Assistant Director of Research Centers / Administrative Associate II/S

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU - Michigan State University seeks an Assistant Director of Research Centers to oversee operations supporting the University’s research, teaching, and Extension missions. This role coordinates long-term infrastructure planning, ensures safety, and partners with ABR and CANR leadership to advance farm centers and stakeholder engagement.

The position requires experience in agricultural operations, budgeting, and staff leadership, with a focus on collaborative, cross-functional work within

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements: four-year degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or related field.
• Five to eight years of progressive experience in agricultural operations, farm management, or related fields.
• Experience with fiscal management, budgeting, and revenue development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and daily leadership for ANRREC-collected Plant and Natural Resource Centers.
• Supervise farm managers, including evaluations, workload planning, hiring recommendations, and development.
• Coordinate equipment, supplies, labor, and operational needs for efficient farm operations.
• Oversee operational budgets and collaborate with financial officers.
• Develop and implement revenue-generating strategies and monitor performance metrics.
• Lead capital improvement planning and funding requests.
• Oversee cropping plans, land use, and resource allocation to support research and teaching.
• Mentor and develop participants in the ANRREC Administrative Fellowship Program.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's in Agriculture

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Director of Research Centers

Position Summary

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.

Strategic Leadership, Operations, and Financial Management

Provide strategic oversight and daily leadership for all ANRREC‑managed Plant and Natural Resource Centers.

• Supervise farm managers, including facilitating performance evaluations, workload planning, hiring recommendations, and professional development.
• Coordinate equipment, supplies, labor, and operational needs to ensure efficient and reliable farm operations.

• Oversee operational budgets for each Center in collaboration with financial officers.
• Develop and implement revenue-generating strategies that support balanced and positive budgets.
• Track financial performance metrics and ensure transparent reporting.
• Lead capital improvement planning, prioritization, and funding requests.

• Oversee cropping plans, land use decisions, and resource allocation to support research, teaching, and Extension needs.
• Contribute to long-term facilities planning, equipment modernization, and sustainability initiatives.
• Lead planning for emerging issues, infrastructure needs, and long-term farm sustainability.

• Contribute to the mentoring and professional development of participants in the ANRREC Administrative Fellowship Program.
• Support staff development across the Centers.

• Actively participate in ANRREC leadership activities, including regular meetings, programmatic discussions, field days, and stakeholder events.
• Provide clear communication and timely updates to ABR leadership and CANR administration.
• Partner with the CANR Safety Officer and relevant EHS and ABR personnel to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and operational best practices.
• Monitor safety performance metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies.

• Faculty, Research, Extension, Industry and Stakeholder Engagement

  • 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.

• Supervisory & HR Responsibilities

  • 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.

Minimum Requirements

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.

Desired Qualifications

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.

Performance Expectations/Key Metrics:

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

www.canr.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

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.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 09/29/2026 at 11:55 PM