Horticultural Science Department Head

Horticultural Science Department Head

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced academic leader to serve as the Department Head of Horticultural Science. The successful candidate will have a strong background in horticultural science, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a proven track record of success in academic administration.

• Provide instructional oversight of the assigned programs
• Oversee curriculum development and encourage instructional excellence
• Assess general education outcomes in core courses taught within the department
• Initiate and facilitate the development of new academic programs and projects
• Assign teaching responsibilities of department faculty
• Monitor and advance the instructional and research excellence of the program(s)
• Serve as an advocate for the department's faculty to the College leadership and the University community
• Facilitate and oversee processes for faculty including recruitment, promotion, tenure, and professional leaves
• Provide coaching and mentoring for all faculty in the program(s)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, employers, and supporters
• Provide supervision and direction to staff in the department administrative office
• Lead recruitment efforts for faculty and specialized staff
• Develop budget and resources plans related to staffing and infrastructure
• Administer and manage the allocation of departmental resources
• Manage daily operations of the department
• Provide leadership in procurement of grant and endowment funding for support of departmental and faculty programs
• Participate in the development of policy and strategic planning in the college
• Address misconduct or performance concerns in a timely manner
• Respond to academic questions from students and resolve any academic issues
• Actively sponsor diversity, inclusion and equity working towards fulfillment of department/unit and College goals

• Ph.D. in Horticultural Science or a closely related field
• Commitment to strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and service
• Proven record of support of successful undergraduate and graduate programs
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience after the completion of the doctoral degree
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory/leadership experience including fiscal management
• Record of excellence in teaching/research/discovery as well as engagement/outreach productivity
• Proven record of achievement in leadership and the ability to develop and describe a vision in alignment with the organization's goals and policies
• Record of publications in the field in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding
• Experience with formal classroom teaching or Extension/outreach teaching
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among faculty, staff, and students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to operate strategically to effectively promote and market the unique academic programs offered in Horticultural Science for increased student enrollment and partnerships in the college, university and community
• Evidence of the ability to communicate effectively to a wide diversity of audiences
• A record of implementing innovative and inclusive teaching and pedagogy using multiple platforms
• Evidence of effective mentoring students and/or staff
• Demonstrated skill in fostering linkages with other disciplines and building program partnerships
• Evidence of organizing personnel and resources to successfully obtain large, multi-institutional, national and international grants
• A record of forming positive relationships with varied internal and external stakeholders
• Record of commitment to recruitment, development and retention of a diverse, high-quality faculty student body and staff

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off, continuous learning opportunities, low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, University HSA contributions, disability and employer-paid life insurance, employee wellbeing program, excellent retirement plans with employer contribution, public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity, financial counseling services, and employee assistance program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

• A cover letter clearly indicating how the applicant addresses the required and preferred qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of philosophy of leadership and vision as it relates to the future of the Department of Horticultural Science (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate
• Diversity Statement* (please see instructions below)

*Teaching and research statements should be included in your cover letter (one page each). Each statement should highlight accomplishments, experience, and interests.

PLEASE:

Combine all parts of the application (i.e., letter, CV, statements, etc.) into a single document before uploading.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Anna Lee.

The priority deadline for this position is October 14. 2024. Review of applications will begin in October and continue until the position is filled.

Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials)*

Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please review the CFANS definition of diversity and the DEI strategic plan for the college.

Please provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI. Experiences may include:

Working with diverse communities or local organizations

Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum

Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research

Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in, and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).