Horticulture Director

This position is located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC). The Horticulture Director oversees the horticulture program at the WCROC by participating with supervisors in the development of the strategic direction for the program. They also initiate and collaborate on research projects, lead day-to-day operations, manage budgets, and oversee staff. Develop and execute vision for the Horticulture Display Garden, Children's Garden, and Interpretive Overlook. This person provides professional research and technical support within horticulture operations as well as coordinates all research trials, oversees implementation of research protocols, and completes necessary reports. This position assures technical effectiveness in horticultural research projects. The person is responsible to hire, supervise, and train horticulture staff, as well as hire and direct summer students which includes providing specialized training in research, collection techniques, and operational safety. They also organize and execute horticultural educational events, tours, and field trips including the annual Hort Night. Coordinate horticulture advisory committee meetings and activities. This person develops communication strategies that support the mission of the WCROC horticulture program and cultivate donor relationships for ongoing financial support.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

1. Participate in the development and implementation of strategic direction for the WCROC horticulture program (25%)
   1. In consultation with leadership, initiate and collaborate on research initiatives and projects with collaborators within the UMN Department of Horticulture, Arboretum, Horticulture Research Center, other ROC horticulture programs, and with external collaborators and industry partners.
   2. Develop and participate in grant proposals and develop research budgets
   3. Lead the on-going and annual design and development of the Horticulture Garden, Children's Garden, and Interpretive Overlook.
      
2. Lead and direct day-to-day management for the WCROC horticulture program (45%)
   1. Provide professional research and technical support within horticulture operations.
   2. Coordinate research trials with industry partners, investigators, and fellow U of MN colleagues. Write and develop reports, and other publications.
   3. Deliver presentations and publications as a technical expert.
   4. Assure technical effectiveness in horticultural research projects.
   5. Develop job descriptions, hire, supervise, and train horticulture staff in specialized research and collection techniques as well as operational safety.
   6. Design annual flower beds and lead all spring planting efforts, including plot installation. Assign seasonal work.
   7. Lead horticulture budgeting which includes monitoring all garden foundation accounts, trialing fees, and invoicing.
   8. Respond to and resolve requests for public display garden use and constituent concerns.
      
3. Develop and implement outreach activities for the WCROC Horticulture Program (20%)
   1. Manage the planning, organization, and outreach for the annual Hort Night event.
   2. Oversee horticulture program content on the WCROC website and various social media channels.
   3. Enhance the WCROC Horticulture Program's role and profile as a partner within the Morris community and surrounding regions.
   4. Coordinate WCROC Horticulture program outreach with CFANS and ROC Communications staff.
      
4. Organize horticulture program stakeholder groups and external support (10%)
   1. Organize the WCROC Horticulture Advisory Committee and the activities.
   2. Work with the UMN development team to cultivate horticulture program donor relations and fund development for ongoing financial support of the program.
   3. Write and distribute annual or semi-annual appeal letters.
   4. Develop and foster industry and NGO partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree plus at least four years of experience or BA/BS degree with at least six years of experience in horticulture or a related field.
• Understanding of common horticulture practices and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in horticulture or related field with at least 1 years of experience.
• Experience in leadership and program management
• Experience in grant development and management
• Evidence of effective communication skills
• Experience in training and supervision

Pay Range: $72,000.00 - $78,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

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.

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