Director of the Institute for Agriculture

Buena Vista University is seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable, and entrepreneurial individual who will oversee the BVU Institute for Agriculture. The successful candidate will collaborate and engage with members of the BVU campus community as they lead programs, recruit students, teach courses, and establish partnerships with regional agricultural businesses for the continued growth of BVU’s agriculture programs and help BVU become recognized as a national private college leader in agricultural education.

The Director of the BVU Institute for Agriculture will have the following responsibilities:

• Partner with the Admissions Department, Academic Deans, and faculty to assist in recruiting students to study in the institute programs.
• Network with and coordinate outreach efforts to regional high school agriculture programs like Future Farmers of America and 4H.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications to assist in marketing the institute and its programs.
• Partner with the Deans and faculty in business, science, education, and liberal arts to help with the ongoing development and continuous improvement of strong academic majors, seminars, and other programs with an agricultural focus.
• Teach courses in the BVU Agricultural Institute Program in the field appropriate to their degree(s).
• Assist the Vice President for University Advancement and the University President in fundraising for the BVU Institute for Agriculture.
• Network with regional agricultural businesses and financial institutions to establish student internships and professional and academic partnerships with Buena Vista University.
• Represent Buena Vista University at regional workshops and meetings of relevance to the Institute.
• Work with community college partner institutions to develop articulation agreements for agriculture-based degree completion programs.
• Assist the academic deans and Provost/VPAA with identifying and hiring faculty to teach in the BVU Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management.
• Coordinate with the contracted farmers to provide quality learning experiences for BVU students.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and the ability to travel, including some evenings and weekends, is required.
• This is a 12-month position

Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced degree (master's or doctoral degree) in agricultural business, agricultural education, or agricultural science is required.
• Experience working in an agricultural business is highly desired.

Desired Characteristics

• An informed commitment to the ideals of liberal and professional education commensurate with BVU’s 10-year Strategic Vision.
• A collaborative, individual with an inclusive leadership style, and sensitivity to the needs of all campus community members.
• Creative thinking with a broad vision, varied interests, a fresh perspective, and balanced judgment.
• Professional demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills, highly organized, and the ability to relate easily to a wide range of groups and individuals.
• Strong writing, editing, and speaking skills.
• Ability to represent BVU in a variety of settings as required.

Buena Vista University offers a strong benefits package, including 15 paid holidays and 25 paid time off days annually, tuition remission for family members at Buena Vista University and select other private institutions nationally, retirement contributions, and solid medical and dental insurance packages.

Applications must include a letter of interest, a CV (or resume), and contact information for five professional references with email and telephone numbers. The BVU Agricultural Institute Director Search Committee will begin reviewing applications as they are received and will continue until the appointment is made.

This position is not eligible for an employer-sponsored visa and all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Buena Vista University is an EOE/ADA/Smoke-Free Employer and especially welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to any aspect of the university’s diversity. A background check will be completed on the final candidate.

Buena Vista University’s main 60-acre campus is situated on the shores of beautiful Storm Lake, a 3,200-acre natural lake located in northwest Iowa. Storm Lake is one of Iowa's most diverse communities. It is one of Iowa's premier vacation spots, with an array of retail shopping and dining opportunities, and a vibrant arts and cultural environment. Businesses of various sizes ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations thrive in this northwest Iowa city. Storm Lake residents enjoy a relatively low cost of living and a high quality of life.