Associate Program Director

Texas A&M Agrilife Research • College Station, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. Click here to learn more about joining AgriLife! Position Information Job Summary: The Associate Program Director, under general direction, assists in the development and implementation of assigned programs, with expanded leadership responsibility for corporate engagement, research development, and innovation programming within the Corporate Engagement and Research Support (CERS) office. This position provides strategic leadership for the AgriTech Innovation Hub at McGregor, including the development and execution of a comprehensive roadmap to align institutional research capabilities with industry needs, foster partnerships, and accelerate applied agricultural innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) years of related experience in program management, industry engagement, innovation ecosystem development to include start-up and venture capital strategy.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to build relationships with corporate leaders, researchers, and stakeholders.
• Strong project management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in agriculture, engineering, business, or related discipline.
• Experience in agricultural innovation, AgTech, or applied research environments.
• Experience with industry-sponsored research and proposal development.

Responsibilities

• Assists in developing, enhancing, and delivering program objectives for Corporate Engagement and Research Support initiatives.
• Leads development and implementation of a strategic roadmap for the AgriTech Innovation Hub at McGregor (in close coordination with the McGregor team).
• Identifies emerging trends in agriculture and technology to inform program priorities and growth opportunities.
• Utilizes assessments and performance metrics to ensure programs meet or exceed established goals and standards.
• May supervise assigned staff.
• Develops and manages a portfolio of industry partners by building relationships through direct outreach, meetings, conferences, and internal networks.
• Coordinates strategy discussions between faculty, leadership, and corporate stakeholders to identify collaboration opportunities.
• Expands participation and engagement from corporate, startup, and public-sector partners.
• Represents programs and the AgriTech Innovation Hub in external engagement activities.
• Assists in identifying and securing program funding and expansion resources through industry-sponsored research and partnerships.
• Supports development of research proposals, including scoping, budgeting, and alignment with sponsor objectives.
• Provides strategic guidance, document review, and proposal coordination to support faculty and research teams.
• Works in close collaboration with departments, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Builds and supports a network of partners including industry, researchers, startups, and government entities.
• Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and contributes to continuous program improvement.
• Supports planning and execution of events, workshops, demonstrations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Develops communications materials including reports, presentations, and outreach content.
• Enhances visibility and participation in programs through coordinated outreach efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

What This Job Offers

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