Position Function:
This is a 12-month, tenured faculty appointment in the Department of Agricultural Economics with split responsibilities in research (50%), and Extension (50%). The faculty member in this position serves as Director of the Southern Rural Development Center. As one of four regional centers, the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) works with 13 Southern states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands to initiate, foster and facilitate regional research and education efforts that contribute to an increased quality of life for residents of the Southern region. The SRDC is partially federally funded and hosted by Mississippi State University.
The SRDC Director is an employee of Mississippi State University. The position is jointly funded by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station. The SRDC Director is evaluated by the directors of these two entities, or their designees. Program guidance is provided by the SRDC Board of Directors, made up of Administrators selected from the regions 1890 and 1862 land grant universities and foundation representatives. The SRDC Director also receives advisory input from the SRDC Technical and Advisory Committee made up of representatives of land grant institutions (1890 and 1862) in the region and non-land grant partners. The SRDC Director supervises the staff of the Center and is responsible for management of the Center's budget.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Center Director is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures established by the SRDC Board of Directors; managing the Center's budget, activities and programs; generating and directing innovative multistate research and extension programs; promoting the Center's mission, capabilities and program with primary funding organizations, potential financial supporters and clientele; providing synergistic leadership to public and private rural development activities in the South; seeking funding and other resources to support state and multistate development activities of the participating states and institutions; and fostering more effective and better funded partnerships among the region's 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant institutions. Specific responsibilities will include the following expectations:
* Successfully seek and acquire external funding to support the development and delivery of SRDC programs
* Develop statewide and regional programs utilizing innovative teaching tools and decision support aids for decision makers
* Utilize workshops and county/state/regional presentations as well as coordinate with Extension communication specialists in the distribution of content for mass media programs where applicable
* Generate significant scholarly output including articles in peer-reviewed journals, Extension and Experiment Station publications, departmental papers and popular press articles.
* Foster multi-state collaboration and linkages on high impact rural development issues or concerns.
Minimum Qualifications:
The Director must have a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Regional Economics, Economics, Community Development, Rural Sociology, or a closely related area. Must qualify for rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure in the Department of Agricultural Economics.
Preferred Qualifications:
It is preferred that the candidate have an established record in grant writing, knowledge of the USDA/land-grant system, administrative experience, and an established record in rural/regional development research or Extension activities. It is also important that the Director have strong interpersonal skills as well as strong skills in effective oral and written communications.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all college and university work, and have three professional letters of reference sent to: Mrs. Debra Price, Department of Agricultural Economics, Box 5187, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (or by email to price@agecon.msstate.edu). Applicants must complete the Personal Data Information form found at www.jobs.msstate.edu. Any social numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. For more information about this position and the Department of Agricultural Economics contact Keith Coble (keith.coble@msstate.edu) 662-325-2750) or visit the departmental (http://www.agecon.msstate.edu) or SRDC (http://srdc.msstate.edu) website.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicant screening will begin on August 15, 2020.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon funding availability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
