Director Of Education Jobs

About The Position

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.