have:
- A record of excellence in university-based community engagement, outreach, or professional-community partnerships.
- Visionary leadership, including an ability to inspire and motivate.
- Effectiveness in aligning resources to achieve vision.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in achieving strategic outcomes.
- A record of leadership and outcomes that demonstrate an abiding commitment to practices that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity.
- Exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relations.
- A doctoral (or equivalent terminal) degree.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- A record of excellence in Extension.
- Experience in mentoring or coaching.
- An ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies.
- A record of success in obtaining external funding.
- Proven record of documenting outcomes and impact.
Application
The Search Advisory Committee will receive applications until the
position is filled. To ensure full consideration, nominations and
applications should be submitted before October 1, 2021.
Questions and nominations can be directed in confidence to:
Dr. Archie Clutter, Search Advisory Committee Chair
Dean, Agricultural Research Division
aclutter2@unl.edu
402-472-7084
Applicants should go to http://employment.unl.edu,
requisition F_210086. Click “Apply to this Job,” complete the
information form and attach a) a letter of interest that describes
your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions,
and personal vision; b) a statement of the value you place on
diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive
environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2
page maximum; see https://ianr.unl.edu/ongoing-searches
for guidance in writing this statement); c) a detailed curriculum
vitae; and d) the names of 3-5 professional references.
References will be requested only of candidates who make the short list. All candidate information will be held in strict confidence until the final stage of the search at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before contacting references and making their candidacy public. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search webpage https://ianr.unl.edu/preec-director.
For questions and assistance with submitting the application,
contact Ms. Jodi Mackin, Faculty HR Specialist at jmackin1@unl.edu or by phone at (402)
756-3014.
UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package,
commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and
experience.
The University of Nebraska is committed to creating a diverse and
inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination
and harassment. UNL is dedicated to creating an environment where
everyone feels valued, respected and included.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for
employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national
origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity,
religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status,
marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
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