Position #: 1632 TITLE: Director, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension LOCATION: Lansing, Michigan
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Regular, full-time. Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) is a program of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) that works in close cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and The Nature Conservancy. MNFI is part of NatureServe and its international network of over 70 member natural heritage programs and conservation data centers in the U.S., Canada and Latin America dedicated to the collection of information on biological diversity within the Western Hemisphere. Since its inception in 1980, MNFI has been developing and maintaining the only comprehensive biological and conservation database on Michigan’s rare plants and animals, exemplary natural communities, and other significant natural features. These data are used by federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations and individuals to guide land management, development and conservation decisions. MNFI also conducts conservation research, planning and education. MNFI has about thirty professional staff and a $2.5 million annual budget, funded by grants and contracts. A more complete description of MNFI programs is available at: http://www.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/ Overview of Position: The Director of MNFI provides leadership for the overall direction, management and fiscal sustainability of MNFI, fostering and building the growing relationship between MNFI scientists and researchers and educators at MSU and in MSUE off-campus education programs. She/he works directly with MNFI’s section leaders in strategic planning, program development, fundraising, and personnel matters. She/he is the principal contact to government agencies, NatureServe and the natural heritage network, numerous conservation organizations, foundations, and other funders and cooperators. The Director reports to the MSU Extension Associate Director for Programs. Specific duties include:* Provide leadership and direction to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Assure continued development and dissemination of information on Michigan's biological diversity. Actively promote strong support for and use of the database and staff expertise in conservation, ecosystem management, and environmental decisions within the MDNR and throughout the state and region. Maintain sound scientific direction of the program.* Actively cultivate and secure new and innovative funding sources and partnerships. Undertake development and promotional activities to provide a strong, long-term financial foundation for MNFI. Work with section leaders to secure annual funding for maintaining and expanding MNFI program areas to fulfill objectives.* Provide administrative oversight for all financial management and contract and grant requirements within MNFI.* Supervise, develop, and mentor MNFI staff. Guide staff in strategic planning efforts and the development of collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects. Work with staff to develop the professional, innovative, problem- solving, and networking skills needed to enhance MNFI’s credibility, stability, and long-term viability.* Initiate and contribute to collaborative projects and partnerships to advance the MSUE and MNFI missions. Collaborate with and provide scientific support to MSU researchers and MSUE educators, federal, state, and local government agencies, conservation organizations, the heritage network, tribal groups, academic and business communities, and the general public.Minimum Qualifications: * Demonstrated commitment to conservation of biological diversity and application of sound scientific information in pursuit of that goal. Demonstrated understanding of principles, paradigms, and issues of conservation biology and ecosystem management. * Demonstrated commitment to the MSU mission of scholarship through discovery, outreach, and education and the MSUE mission of providing education that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities.* Minimum of five years of relevant scientific and administrative experience, including program, financial, and project management, supervision, and fundraising. Ph.D. in botany, zoology, ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management or related field preferred. Applicants with a Masters Degree in these fields or a non-science professional field (e.g., business or public administration) also will be considered if they have more than five years of highly relevant professional experience in a conservation-related field.* Evidence of scholarship and scholarly products related to research and educational program development, for example peer-reviewed academic publications, educational materials targeted to lay audiences and curriculum for youth and/or adult learners.* Demonstrated ability and commitment to lead and develop a highly dedicated and competent professional staff. * Demonstrated ability to initiate and implement creative new projects and programs, including successful proposal development, negotiation, and scientific and project oversight.* Demonstrated ability to establish effective partnerships and build collaborations. * Demonstrated commitment to affirmative action and diversity goals and procedures.* Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people including government and private sector leaders, scientists, and land managers. * Ability and willingness to travel, often overnight and on weekends. Desired Characteristics:* Knowledge of the biological diversity and ecological processes of the Upper Midwest.* Working knowledge of Natural Heritage Network programs.* Familiarity with the importance and application of technologies, modeling and statistical methods that enhance the program’s mission and availability of information.Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.Application Procedure and Review Process: Review of applications will begin mid-September 2008 and continue until successful candidates are identified. Position is available November 1, 2008. Finalists will be invited to Lansing to present a public seminar and engage in two or three days of interaction with MNFI staff, other Michigan State University faculty and staff, and stakeholders. Apply by using the Web Employment Application process at http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs. In addition, please send 1) a statement of interest describing your background fit to the above job description, 2) resume/curriculum vitae, 3) transcripts and 4) contact information for five professional references (include name, title, mailing address, phone, and e-mail address) by email to: Terri Badgley at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For further information about the position, please contact Patricia Norris at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 517-432-4129.
