Job Details

About Institute for Equine Sciences: The recent establishment of The Institute for Equine Sciences will serve to facilitate the alignment of the university's equine components and provide an opportunity for a coordinated, unified, and nationally-recognized presence that will enhance the delivery of research, teaching, and extension/outreach in response to the needs of the equine industry. The Institute will provide coordination with currently existing programming in research, teaching, and extension. It will facilitate easy communication and coordination of research efforts of equine faculty as well as possible outreach programs. The Institute will not manage programs; it will be a resource for enhancing and promoting existing programs. The Institute also will provide a central coordinating point for development activities in conjunction with existing development structures in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. The Institute for Equine Science will serve to facilitate improved collaboration among all equine entities at Texas A&M University. In so doing, the Institute will provide the opportunity to: improve and enhance communication among all equine groups on campus; increase research collaboration and funding from grants, contracts, and endowments; enhance additional national recognition and increased visibility to Texas A&M University by highlighting the collaborative nature of the equine efforts on its campus; assist equine faculty with the evaluation and promotion of the equine-focused undergraduate certificate program and graduate curriculum which is administered by the Department of Animal Science; and facilitate communication between the managers of the equine facilities and the faculty, departments and organizations utilizing these facilities. Mission To collaboratively utilize the equine expertise at Texas A&M University to enhance existing equine programs so that Texas A&M can lead the nation in contemporary equine research and continue to graduate the industry’s future leaders and educate equine industry professionals. Vision Texas A&M University’s goal of having the best, most collaborative equine program in the world will be aligned with AgriLife Research efforts to improve the industry and its participants, and to enhance the care and welfare of horses. The Institute for Equine Sciences will lead an effort to enhance research infrastructure and deliver programs that provide the best education for students and equine industry professionals. Appointment and Location: The Institute for Equine Science Director will have a 12-month appointment. To facilitate communication with leadership and staff, the position will be in College Station, Texas. Administrative Relationships: This position will report directly to the Texas A&M AgriLife Research administration but will be supported with input by an External Advisory Committee and an Internal Advisory Committee. These two committees will be expected to meet annually to provide input in advances and successes of the Institute. The External Advisory Committee will be composed of leading equine industry professionals from breed associations, private individuals and companies, foundations, and national or international institutions. The Internal Advisory Committee will be comprised of representatives from Texas A&M AgriLife, the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University Athletics, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, and Student Activities (i.e., polo, rodeo, horse judging team, etc.). General Job Description:  The Director of the Institute for Equine Sciences will lead the Institute, which focuses on facilitating and supporting collaboration between equine science faculty, staff, and stakeholders. The Director will engage key stakeholders across all equine disciplines and associations to address existing and emerging equine-related needs. The Director will build connections with university faculty in developing research, extension, and education agendas; coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams; and lead in the pursuit of external sources of funding to address identified needs. Position Description and Responsibilities: The Director will: develop a vision for the continued role of the Institute and the TAMUS in the dynamic environment of equine science in Texas and elsewhere; provide collaborative and programmatic support to equine faculty, staff, and students to enhance teaching, research, and extension missions; manage human and fiscal resources, including team building and leading a contract and grants program that elevates equine-related efforts throughout the TAMUS; provide leadership for continued acquisition of internal and external resources needed to build teams and support activities for planned outcomes; represent the Institute to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, key industry groups, and international organizations; and, liaise with the administration of TAMUS to plan initiatives, convey research and extension information, and pursue fundraising opportunities that will benefit the Institute far into the future. Institute for Equine Sciences Director Qualifications Required Education/Experience: The successful candidate should be a well-recognized leader in an equine-related field, with a documented record of distinction with more than 10 years of equine industry or related experience; and a Bachelor's degree in one or more equine-related fields. Documented expertise in an equine-related field, with a record of contributions in research, teaching, extension, and/or industry Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholder groups, identify critical issues, and then act on those needs through research, extension, and/or industry activities that bring resolution to problems Demonstrated success in building, supporting, and leading interdisciplinary equine-related programs and teams Proven track record in leading and growing projects and programs that collectively achieve an organization’s mission Experience in managing human and fiscal resources Preferred Education/Experience: Nationally recognized expertise in an equine-related field, with a documented record of distinction in research, extension, teaching and/or industry Master’s degree or Ph.D. in an equine-related field Knowledge of the Land Grant System and a track record of using research and extension to solve problems and convey practical solutions to stakeholders, Demonstrated experience navigating conflicting interests to achieve accepted practices among groups (e.g., stakeholders; trade associations; county, councils of government; boards; state and/or federal agencies; non-governmental organizations, etc.) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent English oral, written, and electronic communication skills Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, administration, and stakeholders Ability to manage multidisciplinary and interagency teams, while assuring communication flows among groups and members Ability to utilize leadership skills to inspire faculty and staff, manage teams, and invest in individual success of faculty and staff members Knowledge of fundraising, where development ideas advance the goals of the Institute Ability to coordinate with broad-based partners and stakeholders to address equine challenges statewide, nationally, and internationally Ability to work with and appear before legislative and regulatory bodies as a trusted source of expert knowledge. How to Apply An application should contain: 1) a cover letter which outlines the candidate’s vision for the position; 2) a current resume or curriculum vitae; and 3) contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.  Questions? Address inquiries to Search Committee Chair: Jennifer Zoller, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Horse Specialist Department of Animal Science Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service e-mail: jennifer.zoller@ag.tamu.edu mobile: 979-436-7831 All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.