Principal Agent AND Hughes Center Director

University of Maryland•Richland, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, affiliated with the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving as a national model for Maryland’s agriculture, forestry, and environmental communities. It employs a collaborative research and outreach model to develop science-based solutions for natural resource management and conservation in Maryland and the Chesapeake Watershed. The Center's mission is to promote environmentally sound and economically viable agriculture and forestry as Maryland’s preferred land use. This is achieved through unbiased research driven by stakeholder needs, extensive outreach to disseminate findings via various media, and strong collaboration with its diverse board and the broader agricultural and environmental communities. The Center seeks a visionary leader to serve as its next Director, building on its 25-year legacy and expanding its growth, visibility, and impact. The Director will report to the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Hughes Center Board. This role is the primary external representative of the Center, responsible for maintaining existing relationships and forging new partnerships. The ideal candidate will be an organized, detail-oriented self-starter with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and lead a team. Key responsibilities include bringing a bold vision to elevate the Center's profile, engaging new audiences, building understanding with policymakers, supporting the board, and leveraging the relationship with the University of Maryland and AGNR, including student engagement.

Requirements

A master’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, public policy, or a closely related field.
At least five years of experience in leading and managing an organization or team of comparable size, preferably within university systems, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
Eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring.

Nice To Haves

Experience and knowledge of finances and budgets with multiple funding sources.
Track record of successfully leading both large and small projects.
Demonstrated success in raising and sustaining competitive and non-competitive funding from the public and non-profit sectors.
A record of collaborative leadership and ability to advocate for the organization.
Evidence of positive relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders and leaders across all sectors.
Experience with building board relations and recruiting and engaging with a diverse board of directors.
The ability to, orally and in writing, communicate effectively with all parties.
Understanding of the operations of a non-profit organization and a university.
Familiarity with Maryland’s agriculture and environmental communities.
Scholarly accomplishments necessary for appointment at the rank of Senior Faculty Specialist within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park (for external candidates).
Current AGNR tenured faculty member at the associate professor/professor or senior/principal agent rank; or a current AGNR professional track faculty member at the senior/principal professional track rank (for internal candidates).

Responsibilities

Serve as the outward face of the Hughes Center and the leader of the Center’s team.
Act as the primary contact with the Hughes Center Board, external stakeholders, leadership at the University of Maryland, and the Center’s team.
Maintain existing relationships while seeking new partnerships and opportunities to broaden the Center’s reach and impact.
Bring a bold vision to enhance and elevate the Center’s visibility in the state and region.
Steward current relationships while engaging new audiences and perhaps new models of working through exceptional communication and interaction.
Build understanding with state and federal policy makers and government officials about the work of the Center.
Support and facilitate the effective functioning of the Center’s board of directors.
Engage with UMD and AGNR to fully leverage the relationship, including student engagement.
Develop and execute a clear and strategic vision to expand the Center’s impact.
Recruit and foster staff members.