Assistant Director of Research Centers / Administrative Associate II/S

MSU Internal Job Postings Details • East Lansing, MI

14d • Onsite

About The Position

This role oversees operations supporting the University’s research, teaching, and Extension missions, and serves as a key liaison to internal and external partners. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Associate Director of AgBioResearch to coordinate operations, lead long-term planning for infrastructure and cropping systems, and ensure the Centers operate safely and efficiently, aligned with the mission of AgBioResearch and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). The Assistant Director reports to the Director of AgBioResearch (ABR), serves on the ABR leadership team, and interacts with the CANR Dean.

Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in agriculture, agribusiness, or a related field.
• Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in agricultural operations, farm management, agricultural business management, or agricultural equipment/supply industries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with fiscal management, including budgeting and revenue development.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s, MBA or PhD in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders both internal and external to the organization, at various levels.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Financial training and/or experience managing farm operations
• Experience with plant agriculture or natural resource practices
• Knowledge of safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements related to agricultural operations.
• Experience working in a university, research, or Extension environment.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding (grants, partnerships, and philanthropy).
• Understanding of the infrastructure, personnel, stakeholder relationships, and long-term investments required to maintain plant agriculture research facilities as nationally recognized centers for research, teaching, and outreach.
• Equipment operation or safety certifications as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and daily leadership for all ANRREC‑managed Plant and Natural Resource Centers.
• Supervise farm managers, including facilitating performance evaluations, workload planning, hiring recommendations, and professional development.
• Coordinate equipment, supplies, labor, and operational needs to ensure efficient and reliable farm operations.
• Oversee operational budgets for each Center in collaboration with financial officers.
• Develop and implement revenue-generating strategies that support balanced and positive budgets.
• Track financial performance metrics and ensure transparent reporting.
• Lead capital improvement planning, prioritization, and funding requests.
• Oversee cropping plans, land use decisions, and resource allocation to support research, teaching, and Extension needs.
• Contribute to long-term facilities planning, equipment modernization, and sustainability initiatives.
• Lead planning for emerging issues, infrastructure needs, and long-term farm sustainability.
• Contribute to the mentoring and professional development of participants in the ANRREC Administrative Fellowship Program.
• Support staff development across the Centers.
• Actively participate in ANRREC leadership activities, including regular meetings, programmatic discussions, field days, and stakeholder events.
• Provide clear communication and timely updates to ABR leadership and CANR administration.
• Partner with the CANR Safety Officer and relevant EHS and ABR personnel to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and operational best practices.
• Monitor safety performance metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Work closely with faculty coordinators and MSU Extension to ensure that academic, research, and outreach activities are fully supported.
• Align farm operations with evolving research needs and teaching priorities.
• Serve as a liaison to agricultural industry partners, supporting the ABR Director and CANR Dean in maintaining and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
• Facilitate partnerships that enhance research, funding, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with ABR and CANR Communications teams to highlight research, teaching, and Extension activities.
• Promote the visibility and impact of the Campus Teaching and Research Centers through strategic storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
• Conduct performance evaluations for farm managers.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and retention of farm staff.
• Ensure ongoing training and professional development.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace culture.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level