The University of Missouri is seeking an Assistant Program Director for the newly-established Johhny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatics Systems () within the School of Natural Resources (SNR; ), a division of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR; ). The Morris Institute was established through a unique public-private partnership. This novel approach, the first of its kind, reflects the innovation that defines CAFNR's strategic plan the Drive to Distinction. The primary criterion for selection is established leadership in natural resources conservation with demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships, secure external funding and train the next generation of conservation professionals. This position will be a Non-Tenure Track academic appointment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Starting date: August 1, 2024 or as negotiated.

Responsibilities:

Administration - The successful candidate will be the Assistant Program Director of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries Wetlands, and Aquatics Systems. The vision for the Morris Institute is to become a hallmark of public-private collaboration that drives applied research and land management decisions to inform priority aquatic systems issues in Missouri, regionally and nationally. The Morris Institute will be a world class training center for the next generation of students, researchers, land managers and industry leaders with a focus on integrated education. This position facilitates the accomplishments of the Morris Institute goals by leading the Institute's Chip and Teresa McGeehan Career Pathways program. The position will develop a nationally recognized undergraduate training program in conjunction with faculty and external partners including collaborative design, implementation, and evaluation. The successful candidate is expected to conduct original grant-funded research in the efficacy of education strategies and in their areas of expertise that compliment Institute direction.

The Morris Institute will play a foundational role in outreach by communicating knowledge across the array of decision-makers including the public. The Institute is provided office and laboratory space by the University. It is the responsibility of the Assistant Program Director to provide leadership in the building of collaborative partnerships, procurement of extramural research funding for programmatic support, and guiding the Institute's outreach, and student training efforts.

Specifically, the position will:

Undergraduate Training: The successful candidate will develop a nationally-recognized undergraduate education program in fisheries, wetlands and aquatic systems. Develop, and lead, teams of staff, faculty, and external partners to design, execute, and evaluate an immersive experiential undergraduate education program that facilitates work-force development; develop regional networks for experiential learning opportunities; implements evaluation protocols; recruits new students and provides support for incoming students; annually reviews and revises the comprehensive program design.

Coordinates, promotes, and supervises student internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Develops and teaches relevant undergraduate seminar courses and workshops, as needed, in support of Institute goals. Engages partners in delivery of experiential learning curricula.

Curates public-facing educational materials and partner communications: maintains/edits website, newsletters and periodicals; develops podcasts and other social media outlets to promote Institute activities and accomplishments.

Research: Serves as lead PI on grant proposals that support Institute priorities. Recruits and advises graduate students. Publishes applied research related to these activities. Research focused on the efficacy of conservation education strategies is encouraged, especially the evaluation of novel experiential learning strategies. The successful candidate may also pursue research related to their

Minimum Qualification - Masters degree.

Candidates will be evaluated on -

A proven track record in building collaborative partnerships that engage public and private entities in conservation actions.

Demonstrated leadership and ability to secure external funding.

Administrative experience.

Graduate coursework in fisheries, wetlands, aquatic science, or a closely related area.

National recognition as a scientist or administrator in fisheries, wetlands, aquatic science, or a closely related discipline, peer-reviewed publications and extramural or collaborative grant support.

To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at Job ID 51465. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative highlighting collaborative partnerships, narrative of teaching philosophy, narrative of current and future research interests, and the names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2024, with interviews in June 2024.

For additional information about the position, please contact The Institute's Interim Director Eric Kurzejeski (kurzejeskie@missouri.edu) or Dr. Patrick Market (), Director of the School of Natural Resources.

About MU: MU, the flagship institution in the University of Missouri System, has nearly 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is a land grant institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. Located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a vibrant small city that is consistently ranked among the top such places to live in across America. The School of Natural Resources awards B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Natural Resources with emphases in multiple sub-disciplines. Detailed information about the programs and faculty is available at . The School operates many laboratory and greenhouse facilities and has access to extensive field areas available within the College of Agriculture's AES Research, Extension and Education Centers network (). The School of Natural Resources has robust collaborative ties to state and federal agencies charged with managing natural resources and numerous opportunities are available to access and conduct research on the extensive and diverse public lands across the state.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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