Director of Operations - Northwest Research and Outreach Center (Crookston, MN)

Director of Operations - Northwest Research and Outreach Center (Crookston, MN)

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading NWROC's strategic direction and providing administrative leadership to achieve operational excellence and financial sustainability. As the primary point of accountability for infrastructure leadership, the Director plays a key role in aligning physical resources with the Center's strategic mission. The Director works in close collaboration with a highly experienced team of faculty, supervisors, administrators, researchers, and labor-represented staff. In addition to overall leadership and management duties, responsibilities include oversight of capital improvements, maintenance, and space planning.

Operations and Administrative Management (35%)

• Analyze programmatic needs and develop implementation plans to support research, production, education, outreach, land stewardship, and faculty support requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate Advisory Committee meetings, supporting long-term goal setting and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and processes related to fiscal management, grants, human resources, communications, and safety.
• Lead strategic planning and implementation of research, education, and outreach activities.
• Manage internal and external communications.
• Promote effective collaboration and relationships while representing NWROC in CFANS system-wide meetings and with external partners, industry collaborators, the wider community, and local educational entities.
• Provide reports and strategic analysis to collegiate leadership and research faculty upon request.
• Facilitate high participation rate to institution-wide employee surveys and follow-up on results appropriately to address findings and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Train supervisors on first-level conflict management, performance management, problem-solving within the department, and utilizing University resources where necessary.
• Oversee facility operations to ensure operations are strategically managed to support long-term infrastructure needs and maintain a safe, functional, and accessible campus environment.
• Oversee infrastructure investments with NWROC's research, outreach, and operational goals through collaboration with Collegiate and University stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable University policies, state and federal regulations, and safety standards.

Land Stewardship (30%)

Public Engagement and Outreach (15%)

Staff Management (10%)

Fiscal Management (10%)

Qualifications Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

About the Department

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston, Minnesota is one of 10 research and outreach centers in the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Resource Sciences (CFANS). The NWROC, located adjacent to the University of Minnesota's Crookston campus, includes approximately 1,800 acres of land and provides analytical, biological and field laboratories to U of M faculty, staff and students to conduct research and demonstrations to enhance the efficient use of agriculture and natural resources in northwest Minnesota. Program areas at NWROC...