The University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, an AAU and major research and land -grant institution, invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of the Yuma Center of Excellence in Desert Agriculture.
The University of Arizona (UA), Arizona’s flagship and land-grant university, seeks an energetic Executive Director of the Yuma Center of Excellence in Desert Agriculture in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS). The Executive Director will work with: the Yuma Center of Excellence in Desert Agriculture Advisory Council (comprised of 7 leaders from both Salinas, CA and Yuma, AZ); the Director of the Yuma Agricultural Experiment Station & Yuma County Cooperative Extension; CALS Associate Dean for Economic Development & Director of Cooperative Extension; CALS’ Development & Alumni Affairs office and the Vice Provost & Dean of Agriculture & Life Sciences to advance the College’s efforts to contribute to the UA realizing its unique vision and ambitious new plan to meet the challenges of 21st century Arizona desert agriculture.
The Center is funded primarily through membership from the Advisory Council, and the position is contingent upon stakeholder funding. The Center is action-oriented and focuses on all aspects of desert crop production. An over-arching Center aim is to provide research results and productivity to industry very quickly and to facilitate the growth of the strategic alliances which have formed the collaborative network. The Executive Director will be able to advocate for Yuma and other desert agriculture areas and be experienced in working between multiple research areas with diverse researchers using exceptional communication skills.
The Executive Director, who reports directly to the Vice Provost & Dean, will be an entrepreneurial and innovative leader who will have demonstrated:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills which includes experience in promotion and marketing, using various forms of media, especially social media
- A “start-up” mindset with a record of proactively seeking and securing outside sources of funding from grant agencies, commercial contracting sources, foundations and from other areas
- A scientific aptitude and qualifications in multiple crop production systems, especially focusing on increasing productivity/acre in desert agriculture issues
- Experience in private industry with an understanding of how to work with an advisory council
- Familiarity with working with or in academic organizations, especially working with Cooperative Extension and non-Cooperative Extension personnel
- Experience in successful strategic planning and implementation including having the leadership ability to attract, motivate and retain outstanding talent
- Capability to build strong and effective teams to solve specific issues and have the ability to deliver research outcomes to broad audiences
Because we embrace the power of a diverse community as a key driver of innovation and success we strongly encourage applicants with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We are looking for an exceptional leader with vision who can take an exceptional school to even greater achievements.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin on February 1 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants need to apply online at https://www.uacareertrack.com — Job# 54253. Applicants should send the following: a letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the position (this letter should include their philosophy on research, leadership and management); a current curriculum vitae; and the names, email addresses, mailing addresses, and phone numbers of five professional references. Please direct any questions about the position to: Kurt Nolte, Director, Yuma County Cooperative Extension, knolte@ag.arizona.edu or (928) 726-3904.
Nomination Process
Individuals wishing to nominate candidates for the position should submit a letter of nomination, including the name, position, address and telephone number of the nominee to:
Bethany Rutledge, Director of Administration and Communications
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
P.O. Box 210036
Tucson, AZ 85721-0036
(520) 621-7198
~The University of Arizona is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, M/W/D/V.~
