This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12530910 Director

Illinois Natural History Survey

Prairie Research Institute

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a visionary Director and Principal Research Scientist. This dual-role position offers a unique opportunity to direct strategic initiatives, lead groundbreaking research, and influence conservation efforts. While this position offers an opportunity to independently develop a research program, the main focus of this position will be as Director and will provide strategic leadership and administration for the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS).

Based in Champaign, Illinois, this in-person leadership position will guide the Illinois Natural History Survey on its mission to promote the science, understanding, conservation, and management of vital natural resources while contributing to the broader scientific goals of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI\'s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens and decision-makers to make informed decisions that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs .

As Director of INHS, you will

• Provide leadership, direction, and overall administration for the development, coordination, and implementation of scientific research and service programs undertaken and provided by the INHS.
• Oversee INHS annual budget and coordinate with PRI leadership in facilitating INHS development efforts.
• Collaborate with the PRI Executive Director in strategic program planning, resource allocation, organizational development, and implementation of programs.
• Participate in PRI leadership, effectively representing the interests of INHS to PRI and advise PRI Executive Director and other PRI leaders regarding matters pertinent to the mission of INHS and PRI.
• Identify cutting-edge research foci and other multi-disciplinary research themes related to INHS and PRI.
• Encourage, promote, and facilitate research within INHS and develop collaborative research, service, outreach efforts, and relationships with the University of Illinois administration, community, and its stakeholders and external constituents.
• Represent INHS interests and capabilities to local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations.
• Supervise and lead INHS Management and staff to achieve success and foster an inclusive culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching/mentoring and feedback, career development planning, lease/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.
• Ensure INHS gathers, disseminates, and archives accurate, objective, and relevant scientific information with a focus on biological and ecological resources for government officials and agencies, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and the public.
• Encourage and lead a strong commitment to diversity through establishing retention and recruiting priorities, as well as personally exhibiting a commitment to inclusion.
• Foster a culture of open communication.
• Promote awareness of and education about safety and safe working methods.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and support, and encourage others to develop their knowledge, skills, and behaviors so that they can reach their full potential for the greater benefit of the University.
• Take a holistic view and work enthusiastically and creatively to analyze problems and develop innovative and workable solutions. Identify opportunities for innovation.
• Encourage and promote research enterprises including proposal writing, research innovation, teaching, and education. Identify and secure state, federal, and private sources of funding.
• Encourage, foster, and develop collaborative research, service, outreach efforts, and relationships with the University of Illinois, community, and its stakeholders and with external constituents.

As a Principal Research Scientist, you will

Independently coordinate and develop a significant research/investigations program, secure associated funding opportunities, and perform tasks in that capacity including management of grant funding and efficient production of project, grant, manuscripts, or contract reports and deliverables.

Collaborate with survey scientists, University of