University Of Florida, IFAS

DIRECTOR AND PROFESSOR, FLORIDA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

We are seeking an innovative unit leader with broad programmatic vision and enthusiasm for leadership. The Director is the administrative head of the Sea Grant College and provides leadership and support for research, education, communications, and extension in the Florida Sea Grant programs (FSG).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director provides vision in planning, develops and implements FSG programs, and acquires extramural funds with private support. The Director plays an active role in overseeing a diverse set of programs and leading strategic planning initiatives to design effective programs for the state, universities and stakeholders. Current Sea Grant program areas emphasize marine biotechnology, fisheries, aquaculture, seafood safety, boating and waterways, waterfront communities, ecosystem health, coastal hazards, graduate education and marine education.

The federal Sea Grant portion of the program covers about 50% of the funding for 100+ faculty and students who conduct research, education, communications, and extension programs. Approximately 12 staff are managed at the Sea Grant College located on the Gainesville campus while the remaining staff are located at various locations throughout the state of Florida. The Director is actively engaged with stakeholders such as the National Sea Grant College Program Office located within the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Springs, MD. In addition the Director interacts with the 31 Sea Grant Programs across the U.S. to conduct regional and national programs. The current annual budget, including federal Sea Grant Funds, non-federal matching funds, and extramural funds is approximately five million dollars.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
An earned appropriate terminal degree with a record of excellence in research and scholarship in marine, coastal, natural resources, or related areas is required. A sustained record of publications and grants, graduate student mentoring, sufficient for academic appointment as Professor with tenure in a UF academic department is required. The applicant’s record must document a commitment to the Sea Grant concept of research, education, communication, and extension.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Extensive knowledge of ocean and coastal resources issues is preferred along with a proven record of innovative leadership and sound management. Experience working in a university environment, work with multiple external constituencies, writing interdisciplinary grant proposals, and an understanding of the federal funding process is required. Demonstrated competency in working with federal, state, and private groups involved in research, education, communications, and extension programs in the marine, coastal or natural resources area also is required.

OTHER INFORMATION: The Florida Sea Grant College Program (FSG) (www.flseagrant.org) is a State of Florida Center with a statewide mission within the Florida Board of Education. Ultimately, FSG reports to the Florida Board of Education, Division of Colleges and Universities, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Eleven public universities, three private universities and two private non-profit marine laboratories participate in FSG. The University of Florida (UF) is the host campus for FSG. At UF, the Sea Grant Director reports to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and also the Senior Vice President for Agricultural and Natural Resources. Its mission is to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources to create a sustainable economy and environment. Florida Sea Grant is ranked as one of the top Sea Grant programs in the country.

The University of Florida (www.ufl.edu) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of almost 50,000 students. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities. On the UF campus, the FSG office is located within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) (www.ifas.ufl.edu) complex. The FSG Extension Program is carried out in partnership with the IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service and the Communications Program is carried out in cooperation with the IFAS Communications Services. All 16 participating campuses appoint Campus Coordinators to assist in maintaining a strong collegial network of faculty statewide.

Gainesville is an attractive city of about 120,000 located in north central Florida midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The region is characterized by recreational and natural resources including many lakes, rivers and natural areas.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Interested individuals should provide -- as PDF or Word file attached to an email - (1) a formal letter of application which includes a brief statement of the applicant’s leadership skills and vision, administrative philosophy, and ideas on the role of the Sea Grant College, (2) current curriculum vitae, and (3) a list of five professional references. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Please address applications, nominations, and communications to:

Daniel F. Parker, Sr., President
Laurie C. Wilder, Senior Vice President
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2440
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: 770-804-1996 ext. 109
Fax: 770-804-1917
lwilder@parkersearch.com