Director of Project Management and Community Relations

Texas A&M University - El Paso, TX

Full-time - Director

El Paso, TX

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Project Management and Community Relations at Texas A&M AgriLife is a pivotal role responsible for providing leadership and oversight in developing programs that expand the scope of research at the AgriLife Research Center in El Paso. This position requires a strategic thinker who can set program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures while also identifying and securing funding and resources for program expansion. The Director will analyze program statistics to track progress and provide regular reports on outcomes. A key aspect of this role is engaging with community stakeholders to build relationships that further the mission and vision of the AgriLife Research Center. In addition to program development, the Director will oversee feasibility studies related to land use and coordinate field day events at the AgriLife Research Center. This position serves as the primary point of contact for land management initiatives and community outreach activities, acting as a liaison between the AgriLife Research Center and other Texas A&M System universities, colleges, departments, and agencies. The Director will also represent AgriLife Research at various agency, university, and industry meetings, which will involve travel across the state of Texas and the operation of an Agency vehicle. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project management, relationship development, and customer service, with a proven track record in high outreach industries. This role requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, manage multiple tasks effectively, and maintain attention to detail. Strong communication skills are essential, as the Director will need to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and develop rapport quickly. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also required, along with strategic business planning and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, overseeing and developing programs/projects associated with expanding the scope of research at the AgriLife Research Center at El Paso.
• Oversees feasibility study on land-use.
• Initiates and coordinates AgriLife Research Center at El Paso field day events.
• Serves as the point-of-contact for land management initiatives and community partner outreach activity development.
• Serves as the liaison between the AgriLife Research Center at El Paso and other Texas A&M System universities, colleges, departments, and agencies.
• Serves as the liaison between the AgriLife Research Center at El Paso and other university systems of higher education.
• Represents AgriLife Research at agency, university and industry meetings and events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of experience in project management, relationship development, recruiting, or customer service roles, with a demonstrated history of success in relationship-driven or high external outreach industries.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment to think strategically and analytically to move from vision to action.
• Community networking skills with the ability to develop rapport quickly and communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook systems.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills including excellent listening, relationship-building, and customer service.
• Strategic business plan development and project management skills and ability to apply those skills to cross-collaborative efforts.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree or higher in business fields such as economics, accounting, finance, marketing, etc.
• Personal drive and high motivation with the ability to manage a significant volume of diverse tasks, activities, and projects efficiently and effectively.
• Familiarity with data management and data analytics.
• Ability to assess data and implement strategies.
• Experience in complex organizations.
• Familiarity with agricultural commodity organizations.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick time
• Vision insurance