Texas A&M University · 2 months ago
Research Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco
Weslaco, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expTexas A&M AgriLife Research is a leading research agency in Texas focusing on agriculture, life sciences, and natural resources. The Research Center Director will administer and coordinate all aspects of the center while leading a nationally recognized research program in agricultural sciences and food systems, fostering partnerships, and managing resources effectively.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Develop a vision for the continued role of the Center and AgriLife Research in the dynamic environment of agriculture, food and water science in Texas and elsewhere
Provide intellectual, philosophical and strategic leadership to Center faculty and scientists, staff and students to enhance research, extension and teaching missions
Develop strategic responses to food and agriculture-related issues and opportunities, particularly in meeting the needs of the local food and agricultural industry
Develop and/or lead research teams to respond to internal and external research grant opportunities with the involvement of research faculty from AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension, as well as other research institutions
Manage human and fiscal resources, including team building and leading a contract and grants program that elevates the Center’s efforts throughout AgriLife
Represent the Center to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, key industry groups and international organizations
Provide leadership for the coordination of efforts between research, teaching and extension faculty to create an effective and synergistic working relationship
Liaison with the administration of AgriLife Research to plan initiatives, convey research and extension information and pursue fundraising opportunities that will benefit the Center far into the future
Maintain communication with AgriLife Program Administration, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department Heads, AgriLife Extension leadership and other Texas A&M University System components regarding issues affecting Texas A&M AgriLife or other system components
Develop collaborative administrative leadership approach between Center Director and District Extension Administrator for Research and Extension programs and operations for the Center
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
A Ph.D. in one or more related fields such as horticulture, agronomy, plant physiology, breeding, water sciences and/or environmental sustainability
Experience in managing human and fiscal resources
Be a well-recognized leader in agricultural sciences, with an excellent research background in a relevant field, as demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals, grant funding and stature appropriate for a full-time faculty appointment at the professor level
Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholder groups, identify critical issues and act on those needs through research activities that bring resolution to problems
Demonstrated success in building, supporting and leading interdisciplinary programs and teams
Excellent English verbal, written, and electronic communication skills
Strong writing, public speaking, and presentation skills
Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, administration, and stakeholders
Ability to manage multi- and interdisciplinary teams
Ability to utilize leadership skills to inspire Center employees, manage teams, and invest in the individual success of staff members
Knowledge of a commitment to the mission of a Land Grant University is essential
Knowledge of fundraising, where development ideas advance the goals of the Center
Ability to coordinate with broad-based partners and stakeholders to address current and emerging agricultural, food, and water challenges statewide, nationally, and internationally
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
Preferred
At least 10 years conducting competitively funded research
Knowledge of the Land Grant System and a track record of using research and extension to solve problems and convey practical solutions to stakeholders
Demonstrated experience navigating conflicting interests to achieve accepted practices among groups (e.g., stakeholders, trade associations, commodity groups, state and/or federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, etc.)
Benefits
Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
12-15 days of annual paid holidays
Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
Company
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University has a proud history that stretches back to 1876 when The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas became the first public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Texas A&M University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (322)
2024 (292)
2023 (214)
2022 (207)
2021 (109)
2020 (141)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jen Sommers, M.Ed.
Spectrum Living Learning Community Co-Founder
Greg Hartman
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, Texas A&M University,
Recent News
Research & Development World
2025-10-07
Medical Xpress - latest medical and health news stories
2025-10-06
2025-10-04
Company data provided by crunchbase