Assistant Director of Research Centers / Administrative Associate II/S

Assistant Director of Research Centers

This role oversees operations supporting  the University’s research, teaching, and Extension missions, and serves as a key liaison to internal and external partners. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Associate Director of AgBioResearch to coordinate operations, lead long-term planning for infrastructure and cropping systems, and ensure the Centers operate safely and efficiently, aligned with the mission of AgBioResearch and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). The Assistant Director reports to the Director of AgBioResearch (ABR), serves on the ABR leadership team, and interacts with the CANR Dean.

• Work closely with faculty coordinators and MSU Extension to ensure that academic, research, and outreach activities are fully supported.
• Align farm operations with evolving research needs and teaching priorities.
• Serve as a liaison to agricultural industry partners, supporting the ABR Director and CANR Dean in maintaining and strengthening stakeholder relationships.

• Facilitate partnerships that enhance research, funding, and experiential learning opportunities.

• Collaborate with ABR and CANR Communications teams to highlight research, teaching, and Extension activities.

• Promote the visibility and impact of the Campus Teaching and Research Centers through strategic storytelling and stakeholder engagement.

• →Conduct performance evaluations for farm managers.
• →Support hiring, onboarding, and retention of farm staff.
• →Ensure ongoing training and professional development.
• →Promote a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace culture.

Knowledge equivalent to that which would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in agriculture, agribusiness, or a related field.

Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in agricultural operations, farm management, agricultural business management, or agricultural equipment/supply industries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience with fiscal management, including budgeting and revenue development.

Master’s, MBA or PhD in a relevant field.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders both internal and external to the organization, at various levels.

Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.

Financial training and/or experience managing farm operations

Experience with plant agriculture or natural resource practices

Knowledge of safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements related to agricultural operations.

Experience working in a university, research, or Extension environment.

Demonstrated success in securing external funding (grants, partnerships, and philanthropy).

Understanding of the infrastructure, personnel, stakeholder relationships, and long-term investments required to maintain plant agriculture research facilities as nationally recognized centers for research, teaching, and outreach.

Equipment operation or safety certifications as appropriate.

Maintain balanced or revenue-positive budgets across Centers.

Meet or exceed safety audit benchmarks.

Demonstrate progress in capital improvement planning and infrastructure reliability.

Strengthen faculty satisfaction with farm support and responsiveness.

Increase visibility and stakeholder engagement through communications and outreach.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Please provide a cover letter and resume

STANDARD 8-5

www.canr.msu.edu

Ability to work in outdoor environments and variable weather conditions.

Ability to operate or oversee the operation of farm equipment and vehicles.

Availability for occasional evening or weekend work during peak operational periods.

Advertised: Sep 23, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 20, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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