Director, Center for Organic Production and Research

Company: Cal Poly Corp
Location: San Luis Obispo
Posted on: June 1, 2021

Job Description:

Job Title Director, Center for Organic Production and Research Posting Number 201000543 Posting Type Regular Contract End Date Salary Range commensurate with experience Hiring Range commensurate with experience Full Time or Part Time Full Time If Part Time, List Work Hours

Job Description Summary

The Center for Organic Production and Research represents a unique partnership between Cal Poly and private industry designed to expand Cal Poly's emphasis on applied research in organic production and soil health by providing a unique, collaborative platform for academia, industry and government from across California and beyond to join forces in advancing the organic agriculture industry.

The Director of the Center for Organic Production and Research is critical to the development and leadership of this new interdisciplinary, public-private partnership established between Cal Poly and Grimmway Farms. The new Center for Organic Production and Research will serve as a hub for students to work with experts from across the industry to develop solutions to the most pressing issues related to organic agriculture. The Director and Center will focus on (1) applied research to solve major issues in organic agricultural production, particularly regarding soil health and plant nutrition, weed management and pest management; (2) collaborative and transdisciplinary research to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of organic agriculture in California; and (3) enriching the talent pipeline for experiential, applied internships between Cal Poly students and Grimmway Farms.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Plant Science or related discipline (e.g., Soil Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, etc.)

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a researcher and manager of research

Successful track record in grantsmanship with government, commodity and/or NGO funding agencies

Research project management experience

Demonstrated track record in organizing or participating in industry extension/outreach programs, including presenting research for grower groups.

Demonstrated excellence in research, teaching and publication in peer-reviewed journals

Demonstrated skills in administration and budget management

Evidence of strong leadership and effective personnel management skills

Evidence of ability to develop external financial resources for the support of teaching and research

Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with internal and external constituents of diverse backgrounds and respond appropriately to conflicts and problems

Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds

Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing

Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures

Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality

Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines

Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies and procedures

Must be willing to travel extensively to meet with industry partners and other potential donors, and attend appropriate conferences, meetings and symposia as needed.

Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

A background check is required for all regular benefited positions

Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record

Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment

This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

This position classification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working and publishing in organic production systems

Ten years of experience leading a research program

Agriculture industry experience (e.g., agricultural commodity associations, commissions and boards; agricultural products and services industries, etc.)

Preferred experience in administration or management in a university setting, including personnel management and budget development

Physical Demands

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone

Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator

Seeing to read a variety of materials

Sitting or standing for extended period of time

Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height

Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects

Commuting on an as needed basis to outside meetings and training locations

Typical Essential Functions

Provide overall leadership and strategic management for the direction, coordination and oversight of the new Center for Organic Production and Research

Build a dynamic, results-oriented Center that integrates academia, industry and government partners to develop real-world, science-based solutions to issues related to organic agriculture

Develop budget and personnel strategies to support the Center's operations

Administer the Center's research, education and outreach mission

Conduct research to support Center goals, secure grants to support a research program, administer the Center with the option of teaching related courses

Establish an advisory council to serve as a nexus between industry, government and academic leaders and Cal Poly faculty, staff and students for the purpose of developing globally pertinent research programs

Collaborate with faculty and students across campus to achieve Center objectives

Engage in fund-raising activities in conjunction with the college advancement team to support the Center's mission and operations

Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned

Maintain currency in the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate industry-leading solutions

Perform other duties assigned

Directly supervise assigned employees. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Corporation's policies and applicable laws and regulations

Supervise the daily activities of the department, including but not limited to, effective delegation of assignments, training and resources necessary to meet performance standards and assist employees in improving performance relevant to job requirements

Develop and implement an effective performance and department goals and objectives, provide performance evaluations, and implement appropriate counseling

Direct and monitor employees to ensure that they remain in compliance with policies and procedures

Subordinates may include: full time staff, intermittent and student employees

Special Instructions to Applicants

Cal Poly Corporation provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and holidays. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.

AA/EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer

Keywords: Cal Poly Corp, San Luis Obispo , Director, Center for Organic Production and Research, Other , San Luis Obispo, California