Director of Wisconsin Forestry Center and Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Forestry

About the role

The Director of the Wisconsin Forestry Center (WFC) is a full-time (12‑month), CNR tenure‑track professor and UW‑Madison Division of Extension specialist within the Natural Resources Institute (NRI). The position splits effort 80% on Director responsibilities (administrative leadership, grant writing, research, Extension programming, and facilitation) and 20% on undergraduate teaching (up to two courses per academic year). The WFC is a collaborative outreach and education center between UW‑Stevens Point (CNR) and UW‑Madison Division of Extension, focused on professional training, workforce development, applied research, and community outreach to promote vibrant, sustainable forests and forest‑based economies in Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

• Administration (60%)
  • Direct and supervise WFC programming, budget, and personnel resources.
  • Direct and implement strategic planning initiatives for appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources.
  • Leverage UW‑Madison Division of Extension and UW‑Stevens Point investments in the WFC by securing extramural funding to support strategic planning aligned with the WFC’s mission and to benefit undergraduate/graduate students and staff.
  • Serve as the WFC liaison to internal and external local, regional, and national stakeholder groups to generate support that advances the WFC’s mission and strategic initiatives.
  • Provide leadership in integrating WFC research programs and services into the Forestry discipline, CNR curriculum, and broader outreach and research efforts while fostering collaboration with other UWSP and UW‑Madison Division of Extension forestry experts.
  • Prepare an annual Program, Services, and Research report for review by CNR and Division of Extension administrators.
  • Participate in CNR/UWSP/Division of Extension committees and workgroups that benefit from the individual’s expertise and vision.
  • Represent UWSP and Extension Forestry at local, regional, and national levels.
• Fiscal Management
  • Develop an annual budget, one‑year budget projections, quarterly budget reports, and provide an annual budget report for CNR administrators.
  • Maintain an accurate, accountable fiscal management system and balanced budget.
  • Provide administrative oversight related to all grants and contracts of the WFC.
• Personnel Management
  • Supervise all students and staff of the WFC.
  • Follow UWSP/CNR policies relative to staff evaluation.
  • Develop and implement a personnel management system that clearly specifies roles, responsibilities, and lines of supervision for WFC staff.
  • Provide an overview of personnel management in an annual report to CNR and Division of Extension Administrators.
• Facilities Management
  • Provide oversight and leadership related to the development and maintenance of all WFC facilities and equipment.
  • Provide an overview of facilities management in an annual report to CNR Administrators.
• Development (20%)
  • Facilitate, develop, and/or lead extramurally funded Forestry research and outreach, including Extension programming and public engagement.
  • Publish and present research in peer‑reviewed journals, public outreach outlets, professional and public conferences, seminars, and outreach venues.
  • In coordination with the CNR Dean and/or Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension, develop and secure extramural and philanthropic giving to support the WFC mission.
• Academic (20%)
  • Teach a minimum of two courses (six credits) per year.
  • Facilitate undergraduate and graduate student development.
  • As a faculty member of the Forestry Discipline and CNR, participate in the regular order process for curriculum, strategy, and faculty/staff governance and oversight.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Forestry or a terminal business degree with applications to Forestry or the Forest Products Industry.
• Demonstrated record of writing, securing, and implementing external grants and contracts.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in forestry and/or allied forestry industries, state, federal, or NGO agencies.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills.
• Outstanding communication skills (written and oral).
• Demonstrated budget development and management skills.
• Proven experience developing and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
• Experience developing short‑ and long‑term strategic plans for outreach and education programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with forestry stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
• Demonstrated development and implementation of Extension and outreach programming.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to connect and incorporate students in Extension and research.
• Experience working effectively to reach all populations.

Pay

Starting annual salary range: $88,000 – $120,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

Eligible Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package; relocation assistance may be available.

Schedule

Full‑time, 12‑month position.