Position Description
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Associate Program Director of the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center
(MITPPC)
Position Title:
Classification:
Reports to:
Position #:
Requisition #:
Associate Program Director
Associate Program Director, Class #9341
Director, MITPPC
275093
193562
Position Overview: This is a full-time Associate Program Director who manages the day-to-day program
operations and works with the Director of the MITPPC in the administration of terrestrial invasive species
programs, grants, and activities.
Major Areas of Responsibility:
Ensure smooth operation of the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) by
communicating and coordinating within MITPPC and between MITPPC and other functional areas of the
University and externally. – 30%
 Coordinate and support the overall activities of a research center at the University comprised of a director,
approximately a dozen faculty and associated staff and students across several colleges but based in CFANS.
 Develop and maintain liaisons with other University staff, faculty, units and students as needed to encourage
interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing of ideas and stay current with developments within the University
related to terrestrial invasive species.
 Provide oversight to research scientists responsible for managing centralized facilities and assets controlled by
the MITPPC.
 Supervise and coordinate the time and activities of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers shared by
Center staff.
Facilitate mission-driven programming valued by and relevant to external stakeholders. – 30%
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Manage the activities of the Advisory Board for the MITPPC and assist with its strategic planning activities.
Strategize and implement media efforts, including online newsletters, social media interfaces and print
media/radio efforts to researchers, students, partners and the general public.
Oversee the maintenance and relevance of the MITPPC website, email lists and all related files and
communications.
Oversee the planning and logistics for symposia, colloquia, educational events, public outreach and all
outreach activities of the MITPPC.
Develop and maintain liaisons with community, industry, government and other institutions outside the
University to build collective action in and around the state and region to address the problem of terrestrial
invasive species.
Finance/Development/Planning – 40%
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Coordinate and execute progress report writing and financial reports for MITPPC faculty and then synthesize
this information for reports to granting agencies as needed.
Oversee the development and monitoring of budgets and re-budgets for sponsored projects, ensuring
appropriate effort, match, and use of resources in close collaboration with the principal investigator and
director.
Coordinate with CFANS Development unit to implement fundraising and resource development efforts.
Strategize for the ongoing improvement of quality and efficiency of the programs, develop short- and longrange goals, and develop protocols for program evaluation, data collection, and program improvement.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree.
Experience with program planning and grants management.
Experience with multi-institutional project management.
Experience working with sponsored projects from a variety of funding sources.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong organizational and management skills.
Strong computer skills.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree
Experience working in a research setting
Experience working with faculty and external agencies
Experience working with diverse populations
Experience working with interdisciplinary teams
Experience with grant writing or other fund raising activities
Knowledge of issues related to terrestrial invasive species
Experience with legislative processes
Application Instructions
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.
Apply online at https://employment.umn.edu (search for requisition #193562) and submit the following:
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Cover letter of interest that describes how you meet each of the required qualifications
Current resume
Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Finalists will be expected to address their commitment and experience in working with diverse populations during
the interview process.
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. As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity, the College of
Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the University are committed to hiring a diverse
faculty and staff, and strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
We welcome you to visit our college’s Diversity and Inclusion web page at:
http://www.cfans.umn.edu/diversity/