Director

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Portland, OREGON
Deadline: 06 Mar 2023

Position Details
Position Information


Department Food Innovation Center (AFC)
Position Title Administrator 1-Res Ctr/Inst
Job Title Director
Appointment Type Administrative/Professional Faculty
Job Location Portland
Position Appointment Percent 100
Appointment Basis 12
Faculty Status Regular
Tenure Status N/A
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $104,100 - $182,112
Position Summary
The Food Innovation Center is seeking a Director. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.
For those candidates who currently hold a tenure position at their respective institution, it is possible for the Director position to be offered with a tenured appointment.
Established in 2000, the Food Innovation Center (FIC) is a unique partnership between Oregon State University (OSU) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to foster the success of food and agricultural enterprises by supporting food innovation throughout all industry sectors. The overall goal of the FIC is, with an entrepreneurial mindset, to provide an integrated program of research, outreach, technical services and education aimed at enhancing the regional capacity for innovation and economic development in the food sector, while also strategically addressing the emerging issues in the food industry, such as sustainability and climate-resilience, food waste and loss, and the impact of food on human health.
The FIC is one of 14 branch experiment stations in the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) and is located in the city of Portland, which is a dynamic food research hub and center for food entrepreneurism. Drawing on the strengths of higher education, government, and private sector collaboration, the FIC plays a significant role in the development and effective marketing of value-added agricultural products and specialty crops from the Pacific Northwest region.
The Director position oversees the FIC Experiment Station and manages the facility, a 33,000 sq. ft. building. This facility currently houses the experiment station and ODA’s Agricultural Laboratory Services programs, and has a great opportunity to house other organizations. This position has primary responsibilities relating to program activities, personnel, budget management, strategic planning and coordinating activities with operations of the College, other branch experiment stations and academic departments. The FIC Director holds a public position in the Portland metropolitan area and should demonstrate the skills necessary to represent and promote the College and the University in a variety of settings.
OSU has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism and community. The University actively recruits and retains a diverse workforce and student body that include members of historically underrepresented groups. It strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides outstanding leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity and building community. There is an expectation that as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.
Summary of Benefits: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee
To calculate our Total Rewards Package use this link: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator

Position Duties
(35%) ADMINISTRATION
Sets strategic direction for the FIC that aligns with and advances OSU and CAS strategic priorities, and promotes distinction for the FIC, the broader FST and for CAS to drive opportunities in funding and collaboration. Seeks adequate operational funds for the support of the FIC, faculty and staff. Prepares and manages annual budgets from sources including agricultural experiment station and extension funds, grants, client service operations revenues and OSU Foundation development efforts. Provides direction and leadership for all FIC faculty and staff regarding long-range plans.
  • Provides leadership as a Principal Investigator to generate revenue and attract funding (grants, contracts and gifts) to undertake applied research activities compatible with the mission, and implement and operate FIC activities. Additionally, works with FIC program leaders to apply for additional grant funding specific to each program.
  • Provides mentorship for FIC faculty and staff on promotion and tenure (when applicable). Provides leadership on priorities for research, outreach, education and client service activities.
  • Oversees management of the building and makes decisions concerning its safety, upkeep and maintenance.
  • Provides the leadership to create and maintain an inclusive, accountable, respectful and transparent community among all FIC faculty, staff and students.
  • Effectively engages with the community, the city of Portland, and statewide to ensure security, safety and the long term viability of the FIC facility.
  • Effectively engages with statewide stakeholders, community members, partners, city and county representatives on local issues that affect the FIC.
  • Oversees and reviews expenditures and contracts and provides reports of accountability for the University and other funding sources.
  • Coordinates and conducts performance reviews and provides criterion-based performance evaluations according to the regulations of the University, works toward the promotion of faculty and staff, and supports and encourages professional development. Chairs the monthly all-FIC staff meetings.
  • Works collaboratively with ODA and other statewide partners to achieve the overall objectives of the FIC.
  • Participates as an administrator in the CAS in program planning at the FIC, College and University level.
  • Maintains an Advisory Committee comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders served by the FIC and holds quarterly meetings with all FIC staff.
  • Communicates faculty impact and industry needs to relevant stakeholders and decision makers statewide.
  • Maintains close ties with the Food Science and Technology Department, other relevant CAS departments, branch experiment stations, and cultivates opportunities for collaboration aligned with CAS strategies.

(35%) PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
Supports research, outreach and engagement efforts for faculty and staff by encouraging generation of new programs. Works with faculty to submit well-written proposals for outside funding support. Participates in multi-disciplinary research and outreach programs to address current issues and support client service activities.
Develops and continues a strong applied research and/or outreach program in an area that complements the activities and expertise of present faculty and is compatible with the FIC mission.
Engages FIC faculty in new and creative means to promote and document the impact of the FIC’s research, outreach and educational programs.
Works cooperatively with other OSU units, ODA, the greater Portland community, as well as statewide, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations in undertaking activities, communicating research results and supporting appropriate forums for outreach and education. Ensures that FIC is welcome to everyone.
Provides support to existing programs and develop new collaborative initiatives with local, regional, national and international food companies, organizations, as well as entrepreneurs that will result in a broader funding base for the FIC.
(15%) SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY
Conducts outreach and/or research activities to support the mission of the FIC; disseminates results through appropriate peer-evaluated venues.
Provides leadership for scholarly activity to all faculty, staff, and graduate students working on FIC projects.
(15%) SERVICE
Participates in community and industry meetings that relate to the FIC, College and University programs.
Provides an atmosphere that will encourage community interest in the FIC and be engaged in programs and initiatives that promote Oregon’s food innovation economy.
Participates in committees and other professional activities within the FIC, the department, the CAS, the University, appropriate professional societies and the broader Portland community.
The incumbent may be required to drive a vehicle to complete a portion of the duties described above.
Minimum/Required Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in food science, applied economics, agricultural marketing, Masters of Business Administration or related fields.
Ten years of professional experience with demonstrated performance in the food, agri-business or related industry and/or academia.
Evidence of ability to provide leadership and vision for a diverse research, outreach and engagement program, and experience in managing such program and/or other relevant non-profit or for-profit programs.
Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Demonstrated experience in business development and fiscal management.
Proven success at obtaining extramural grants and non-governmental funding (contracts, gifts, etc.).
Supervisory experience with professional staff.
Evidence of ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, especially within food and/or agri-business industry settings.
Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Proven background and experience working with communities (metropolitan, rural), representing an academic institution or organization in a multitude of settings, and promoting the academic institution or organization and its programs.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications
PhD in food science, applied economics, agricultural marketing or related fields with demonstrable professional experience in food field.
Demonstrated successful leadership in the strategic planning and management of a diverse business organization, marketing or research program.
Food industry experience – management role in research and development, quality assurance/food safety, sensory science, product development, business development, operations, or related area.
Demonstrated passion for advancing innovative themes related to value added foods, technologies, research, and in outreach and engagement.
Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved stakeholders.
Experience in working with relevant state and federal agencies and programs.
Demonstrated experience in expanding alliances with the private sector.
Experience with revenue development and large fundraising.
Ability to represent and promote the academic institution and its programs in a variety of settings.
Demonstrated commitment to high quality and innovative research, outreach and education.
Clear understanding of the mission of land grant institutions.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The incumbent will be expected to travel within Oregon, nationally, and internationally, and work in the evenings or on weekends.
This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities. No

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P06390UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/01/2023
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 01/12/2023
Full Consideration Date 02/27/2023
Closing Date 03/06/2023
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by February 27, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3) A one page statement describing applicants vision for the Food Innovation Center (Attached as Other Document 1)
4) How would you contribute to OSU’s commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and community including past experiences? (Upload as Diversity Statement)
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact: Yanyun Zhao at[email protected]
OSU is committed to the health of our local and global community. All employees and students are required to comply with the university’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Please visit https://covid.oregonstate.edu/ for additional information about OSU’s plans for safety and success, as well as options for compliance with the vaccination program.
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.


Similar Positions