Director of the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology

About the role

The Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit linked to the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, seeks a visionary leader to serve as its Director. The Center provides science‑based solutions for Maryland’s agriculture, forestry, and environmental communities and acts as a national model for sustainable land use.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary external face of the Hughes Center, reporting to the Associate Dean for Research, the Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Hughes Center Board.
• Maintain and expand relationships with the Board, university leadership, state agencies, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Oversee the Center’s research portfolio, ensuring projects address unbiased research needs identified by Maryland stakeholders.
• Lead outreach initiatives, including communications, videos, social media, newsletters, webinars, and other dissemination channels.
• Drive collaborative partnerships to broaden the Center’s reach, visibility, and impact.

Required profile

• Proven senior academic or research leadership experience (e.g., Senior/Principal Faculty Specialist, Associate Professor/Professor, or Senior/Principal Agent).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and large‑scale research programs.
• Strong record of external engagement with agricultural, forestry, conservation, and legislative communities.
• Excellent organizational, strategic planning, and communication skills.

Required skills

• Leadership and team management.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Research program oversight and evaluation.
• Effective public communication and outreach.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and forestry in Maryland and the Chesapeake Watershed.
• Leadership role within a respected university‑affiliated research institution.
• Collaborative environment with a diverse board and extensive stakeholder network.