Visiting Assistant Director (Soybean Innovation Lab) - Department of Agricultural and Consumer Econo
University of Illinois

Job Info

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Visiting Assistant Director

Soybean Innovation Lab

The primary function of the Assistant Director is to conduct soybean research and manage the day-to-day operations for the agronomic and variety programs of the Soybean Innovation Lab including, but not limited to, conducting research, strategy and program design, personnel oversight, technical reporting, and management duties.

The Assistant Director mustbe detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and possess skills across a wide range of aspects. The position will require an ability to work independently across a number of areas, including technical and human resource activities. The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Director include, but are not limited to:

Research Activities:

Strategically oversee the implementation and evaluation of SIL agronomic and variety programs and initiatives, ensuring independent deliverables, timelines, and budgets.

Collect and analyze data to produce agronomic and variety soybean innovations for partner institutions within associated budget requirements.

Collaborate with research project partners domestically and internationally to introduce new soybean varieties to the market and improve soybean agronomic practices and yields, aiming to alleviate poverty and malnutrition.

Contribute to the reports for the project and USAID, summarizing research outcomes from the soybean agronomy and variety research programs, and providing recommendations for the next steps in advancing soybean research.

Represent the SIL Director (Principal Investigator) in domestic and international research activities and events pertaining to soybean agronomy and variety performance.

Human Resources:

Manage 10-15 direct reports, including Academic Professionals, Program Specialists, Program Coordinators, Visiting Scholars, Postdoctoral Research Associates, and Undergraduate Research Interns who collectively support the strategic and research goals of the agronomy and variety programs.

Manage short-term support staff, including Contractors, Consultants, and other vendors who support the agronomy and variety programs with various duties, including survey enumeration, data collection, graphic design, website and app development, and service provision.

Support annual performance reviews with reports and contribute to staffing plans and position changes.

Set overall objectives and goals for staff and support career development, coaching, and mentoring in respective areas.

Strategy:

Lead conference calls, meetings, webinars, and other initiatives to expand the scope, scale, and impact of the agronomic and variety programs.

Identify new collaborations, opportunities, and initiatives to undertake that align with the agronomy and variety programs goals and objectives.

Support proposal development efforts related to agronomy and varieties to internal (University of Illinois, USAID) and external funders to expand the impact and scale of these programs.

Develop, establish, and implement performance metrics related to agronomy and varieties to demonstrate the effectiveness of the two programs.

Financial Management:

Oversee technical deliverable submissions tied to invoice payments from external and prime sponsors.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

A Masters's degree in agriculture, business, or related field

Experience can be concurrent:

• Five years experience in research

• Five years experience in research program management

• Experience in budget or project proposal development

• Experience in strategic program development and evaluation

Preferred Qualifications

A PhD degree in agriculture, business, or related field

Experience can be concurrent:

• Three years experience at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

• Five years experience in a management role

• Experience in personnel management

• Seven years experience in research program management

• International agricultural development experience

• Project management experience

• Demonstrated awareness of diverse international cultures, practices, norms, and institutions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Possess:

• an ability to think creatively, strategically, and conceptually
• project management and problem-solving skills
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• an ability to write clearly for various audiences and outlets
• capacity to lead and work with others as part of a creative team and to interact in a professional and productive manner with staff at all levels of the organization
• an understanding of university, development, and international cultures
• demonstrated ability to work within a fast-paced, team environment managing multiple deadlines, budgets, programs, and activities

Salary and Appointment Details:

This is a full-time (100% FTE, 12/12 service basis) academic processional appointment. This position may become permanent. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The previously determined salary range for this position was $75,000 to $85,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE:

The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.

APPLICATON PROCEDURES:

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Sunday, September 15, 2024. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered .

For further information, please contact Julia Nunes Paniago Pereira via e-mail at jpereira@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1026213
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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