Responsibilities

The director will contribute to the integrated land-grant mission of the IANR as a leadership scholar and trainer, including contributions to student recruitment and other activities that extend the impact of the university throughout the State. 

The Director reports to the NU Vice President/IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor or their designee. The Board of Directors of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council (NALC) shall advise the Director and the Vice Chancellor (or designee) on the substance of the Nebraska LEAD Program. Regular performance reviews will be conducted with input from the Board of Directors of the NALC. Duties and responsibilities will include working closely with the Board of Directors of the NALC in consultation with the NU Vice President/IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor and their designee to administer all operations of the Nebraska LEAD Program. The Director leads the development of LEAD programming and is the primary leadership trainer and instructor. While others may contribute their expertise by conducting or participating training events, it is expected that the Director will be present at all Nebraska Lead programming events and activities. 

The Director achieves outcomes and impact by: 

Strategic Visioning

  • Synthesizing a vision for Nebraska LEAD with input from the NALC Board, NU Vice President/IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor, and stakeholders that encompasses all programming.
  • Ensuring alignment of the strategic direction of the Nebraska LEAD Program with the strategic direction of IANR and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Seeking and deploying personnel and financial resources strategically.
  • Continuously examining and refreshing the strategic direction as needed.

Nebraska LEAD Programming and Resource Management

  • Aligning resources to advance strategic vision. Managing the financial and physical resources responsibly to maximize the effectiveness of those resources, exhibiting fiscal discipline and transparency, and utilizing best fiscal management practices.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate LEAD programs and events.
  • Organize and supervise the delivery of 12 in-state seminars for each cohort (6 per year per cohort).
  • Plan, supervise, and direct a comprehensive U.S study/travel seminar and a comprehensive international study/travel seminar for cohorts of LEAD Fellows.
  • Develop and administer the budget for the Nebraska LEAD Program consistent with the Core Expectations identified above.
  • Develop and implement LEAD resource development efforts, identify sources of revenue, and manage the program resources for maximum long-term sustainability.
  • Supervise LEAD office personnel and direct office assignments, including the annual evaluation of the staff and encouragement of professional development opportunities.
  • Build and sustain a reputation of excellence for the LEAD program both inside and outside of the State of Nebraska.
  • Develop and implement a sustainable recruitment strategy for ensuring the Nebraska LEAD program remains at capacity.

Culture, Climate and Inclusive Excellence

  • Fostering an inclusive culture in which all contributions to Nebraska LEAD are appreciated and recognized, collaboration and innovation are encouraged, and the abilities of all are engaged to fully realize the potential of the team, and of each team member.
  • Ensuring opportunities are open to all, programs are inclusive of all constituencies, and efforts are made to engage diverse audiences, especially those that are traditionally underrepresented.
  • Develop LEAD Program cohorts that reflect the changing demographics within the State and that have the greatest potential for developing next generation leaders in agriculture and natural resources.
  • Promote equity and inclusion in LEAD Fellow recruitment, cohort selection, program development and delivery, and group interactions.
  • Ensure that all activities of the Nebraska LEAD Programs are administered consistent with the principles, policies and practices of the University’s Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.

Collaboration

  • Supporting, coordinating, and partnering with departments/schools, Nebraska Extension, and other entities internal and external to the university that support and/or align with Nebraska LEAD programming, strategic vision and expertise.
  • Foster ties and encourage linkages, coordinate, and cooperate with LEAD Alumni and the Nebraska LEAD Alumni association.

Nurturing the Success of Others

  • Supporting the professional and career development of Nebraska LEAD Fellows and staff supporting the Nebraska LEAD program. This includes encouraging and providing support for others and ensuring that guidance documents are relevant and up-to-date and that they promote access, equity and inclusion in their content and application.
  • Contribute to student recruitment for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Teaching and Learning

  • Teaching courses as assigned and contributing to the advising of students as appropriate.
  • Demonstrating continuous improvement in teaching both within programming contributing to the Nebraska LEAD program and in for-credit courses offered to university students.

Donor Development and Relations

  • Identify needs and nurture funding sources, including donors whose interests match those needs.
  • With the assistance of the University of Nebraska Foundation and the Lincoln Community Foundation, coordinate donor development to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Program.

NALC Board and Public Relations

  • Supervise arrangements for annual meetings of the NALC, quarterly board meetings, election of Directors and other special activities of the NALC.
  • Keep the NU Vice President/IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor (and/or their designee) and the Board of Directors of NALC regularly apprised and informed.
  • Represent the NALC and the Nebraska LEAD Program to the public and promote the programs of the Nebraska LEAD Program as appropriate.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and or university level.