North Central ROC Director of Operations

Position Title: Director of Operations
Reporting To: ROC Systems Operations Manager
U Classification: Administrative Manager I
U Classification #: 9341M1

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

This position is located in Grand Rapids and is 100% in person

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading NCROC'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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Operations and Administrative Management (35%)
* Analyze programmatic needs and develop implementation plans to support research, production, education, outreach, and land stewardship.
* 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.
* Oversee development and implementation for land management stewardship for research and rotational acres, including compliance with FSA certification, crop insurance, government programs, and recordkeeping requirements.
* Promote effective collaboration and relationships while representing ROC in CFANS system-wide meetings and with external partners including Extension, industry collaborators, and local educational entities.
* Provide reports and strategic analysis to collegiate leadership and research faculty upon request.
* Train supervisors on first-level conflict management, performance management, problem-solving within the department, and utilizing University resources where necessary.

Facility Oversight and Coordination (25%)
* Ensure compliance with all applicable University policies, state and federal regulations, and safety standards across all phases of project planning and execution.
* Ensure daily facility operations are strategically managed to support long-term infrastructure needs and maintain a safe, functional, and accessible campus environment.
* Lead and supervise NCROC facilities staff in the execution of infrastructure-related tasks to ensure alignment with project objectives and uninterrupted daily operations.
* Oversee facility project timelines, budgets, and communication with contractors, architects, engineers, and internal University personnel to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery of
needs

Facility Project Management (20%)
* Provide strategic leadership and full oversight of facility and infrastructure projects at NCROC, from initial concept and budgeting through implementation and completion.
* Direct and manage facility renewal, capital improvement, and deferred maintenance projects in close partnership with University of Minnesota Capital Project Management, Real Estate, and
Facilities Management units.
* Align infrastructure investments with NCROC's research, outreach, and operational goals through collaboration with collegiate and University stakeholders.

Fiscal Management (10%)
* Collaborate with CFANS Finance and Human Resources to oversee and review payroll, budgets, HRMS, and departmental records to ensure data accuracy and confidentiality on a
regular basis.
* Manage financial planning, expenditure decisions and allocation of financial resources ensuring financial activities are performed in compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and law.
* Oversee financial operations and preparation of fiscal year departmental and other administrative budgets, including expenditure and income forecasting, and long-range fiscal planning to ensure fiscal responsibility.
* Oversee earned revenue and ICR generated through research activities initiated at the ROC and ensure overall support to project and budget objectives.

Staff Management (10%)
* Foster collaboration among unit supervisors to ensure cross-functional efficiency, strategic alignment, and continuous improvement.
* Initiate and implement efforts to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment to encourage employee engagement; ensure supervisors are managing performance expectations; and provide professional development opportunities.
* Manage faculty, staff, and student appointment adjustments/shifts and compliance reporting.
* Manage all hiring processes and make final hiring decisions.
* Oversee implementation of employee safety protocol and training.
* Serve as the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer for the ROC.
* Supervise ROC full- and part-time personnel through the full employee life cycle.

Required Qualifications:

* BA/BS degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
* Demonstrated ability to manage operations, budgets, personnel, and strategic initiatives
in a complex organization.
* Experience in a supervisory role and leading interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Advanced or terminal degree with at least 6 years of experience.
* Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Experience and skill with Microsoft and Google suites.
* Experience in agricultural research, operations management, land stewardship, or
research administration.
* Experience managing cross-functional projects.
* Familiarity with University of Minnesota systems or similar higher education settings.
* Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.

The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, Minnesota is one of 10 Research and outreach centers in the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The NCROC encompasses approximately 1,100 acres and supports analytical, biological, and field laboratories to facilitate research and demonstration projects that enhance the sustainable use of agricultural and natural resources in north central Minnesota. Program areas include cow/calf production systems, forage systems, forest genetics and stewardship, horticulture and plant sciences for northern climates, and wild rice breeding and conservation.

Pay Range: $86,000 -$90,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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 be given 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.

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).