Director, Tropical Conservation and Development Program

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

35d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Latin American Studies of the University of Florida (UF) is seeking a dynamic and innovative leader for its Tropical Conservation and Development (TCD) Program. This internationally recognized program focuses on training, research, and practice, aiming to bridge theory and practice to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and human well-being. The TCD Program offers a cross-campus graduate certificate, promotes interdisciplinary research, and engages in collaborative learning with global partners. The Director will lead and advocate for this program, manage a significant endowment, secure extramural funding, oversee the graduate certificate program, support the TCD community, build relationships across UF and with global organizations, and spearhead program governance and future vision. The Director will also maintain a teaching/mentoring and/or research portfolio, commensurate with their background and interests. The appointment will be housed in the UF Center for Latin American Studies, with an anticipated rank of Associate Professor or Professor. A joint appointment with another campus unit is possible.

Requirements

An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated record of relevant research and professional experience in tropical conservation and development, including significant field experience in the Global South.
Experience with program management, administration, and fundraising.
Experience with leading facilitative decision-making processes and shared governance.
The ability to build collaborative relationships across disciplines and communicate effectively with diverse constituencies.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese or another language of the tropics.

Responsibilities

Lead and advocate for the Tropical Conservation and Development (TCD) Program.
Direct budget allocations from endowments supporting students.
Secure extramural funding to support research and training activities.
Oversee the TCD graduate certificate program, maintaining academic rigor and relevance.
Support the TCD community of students, faculty, alumni, and partners through events.
Fortify existing and build new relationships with units and constituencies across the UF campus.
Strengthen and expand collaborations with organizations and partners across the globe.
Spearhead shared program governance and a long-range TCD vision for the future.
Maintain a teaching/mentoring and/or research portfolio, commensurate with candidate background and interest.