Job Details

Executive Director, School of Applied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AA24196)
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Position Number: 4875517
Location: Mankato, MN
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Executive Director, School of Applied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AA24196)

Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Academic Affairs
Unit: Academic Affairs220, Minnesota State Administrators/State Managerial Plan
Location: Mankato
FLSA: Exempt
Employment Condition: At Will
Work Shift:
Work Schedule/Hours/Days:

Posting Details:
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The review of applications will begin on January 15 2024 and continue until the position has been filled.
POSITION: At Will (Range 11)*

Salary Minimum:
Salary Maximum:
Salary Type: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Bargaining Unit/Plan: 220, Minnesota State Administrators/State Managerial Plan

Job Description:
The Executive Director, School of Applied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, will provide innovative, equity-minded and creative leadership to fulfil the vision of the school to be the front door to attracting students and developing regional partnerships to bring big ideas, real-world thinking, and inspired action to growing the agriculture and food industry throughout the State of Minnesota and Upper Midwest. This position directs the work of the School of AAFNR, overseeing engagement and outreach with communities throughout the state; pursues grant programs specifically designed for emerging farmers and meeting regional workforce needs; and collaborates with and serves on boards of various external agriculture and food-related organizations (e.g., the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center for Excellence, Emerging Farmer Working Group, Minnesota Farmers Union, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, Sustainable Farming Association- Minnesota , and GreenSeam). The Executive Director will supervise all components of the office including budget creation and monitoring, development of program plans, policies, procedures, and strategies to accomplish plans, program evaluation, staff work assignments, performance evaluations, and policy communication. The incumbent will develop and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external customers and be responsive and adapt to input as the office matures. This position provides leadership in line with Minnesota State University, Mankato mission and current strategic plan. The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and executive officer for the School of Applied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and reports directly to the provost and serves on the President's Expanded Cabinet.Initially, the main focus and outcome of this position will be to successfully launch the school, including the creation of a sustainable framework, strategic plan, and development of strong partnership network. The Executive Director will coordinate with the deans of the applied agriculture, food and natural resource related academic programs and research centers to analyze industry and student need, promote existing programs and work with faculty to develop new interdisciplinary curriculum. This position will work across all divisions of the university to ensure financially viable programming, seek grant and fundraising opportunities, recruit and retain students to programs affiliated with the school, develop and maintain industry and educational partnerships, and provide university services and supports across all locations of program delivery, research collaboration (including facility and land-use), and regional service.The Executive Director will develop and implement a sustainable structure for the School of Applied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources that includes programs that are career-focused; contains curriculum that is innovative, inter-disciplinary, and experiential; committed to elevating underrepresented populations as a core principle in all areas of the school, including research, teaching, and public service; represents a national model for strong and nimble partnerships with industry, colleges and universities to support emerging careers, fields, and student needs; delivers on a commitment to elevating underrepresented populations in AAFNR areas; and enacts change through thought leadership and taking an active role in envisioning future economies, including research, technology, focus on sustainability, climate-smart agriculture, and creation of spaces to share diverse perspectives.

Required Qualifications:

Masters degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agroecology, Animal Science, Biology, Business Administration, Business Management, Chemistry, Environmental Health/Science, Feed Science, Feed Management, Food Safety, Food Systems, Food Science, or Geology/Soil Science, AND three (3) years of Ag-related Experiences.

Masters degree in related and more general fields such as Information Systems, Public Administration, Public Health, or other closely related fields may also be accepted WITH four and a half (4.5) years of Ag-related experience,

AND

Demonstrated commitment to fostering and advancing racial/social justice and equity in curriculum, communities, and engagements.

Ability to cultivate relationships and to develop public and private partnerships, with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and constituencies, to achieve goals.

Demonstrated experience managing complex projects including the responsibility to communicate, organize, and manage complex cross-functional operations with others.

Knowledge of current and emerging student populations and trends in AFNR disciplines, including in curriculum, programming, and visioning new workforce channels and career paths.

Experience with resource management including people, budgets, facilities, grants, or contracts.

Demonstrated ability to serve a diverse population and apply an equity lens to this position including social justice and/or anti-racism.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.

Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in a discipline related to Agriculture, Food, or Natural Resources. Successful completion of executive and/or academic leadership development program(s). (Conferred on an official transcript at the time of application).

Record of identifying and securing federal, foundation, and other sources of funding to support initiatives supporting emerging farmers, workforce diversity, and/or in fostering and advancing racial/social justice and equity in curriculum, communities, and engagements.

Knowledge of grant and contracting administration and processes; record of external funding (e.g. federal and state grants, contracts, philanthropic, etc.) and partnerships related to AAFNR.

Demonstrated ability to expand programs and successfully start new financially sustainable programs to meet the demands of students, industry and community and in collaboration with industry/ community/educational partners and organizations.

Demonstrated commitment to leading and supporting academic program quality, including experience with high impact learning, as well as program accreditation, at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.

Experience overseeing and delivering public services via revenue generating centers, enterprises and institutes. Knowledge of, and ability to connect those services with, resources, programs, and organizations that support regional/community vitality and economic development.

Demonstrated ability to effectively lead in a collective bargaining and/or shared governance environment.

Ability to engage in professional leadership and service, as a senior academic administrator, at the state, regional, national, and international levels to advance strategic directions.

Other Requirements:
Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

Based on the essential functions of this positions, MMB Policy #1422, and University policies relating to flexible work, this position is eligible for the following work modes:
Mobile Work: Up to 20-40% of the time. A position where the employee travels continuously for work, or who performs work at multiple locations outside of an agency office, such as a field location or other site.
Telework: Up to 20% of the time. A position with a work arrangement that allows an employee to perform work on a regular basis at a telework location that is not the employees permanent/principal work location.

Frequent evening and weekend work. Overnight travel required, as needed to meet the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Up to 20-40% of the time. Ability to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally, to meet with a wide variety of stakeholders, partners, and other constituencies, to meet the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Drivers license required.

About:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please visit our Career Opportunities page for the Prospectus for the Executive Director, School of Applied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AA24196): https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/career-opportunities/faculty-and-administration/executive-director-school-of-applied-agriculture-food-and-natural-resources/.

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu

University Demographics Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes: Enhancing access and student success. Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs. Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here. https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html Minnesota State University, Mankato has identified five broad themes as our basis for discussion in developing our next comprehensive strategic plan. The themes are Serving Students and Managing Enrollment, Focusing our Resources, Offering an Exceptional Student Experience, Caring for Health and Well-Being, and Ensuring a Welcoming, Equitable, and Inclusive University. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name-Minnesota State University, Mankato.Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelors through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and 1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships. With 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesotas the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: To apply for this position, please continue the process via this website: https://minnesotastate.peopleadmin.com/ A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

Cover Letter
Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Contact Information for three (3) references
Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
A brief (no more than one-page) diversity statement defining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and describing your views and actions toward advancing DEI including dimensions of social justice and racial equity related to race, gender, ability and culture. How would your views and prior actions regarding diversity, equity and inclusion align with Minnesota State University, Mankatos goals?

CONTACT INFORMATION
Brittany McKibben
Executive Assistant
Phone: 507-389-2900
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email:brittany.mckibben.2@mnsu.edu
*Employment for this position is covered by the compensation plan for the Minnesota State Administrator Plan which can be found at: http://www.mnsu.edu/hr/bargaining.html
NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN States vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the schools policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/ You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu

Benefits Info:
The following link provides a brief overview of benefits available to eligible employees of Minnesota State University.

Select the Administrator Summary link from the list for specifics of that plan.

Benefits Overview

Posting Number: M384M
Re-posting: No
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date: 03/04/2024
Position End Date (if temporary):
Open Date: 12/19/2023
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions Summary:

To apply, visit https://minnesotastate.peopleadmin.com/postings/2582

Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This Vacancy Notice is available in alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.