Chair, Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics

Rutgers University•New Brunswick, NJ

22d

About The Position

Rutgers University, School of Environmental and Biological Science ( SEBS ), invites applications and nominations for Chair of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics ( DAFRE ). We seek a scholar with a proven track record in research, exceptional leadership ability, and a deep passion for innovative and inclusive education and outreach. The successful candidate will be one who appreciates and understands the unique value applied economic research and education offers to advance the land grant mission. The Chair will provide intellectual, strategic, and visionary leadership for the department’s faculty, students, and staff; thus, leading the department in new directions that will take advantage of new opportunities for innovation and growth in student enrollment and research opportunities, as well as addressing pressing social issues affecting New Jersey, our region, and the world. A forward-looking perspective on the future direction of the discipline, coupled with the capacity to identify and cultivate new opportunities for departmental growth and expansion, is key for building the department’s expertise and increasing student enrollment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Rutgers and a successful candidate should embrace DEI in all aspects of research, teaching, and outreach/service activities and programs. Within the enviable context of New Jersey, New Brunswick, and the Northeast corridor, we seek applicants who will expand and strengthen connections with industry to catalyze new research and engagement opportunities, grow student enrollment, and enhance student experiential learning, internship opportunities, and career prospects. New Jersey and the tri-state area have one of the largest concentrations of U.S. food firms, pharmaceuticals firms, and financial markets in the U.S. New Brunswick’s strategic location is a mere 45 minutes to New York City, a 2-hour train ride to Washington DC, and half an hour to the world through the Newark Liberty Airport.

Requirements

proven track record in research
exceptional leadership ability
deep passion for innovative and inclusive education and outreach
appreciates and understands the unique value applied economic research and education offers to advance the land grant mission
forward-looking perspective on the future direction of the discipline
capacity to identify and cultivate new opportunities for departmental growth and expansion
embrace DEI in all aspects of research, teaching, and outreach/service activities and programs

Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning to guide the growth of the Department over the next 5+ years that supports the President’s guiding principles and the recommendations of the Rutgers-New Brunswick Academic Master Plan and the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan.
Nurture an environment conducive to curricular and pedagogical innovation, experiential learning, and academic success and employability for both undergraduate and master’s students, while advancing the department’s strategic enrollment planning and its successful implementation.
Foster an inclusive culture and community in which all contributions are valued and recognized, collaboration and innovation are encouraged, and the potential of every individual, including faculty, students, and staff, is fully utilized. Engage diverse audiences, especially those traditionally underrepresented.
Facilitate curricular planning and innovation, inclusive of external stakeholder engagement, that positions DAFRE undergraduate and graduate programs for growth and provides students with the knowledge, experience, and skill sets needed for career success.
Cultivate productive partnerships with other departments, schools, and units at Rutgers to advance teaching, research, and community engagement.
Develop and maintain active personal research and teaching programs.
Build strong ties with industry, commodity groups, alumni, and other external stakeholders to strengthen ties to enhance the departments’ connections, further its mission and vision within and beyond New Jersey, and increase external funding opportunities.
Communicate with transparency and clarity all aspects of departmental initiatives, operations, challenges, and opportunities with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.
Oversee the evaluation of initiatives and achievements associated with departmental plans. Establish data-driven metrics to measure success.
Lead efforts for strategic faculty recruitment, retention, mentoring, and development.
Manage efficiently and transparently human, financial, and physical resources, in compliance with university policies and practices.