About This Role:

The College of Agriculture at Kansas State University (K-State) invites nominations and applications for the Head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry position.  The college seeks an experienced individual to provide leadership and administrative oversight for excellent instructional; research; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and extension programs in the department.  The department head will lead the completion of planning and oversee the initial occupancy of the new  Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, the centerpiece of the $210 million Agriculture Innovation Initiative at K-State.

The successful candidate will have a strong record of scholarly and professional accomplishments, a distinguished reputation in the grain and plant-based food, animal food, or bioproduct industries community, and excellent interpersonal skills.  An earned doctorate in a discipline of science or engineering such as Grain Science, Food Science, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, or another related field is required.

The department is the only academic institution worldwide that offers three distinct undergraduate degrees in Bakery Science and Management, Feed and Pet Food Science, and Milling Science and Management, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Grain Science with a broad spectrum of innovative research programs for food/feed and nonfood applications.  Additional details about degrees, programs, and facilities are available at grains.ksu.edu.

The department head reports to the Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension and is responsible for the administration of all programs and budgets of the department, including the IGP Institute.  Duties include working with faculty, staff, and students to deliver outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering research efforts of the highest quality, and maintaining productive relationships and development activities with alumni, industry partners, and government agencies.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Department of Grain Science and Industry as it increases the number of incoming and graduating students, develops new knowledge, and disseminates information.
• Provide leadership and administrative actions for the department that advances the global grain and plant-based food, animal food, and bioproduct industries through scholarship, research, technology commercialization, and outreach.
• Provide daily oversight and management for the department, teaching, research, and extension programs; supervise office professionals; oversee/administer the departmental budget; facilitate grants, contracts, and other external funding, and developmental support activities; foster a diverse and inclusive environment and respond to college and university programmatic and informational requests.
• Represent the Grain Science departmental faculty, students, and programs at the College of Agriculture executive/leadership committees, other college/university functions, and with industry partners.
• Provide vision and leadership to advance the goals of the land grant mission and departmental strategic priorities, including implementation of the Next Gen K-State Strategic Plan.
• Maintain, expand, and promote quality and innovative international programs.
• Facilitate external funding support and opportunities, including working with alumni; local, state, and federal agencies; industry partners; and the Kansas State University Foundation.
• Mentor and develop faculty and staff to grow professionally.

Worksite Options:

• This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctoral degree in a discipline of science or engineering such as Grain Science, Food Science, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, or another related field relevant to Grain Science and Industry programs.
• Academic credentials and professional qualifications that merit appointment as a tenured associate or full professor in the department.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong record of proven leadership and administrative abilities.
• Accomplishments in teaching, research, extension, or service in an academic institution, or equivalent achievements in research, technical services, or outreach in related industries.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively nurture talent, and a demonstrated commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to raise substantial external funding.
• Proven fiscal and managerial skills.
• Engagement in national/international professional organizations.
• Demonstrated strategic vision in leading organizations and projects.
• Capability to build partnerships with businesses, alumni, and other relevant constituents.
• Ability to create and sustain a culture of excellence and collegiality.
• Academic credentials and professional qualifications that merit appointment as a tenured full professor in the department.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. A letter of application documenting the applicant’s qualifications for the position, stating vision and goals for leadership of the department.
2. A comprehensive curriculum vita, including external funding sought and secured.
3. Contact information of at least three professional references who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on January 8, 2024, and continues until the position is filled.  All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be kept confidential.  The identity and application materials of finalists will become publicly available when on-campus interviews are scheduled.  Inquiries and nominations may be sent to search committee chair, Dr. Dan Moser, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, dmoser@ksu.edu, (785) 532-6151.  The position is available on July 1, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.