Classification & Title: 9361, Head (With Faculty Rank)

Working Title: Department Head

FLSA Status: Exempt

Term: 12-month tenured faculty 

Reports to: Dean

College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus Location: University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum of Natural History, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the collegeâ™s emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Department Overview

As a diversified research-oriented organization, the Department of Horticultural Science also has strong commitments to education for on-campus students and the public. Faculty in the department are nationally and internationally recognized for conducting research in areas including Plant Breeding and Genetics, Plant Growth and  Development, Sustainable Horticulture, and Horticultural Marketing. As a community, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive culture that promotes professional excellence in horticultural science and actively pursue opportunities to increase our adoption of inclusive behaviors. The department co-hosts undergraduate degrees in Plant Science and Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems as well as graduate degree programs in Applied Plant Science and Plant & Microbial Biology. Faculty can also advise graduate students in Conservation Sciences, Applied Economics, and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The Department has a strong association with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the Horticultural Research Center. The University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers partner with many faculty to conduct research across the state.

Position Overview

The University of Minnesota invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Department Head with Faculty Rank within the Department of Horticultural Science. The Department Head reports to the Dean of CFANS and partners with University of Minnesota Extension to accomplish departmental goals and objectives and to deliver nationally and internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, extension, and outreach, including the work at affiliated centers.   

The Department Head is the lead academic and strategic officer for the department who works to recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty, graduate students, and academic staff in a set of related disciplines in addition to serving as the administrative leader of departmental programs. In collaboration with college support divisions, the Department Head has responsibility for planning, fiscal management, personnel, and facilities. The Head actively supports the securing of sufficient resources for the department to strengthen and broaden its mission, nurture cross-functional relations at the University and beyond, and to advance its strong international reputation.

The Department aligns with collegiate and the larger University of Minnesota goals in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Responsibilities

Faculty Responsibilities (20%): 

• As agreed upon following discussion with the Dean, teach an appropriate number of courses relevant to the size and scope of the department.
• Participate in research and scholarly activities within the discipline.
• Participate in University and community service activities as appropriate. 

Service Delivery and Professional Development (5%):

• Stay abreast of current developments in leadership and relevant pedagogy by participating in continuing education and training opportunities. 
• Regularly and actively participate in Department, College, and University events and meetings. 
• Stay current in personal areas of scholarship and research.

Appointment:

This is a 100%-time, twelve-month annually renewable administrative appointment, with an initial appointment period of three years, and a 12-month tenured faculty position as a Professor in the Department. Reappointment is contingent upon a comprehensive administrative review and evaluation. Position is available immediately. Salary is negotiable and carries an administrative augmentation. The Department Head is responsible administratively to the Dean of CFANS, and is a member of the collegeâ™s leadership council. 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Horticultural Science or a closely related field directly related to research and teaching activities within the Department of Horticultural Science with demonstrated potential to achieve the rank of associate or full professor with tenure prior to appointment having demonstrated excellence in research, teaching and leadership to be eligible to successfully obtain tenure at the rank of full professor at the University of Minnesota.
• Commitment to strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and service. Proven record of support of successful undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience after the completion of the doctoral degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory/leadership experience including fiscal management.
• Record of excellence in teaching/research/discovery as well as engagement/outreach productivity.
• Proven record of achievement in leadership and the ability to develop and describe a vision in alignment with the organizationâ™s goals and policies.
• Record of publications in the field in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding.
• Experience with formal classroom teaching or Extension/outreach teaching
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated ability to operate strategically to effectively promote and market the unique academic programs offered in Horticultural Science for increased student enrollment and partnerships in the college, university and community.
• Evidence of the ability to communicate effectively to a wide diversity of audiences.
• A record of implementing innovative and inclusive teaching and pedagogy using multiple platforms.
• Evidence of effective mentoring students and/or staff.
• Demonstrated skill in fostering linkages with other disciplines and building program partnerships.
• Evidence of organizing personnel and resources to successfully obtain large, multi-institutional, national and international grants.
• A record of forming positive relationships with varied internal and external stakeholders.
• Record of commitment to recruitment, development and retention of a diverse, high-quality faculty student body and staff.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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