Arboretum Director

~ Widely recognized as the site of historic research in ecological restoration, the Arboretum includes the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world. ~

Among the tallgrass prairies, savannas, wetlands and several forest types, the Arboretum also houses flowering trees, shrubs and a world-famous lilac collection. Educational tours for groups and the general public, science and nature-based classes for all ages and abilities, and a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for groups, families, and individuals are available.

In the early 1930s, the Arboretum was cultivated fields and pastures that had fallen into disuse. The university decided, early on, to try to bring back the plants and animals that had lived on the land before its development.

Public use of the Arboretum and its facilities requires a balance between research, educational, and recreational needs. Some Visitor Center rooms are available for meetings and classes.

Tending the Arboretum's 1,200 acres and 513 acres in outlying properties requires an experienced staff of land managers, along with scientists, students and volunteers who restore and protect biological diversity and ecosystem functions.

Postion Overview

The mission of the Arboretum is to conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic. Created as a field research and teaching laboratory for University faculty and students, the Arboretum has a long history of scholarship, including the use of fire in prairie management and the control of invasive species. The Director is expected to continue this tradition of research excellence.

The Arboretum Director reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education and works in collaboration with the Arboretum Committee (a joint governance faculty-staff committee), the Board of the Friends of the Arboretum (a citizen support group), and groups in the surrounding community. The Director provides leadership to approximately 25 full and part-time staff members and is responsible for overall direction and day-to-day management of the Arboretum.

Responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities of the Arboretum Director include the following:

• Provide leadership and vision to affirm the Arboretum's leadership position in the fields of ecological restoration and conservation research, practice, and education.
• Work with the Arboretum Committee to develop major short and long-range policies to guide the Arboretum's programs and activities.
• Administer and facilitate Arboretum research and outreach programs.
• Work with the Arboretum faculty and staff to plan and direct the development, management, and preservation of the Arboretum's biological communities (restorations and remnants) and plant collections; and the maintenance and development of the Arboretum's buildings and infrastructure.
• Supervise, encourage, and evaluate the performance of Arboretum staff, and facilitate staff program initiatives.
• Develop and manage the Arboretum budget and work closely with the Friends of the Arboretum and with the UW Foundation (the fund-raising agency of the university) to solicit grants and other extramural funds to support the Arboretum's mission.
• Serve as an Arboretum public representative, spokesperson, and advocate. Advance the interests of the Arboretum to the University Administration, other academic institutions, community and government leaders, and the public.

Qualifications

Degree and area of specialization:

• Ph.D. in a biological science, environmental science, conservation science, or other related field.
• Candidate must be eligible for tenure at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at the associate or full professor appointment level.
• The Arboretum Director will have a concurrent faculty appointment in an appropriate academic department.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:

• At least 7 years post-Ph.D. experience in research and education.
• Clear commitment to the fields of ecology or conservation research, practice, and education, e.g. via a strong record of research, scholarly publications, and recognition in their field of interest.
• Strong leadership and organization skills, with an emphasis on teamwork and open communication.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, procure funds for, and supervise creative research and outreach activities.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, manage, and motivate personnel and build and manage a budget.
• Experience that includes budget, personnel, public policy issues, and successful program development (preference given to previous experience directing an academic research and outreach center).
• Experience and skill in development and fundraising.
• An ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies including university administrators, state and federal government, business, non-profit agencies, community organizations, alumni, and the general public.

Compensation: Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included. 

Additional Information

• This is a Limited appointment.
• Anticipated start date on or after January 1, 2017.
• A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your CV and resume to Amanda Allaby by August 15, 2016. Applications may be considered until the position is filled.