Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Foundation Seed

About the role

Texas A&M AgriLife Research seeks a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as Director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Foundation Seed program. Based at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Vernon, Texas, the role provides statewide leadership, operational, fiscal and personnel oversight for the foundation seed program, supporting plant breeding, commercialization and distribution of high‑quality, genetically pure seed.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic and business plans for the Foundation Seed program.
• Oversee all seed production operations including planning, planting, field inspection, harvesting, conditioning, storage and distribution.
• Ensure quality assurance through testing for viability, vigor, genetic purity and seed health.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state seed certification standards, licensing and university policies.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, Texas A&M Innovation and external partners on variety release, intellectual property and commercialization.
• Manage financial operations, budgeting, revenue generation and cost recovery.
• Recruit, supervise and develop seed program personnel and foster a culture of safety and excellence.
• Represent the program in meetings, industry events and stakeholder engagements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, seed science, plant science, crop science, agricultural business or related field.
• At least ten years of experience in seed production, agricultural operations or variety commercialization.
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing budgets.
• Working knowledge of seed production systems, quality management and certification regulations.
• Strong ability to work with scientists, producers, industry partners and licensing entities.
• Excellent leadership, organizational and communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain required pesticide applicator licenses.

Required skills

• Seed production and processing expertise.
• Seed quality assurance and certification knowledge.
• Financial and budget management.
• Strategic planning and business development.
• Stakeholder relationship management.