Academic Administrator - Horticulture Innovation Lab

The Horticulture Innovation lab with the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a full-time position for an Academic Administrator-Horticulture Innovation Lab Director.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT OF PROGRAMS (40% EFFORT)

This position entails multifaceted responsibilities aimed at driving the success and sustainability of initiatives under Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture, and any associated grants. As the leader of this endeavor, the position provides overarching leadership and direction to staff and collaborators, ensuring that strategic decisions align closely with the program goals. This includes meticulous oversight of the financial landscape, encompassing budgeting, financial management, and diligent scrutiny of program finances and associated sub-contracts. Additionally, the administrative manager plays a pivotal role in high-level decision-making processes, setting program research priorities and systemizing accurate research methods. Given the often-challenging operating environments, particular attention is dedicated to ensuring the safety of staff and projects, especially in regions with unstable political economies. Moreover, the administrative manager serves as the face of the Horticulture Innovation Lab, representing it at both domestic and international functions while fostering crucial liaisons with advisory boards and ensuring robust representation to all involved agencies. A key aspect of the position involves actively seeking funding opportunities to bolster the program's endeavors, overseeing the development and submission of funding proposals, and subsequently monitoring contracts to ensure alignment with project objectives. Through diligent oversight and direction, both internal and external projects are steered towards the achievement of their respective objectives, thereby ensuring the long-term success and impact of the Horticulture Innovation Lab.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (40% EFFORT)

The position holds a diverse portfolio of responsibilities aimed at fostering collaboration, scholarship, and innovation within the realm of horticulture research and development. Central to this role is the adept management, maintenance, and cultivation of international relationships, forging strategic partnerships with esteemed entities such as CGIAR, USAID, and other international research organizations. Additionally, the individual delivers impactful presentations to both public and professional audiences, showcasing expertise and facilitating knowledge dissemination. They will serve as the representative of the Horticulture Innovation Lab at various meetings and conferences, advocating for its mission and fostering collaborative opportunities with UC Davis.

Integral to their role is the provision of intellectual leadership and scholarly contributions to the program, conducting rigorous research activities that advance the Lab's overarching goals. Their expertise extends to horticulture, equitable outcomes in food systems, and agricultural innovation scaling, enriching program initiatives with multifaceted insights. Active participation in horticulture and relevant professional societies and conferences is expected. Academic discourse is expected in leading and developing international research portfolios, reviewing manuscripts, data collection tools and methods, and grant proposals. Lastly, the position should support global academic opportunities ensuring UC Davis' role in the cultivation of a diverse and inclusive educational environment. This can be done through online courses, network development, and mentorships of West and East Africa, Central America, and Central Asia based academic institutions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (20% EFFORT)

This position will actively engage in university service activities, including guest lecturing, and advising master's students within the International Agriculture Development Graduate Program, and other relevant programs. Additionally, it will host graduate students at the Horticulture Innovation Lab for their research endeavors and collaborate closely with Global Affairs and other international programs, such as the Humphrey Fellows initiative. This role's commitment to public service will extend to participating on admissions committees, capstone projects, and serving on MS and PhD thesis committees, thereby fostering a comprehensive and impactful involvement within the university community and beyond.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

Academic Administrators are appointees who administer programs that provide service closely related to the teaching and research mission of the University. The Academic Administrator oversees complex units with a substantial amount of independence and works closely or jointly with faculty. An Academic Administrator is primarily an administrative position. Any contributions to teaching would be considered part of University and Public Service and evaluated as part of service. An Academic Administrator is not a faculty title and as such is not eligible to be an Instructor of Record. Appointees in the Academic Administrator title series cannot be independently responsible for conducting regular courses, but may provide a guest lecture in their area of expertise.

An appointee in the Academic Administrator title series is not provided automatic Principal Investigator status. Their role in research is typically in the administration and management of the research enterprise, budget, planning, etc.

a. A Ph.D. in in in Horticulture, Agriculture, Agricultural Development, Innovation Systems or a closely related field. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by the time of the appointment.

b. Substantial experience working in agriculture development, with significant exposure to the developing country context

c. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to provide program direction, manage dynamic teams, and make high-level decisions for large-scale projects.

d. Experience with high-level fiscal management and compliance with U.S. and Academic Regulations

e. Established relationships with international entities like CGIAR, USAID, and other international research organizations.

f. Demonstrated success in writing grant proposals, soliciting grant proposals, evaluating/analyzing and funding proposals, and managing grant funded programs.

g. High familiarity with USAID Feed the Future Initiatives and other U.S. federal government entities.

• 5-7 letters of reference required

Five references must not be employed at UCD. Two additional references may be from UCD.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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