Position Overview
Position Title: Managing Director
Salary Range: See Table 36 for the salary range for this position. The full salary range for this position is $103,422 - $110,260
Percent Time: 100%
Anticipated Start: September 16, 2024
Position Duration: 1 year renewable
Application Window
Open Date: August 12, 2024
Next Review Date: Monday, Aug 26, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final Date: Monday, Aug 11, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
Under the direction of the Faculty Director, the Managing Director will be responsible for developing, tracking, and reporting on core elements of the USDA Sustainable Agricultural Systems project: Securing a Climate Resilient Water Future through Innovation in Measurement, Management, and Markets (SWF). The SWF program is an innovative initiative designed to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the challenges of climate change and water resource management. By integrating an interdisciplinary curriculum encompassing environmental science, engineering, policy, and social sciences, SWF fosters collaborative research using team science approaches. This role involves engaging with participating institutions, scientists, faculty, students, and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
The Managing Director will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the SWF project by managing project activities, facilitating communication, and driving outreach efforts. This position requires a proactive individual with a passion for sustainable agricultural systems and climate resilience. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in project management, preferably within a scientific or agricultural setting. They must possess strong organizational and time-management skills, along with excellent written and verbal communication abilities suitable for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, educators, and the general public. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work effectively with a varied project team across multiple organizations and states, utilizing both virtual engagement and in-person visits. Experience in facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration on complex issues at the intersection of emerging science and transboundary policy is essential. Additionally, strong communication skills tailored for different audiences, including the general public and press, are crucial.
Team Science and Collaboration
- Implement best practices in team science, including collaboration planning and stakeholder engagement.
- Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, educators, and policy-makers to address complex issues at the intersection of emerging science and transboundary policy.
- Leverage expertise in climate-smart agriculture, climate resilience, and stakeholder engagement to advance project goals.
- Organize and lead workshops and conferences to promote collaborative research and disseminate findings.
Project Management
- Oversee project activities from initiation to close-out, ensuring timely completion of tasks and milestones.
- Utilize advanced project management tools and methodologies to monitor progress, allocate resources efficiently, and mitigate risks.
- Ensure compliance with USDA funding and reporting priorities, maintaining detailed records and documentation.
- Track project budgets, including expenditure rates and subawards, to ensure financial accountability and transparency.
Communication
- Serve as the primary contact for research participants, sponsors, and collaborators, maintaining open and effective communication channels.
- Coordinate communication among scientists, stakeholders, and the public to ensure transparency and alignment of project goals.
- Develop and deliver presentations, reports, and publications to convey research findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, community leaders, and the general public.
- Create and maintain content for the SWF website, ensuring timely and accurate updates of project activities and research outputs.
Outreach and Extension
- Conduct community outreach and extension activities to disseminate research findings and promote sustainable water management practices.
- Facilitate outreach and policy communications, develop outreach talks, and create educational materials based on research findings.
- Facilitate the Climate Adaptation Science Academy (CASA ELE), providing experiential learning opportunities for students and stakeholders.
- Work with support team to facilitate K-12 outreach programs and develop resources for undergraduate instruction.
- Create research summaries, presentation slides, correspondence, and social media posts to effectively communicate project activities and findings.
Educational Facilitation
- Develop and implement educational programs and resources that align with the SWF's mission and objectives.
- Mentor and support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows involved in the SWF program.
- Engage with academic institutions to foster educational partnerships and collaborative research opportunities.
Reporting
- Prepare and submit comprehensive project reports, including progress updates, financial statements, and impact assessments.
- Assess project status and needs regularly, ensuring project objectives are met and adjustments are made as necessary.
- Utilize analytical skills to evaluate project data and outcomes, providing insights for continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- A minimum of a Master's degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Hydrology, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in climate-smart agriculture, climate resilience, and water resource management.
- Proven track record in project management, preferably within a scientific or agricultural setting.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and work both independently and collaboratively.
- At least 5 years of experience in a research setting, with evidence of excellent organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including proficiency in written and oral presentations.
- Meeting facilitation skills, or strong interpersonal and communication skills with a willingness to learn facilitation.
- Experience in developing meeting logistics, such as securing facilities and making travel arrangements.
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills, with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Willingness and availability to travel occasionally, with a valid driver's license.
- This is an exempt position requiring occasional overnight travel and weekend work schedule.
- Position can be remote, hybrid, or in-person, but subject to UC Merced personnel policies.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Environmental Science, Geography, Hydrology, or a related field.
- Proficiency in data analytics, such as GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis.
- Familiarity with USDA funding and reporting priorities.
- Expertise in project management concepts and tools, including grant writing and budget management.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating research excellence in climate-smart agriculture and water resource management.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and science communication, including public outreach and policy advocacy.
- Experience in grant writing and securing external funding for research projects.
Application Requirements
Document Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
Reference Requirements: 3 required (contact information only)
Apply Link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01812
Help Contact: thankston2@ucmerced.edu
About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park and is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence.
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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.
Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
Job Location
Merced, CA
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