Working/Functional Title

Project Director

Position Summary

The MSU Center for Regenerative Agriculture (CRA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Project Director to lead and manage key initiatives that advance the Center’s mission. This position will play a central role in overseeing administrative operations, securing funding, managing budgets, and coordinating multi-institutional collaborations. The Project Director will work closely with university leadership, faculty, external partners, and stakeholders to support research, outreach, and education efforts in regenerative agriculture. This appointment will be on an annual year basis from the start of hire. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for CRA projects, ensuring effective administration and execution.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies, including grant writing, donor engagement, and securing corporate and foundation support.
• Manage budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation for multiple projects.
• Facilitate partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
• Oversee reporting and compliance for funded projects, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Support faculty and research teams by coordinating logistics, timelines, and administrative processes.
• Represent CRA in national and international discussions, promoting its mission and expanding its influence.
• Supervise and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Business Administration, nonprofit management, agriculture, environmental science, or related field

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Business Administration, nonprofit management, agriculture, environmental science, or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in project management, fundraising, and administration, preferably in an academic, nonprofit, or agricultural setting.
• Proven success in securing and managing grants, including federal, state, and private funding sources.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing teams and coordinating large-scale initiatives.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a track record of working collaboratively across sectors.
• Experience in budget management, financial oversight, and reporting for multi-stakeholder projects.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans to advance the Center’s mission and goals.

Desired Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master’s degree  in business administration, nonprofit management, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in project management, fundraising, and administration, preferably in an academic, nonprofit, or agricultural setting.
• Proven success in securing and managing grants, including federal, state, and private funding sources.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing teams and coordinating large-scale initiatives.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a track record of working collaboratively across sectors.
• Experience in budget management, financial oversight, and reporting for multi-stakeholder projects.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans to advance the Center’s mission and goals.

Required Application Materials

Vita, Cover letter indicating qualifications and vision for the position and 3 references. 

Special Instructions

Vita, Cover letter indicating qualifications and vision for the position and 3 references. 

Review of Applications Begins On

06/10/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.