Associate Director-AgBio Research

Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI

Full-time - Senior

Remote - East Lansing, MI

Educational Services

About the position

Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a mission and vision-driven leader to serve as the Associate Director of AgBioResearch (ABR). This position is integral to the leadership, development, and implementation of ABR's university-wide mission and vision, which focuses on enhancing the research portfolio of agriculture, food systems, and the environment. The Associate Director will have the unique opportunity to shape the vision and leadership of programs and priorities that significantly impact the research activity of ABR-affiliated faculty. The role involves ensuring that ABR can effectively address and support the needs of stakeholders within the agriculture and natural resources communities, as well as collaborating with various partners within the University. The Associate Director will oversee research grant administration, manage the research space portfolio, and communicate the value and accomplishments of research at MSU. This position requires collaboration with ABR-affiliated faculty, MSU Extension colleagues, external stakeholders, local government officials, donors, and funding agencies. The successful candidate will be expected to promote the full spectrum of fundamental and applied research across MSU disciplines, contribute to the strategic vision of ABR, and engage with MSU Extension to advance research impacts. Additionally, the Associate Director will work closely with the ABR Communications Team to promote the accomplishments and impacts of research, and with the ABR Research Evaluation and Data Analytics Unit to evaluate the research portfolio. The role also includes connecting with external partners within the Michigan agricultural and natural resources community for updates and input, providing input on research grant administration, and contributing to space-related oversight linked to the ABR research portfolio. The Associate Director will serve as a liaison for position searches and contribute to mentoring ABR Administrative Fellows, addressing other responsibilities as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Promote the full spectrum of fundamental and applied research across MSU disciplines, including promoting future research directions and collaborations.
• Contribute to the strategic vision of ABR.
• Serve on the ABR Leadership Team and participate in weekly meetings, during which programming and budgets are discussed and decisions are made.
• Engage with MSU Extension to promote collaborative efforts and advance research impacts.
• Work collaboratively with the ABR Communications Team to promote accomplishments and impacts of research.
• Work collaboratively with the ABR Research Evaluation and Data Analytics Unit to promote and evaluate the research portfolio.
• Connect with external partners within the Michigan agricultural and natural resources community for updates and input and to promote partnerships.
• Communicate ABR's vision, values, and recent accomplishments in interactions with state and local government officials, external stakeholders, donors, and funding agencies.
• Provide input on research grant administration, including pre-award, post-award, research evaluation, and data analytics.
• Contribute to space-related oversight linked to the ABR research portfolio (e.g., offices, labs, greenhouses, natural areas, and field research sites).
• Serve as an ABR liaison for position searches (e.g., faculty, staff, or administrative positions).
• Contribute to mentoring ABR Administrative Fellows.
• Address other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Earned a doctorate in agriculture, natural resources, biological or natural science, engineering, social sciences, or a closely related discipline and meet the requirements for tenure at the rank of full professor at MSU.
• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a diverse community.
• Demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in a range of academic and professional activities.

Nice-to-haves

• A proven record of excellence in leadership, management, and administration skills; including developing and fostering working relationships with faculty, staff, and stakeholders, team building, and managing staff issues/concerns.
• Experience in leadership and administering large, multidisciplinary, and diverse research teams and programmatic endeavors.
• Experience overseeing budgets, an ability to garner additional funds and resources for programs, and the ability to partner with advancement and development.
• Experience building capacities that support the ever-changing agriculture and natural resources communities, consistent with the land-grant mission.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment with remote-friendly options.
• Access to a diverse community and a strong Extension program that partners with diverse interest groups.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.