Center Director and Professor - Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC)

University of Florida•Collier, FL

57d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Director serves as the administrative head of the University of Florida/IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) located in Immokalee, FL. The Center Director provides strategic leadership and support for the integrated teaching, research, and Extension programs developed by faculty that address the essential needs of the stakeholders, including agricultural, natural resource conservation, and environmental. The Center Director is responsible for developing, promoting and overseeing proactive programs that address current and emerging issues affecting agricultural, natural resource, and urban communities. SWFREC faculty-led programs address critical regional priorities, including pest and disease protection and production of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, water resource management, and the urban–agriculture interface. Through these efforts, the Center advances the sustainability and competitiveness of agricultural systems, supports natural resource conservation, and enhances the quality of life in southwest Florida.

Requirements

An earned Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in a discipline relevant to agriculture, environmental horticulture, natural resources, or a closely related field is required.
Possess a record of scholarship and academic achievement consistent with appointment at the rank of Professor within UF/IFAS.
Demonstrate a proven record of excellence in research and teaching, along with experience in Extension or stakeholder-engaged programming that translates scientific knowledge into practical applications addressing clientele needs.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including responsibility for mentoring and supervising faculty, staff, and students, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing organizational environment.
Strong administrative, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are required, along with the ability to manage complex programs and make effective decisions.
Demonstrate a history of securing extramural funding from competitive sources, including commodity and industry groups and governmental agencies such as the USDA.
Demonstrate the ability to build and sustain productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Exhibit a clear understanding of and commitment to the mission of the land‑grant system, including the integration of research, teaching, and Extension.
A strong commitment to the core values of the University of Florida is essential.

Nice To Haves

A nationally recognized, stakeholder-engaged scientist with proven leadership in managing complex research and Extension programs, capable of advancing the land‑grant mission through strategic vision, partnerships, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic vision and leadership to advance interdisciplinary, high-impact programs conducted by SWFREC faculty, staff, and students.
Supports and strengthens teaching, research, and Extension programs.
Leads efforts to address clientele needs through visionary and proactive Extension programming and scientifically recognized research efforts.
Manages SWFREC’s financial, personnel and physical resources, including laboratories, field research infrastructure, and associated facilities.
Establishes priorities and implements short- and long-term goals related to programs, personnel, and capital investments to ensure operational excellence and sustained growth of the Center.
Develops, maintains, and strengthens strategic partnerships with UF/IFAS administration, county Extension faculty, and local, state, and federal agencies, as well as agricultural, environmental, and industry stakeholders.
Develops, implements, and continuously advances a strategic vision that enhances SWFREC’s impact at the local, regional, and statewide levels.
Fosters a collaborative and high-performing environment that supports excellence among faculty, staff, and students.
Provides leadership in faculty development, including mentoring, performance evaluation, and oversight of programmatic activities.
Coordinates promotion and tenure processes in consultation with appropriate academic department chairs.
Co-supervises State Specialized Agents (SSA) and Regional Specialized Agents (RSA) located at SWFREC in collaboration with the District Extension Director.
Exercises effective communication and management practices, including delegation of responsibilities and timely decision-making, to ensure efficient and coordinated operations.
Serves as a key representative of UF/IFAS and is accountable for building, sustaining, and strengthening productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Initiates, coordinates, and advances collaborative efforts with UF/IFAS Department Chairs, Research and Education Center directors, District Extension Directors, county Extension faculty, and other UF units.