Primary Function
A member of Office of Innovation in the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships (RIPS), the Assistant Director for Food Systems Innovation will promote university-wide collaboration for students, staff, and faculty, and external partnership engagement for the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability(NICCS), with an emphasis on food systems innovation, research, and pedagogy. The Assistant Director is responsible for establishing the strategic direction of the NICCS food systems thrust, while also developing and contributing to educational instruction in food management related courses.
The Assistant Director will report to the Director of Innovation Partnerships and Technology Transfer, while working with RIPS staff to advance the NICCS food systems goals of the University. The Assistant Director will also liaise with other Divisions to strategically develop partnerships and initiatives concerning the NICCS food systems emphasis.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)
Assist in developing the strategic direction for the NICCS food systems thrust. Provide strategic advising toward development of programmatic elements that will foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship for faculty, students, and other researchers that will ultimately lead to day-to-day NICCS food systems operations. Participate in developing future infrastructure concepts for the food system innovation component of NICCS.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position
1. Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or five years equivalent experience in food preparation
2. Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality management or equivalent.
3. Five years in administration and instruction in food systems education.
4. Five years professional work experience in food systems leadership, management, and execution.
Education and Experience Preferred
- strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to handle multiple, complex tasks and projects concurrently
- experience in public higher education administration
- demonstrated collaboration with faculty, graduate students, and administrators to advance a culture of research and innovation
- success in facilitating interdisciplinary research and developing internal and external partnerships in food systems
