POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Project Director, VESTA
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 9122
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Dean of the College (West Plains Campus)
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Chancellor (West Plains Campus)
GENERAL FUNCTION
The primary duty of the Project Director, Viticulture and Enology Scientific and Technology Training Alliance (VESTA) is directing a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to develop and implement Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Viticulture and Enology and a one year Enology Assistant Certificate and Certificate in Applied Viticulture. The Director ensures that the project meets established goals, objectives, and federal guidelines and is responsible for VESTA implementation, management of day-to-day operations, planning, budgeting, development of reports, and maintenance of project records. The project is a collaborative effort of the University and selected community colleges in the Midwest. The Project Director is the primary liaison between the VESTA Project, University administrators, and representatives from academic institutions, industry, and state agencies.
This is a grant-funded position.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:A Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Viticulture, Enology, Food Science, Horticulture, Biology, or a related field is required.
Experience: Two years of experience in project management, personnel management, and fiscal management are required. Leadership experience is required. Grant administration experience is preferred.
Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills are required. Effective interpersonal skills and organizational skills are required. Expertise in distance education and project development or administration is required.
Other: Regular travel throughout a multi-state region is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensures that the VESTA Project operates in accordance with NSF guidelines and the specific goals, objectives, and activities outlined in the University’s proposal.
2. Supports the development of Associate of Applied Science degrees and Certification programs in Viticulture and Enology by promoting the programs throughout the multi-state region, coordinating curriculum development and instructional design, facilitating student recruitment, and arranging field training with wineries and vineyard owners.
3. Ensures that the project is fully operational by serving as the primary liaison between the VESTA Project and University administration and regularly reporting to VESTA partner institutions, advisory committees, and University administrators to discuss the progress of grant initiatives, accountability measures, and project concerns.
4. Assures effective administration of the VESTA Project by monitoring day-to-day operations and processes involving staff performance, budget, reports, and purchases and working with Financial Services to assure that financial records are in compliance with federal and University guidelines.
5. Establishes and maintains close working relationships with representatives from the grape and wine industry, community colleges and universities, state agriculture agencies, state and local educational agencies, and the National Science Foundation.
6. Effectively manages the VESTA Project by ensuring that the project meets all grant obligations in a timely manner, preparing and submitting all necessary NSF reports in a timely manner, and implementing and monitoring fiscal records related to grant funds and project objectives.
7. Ensures effective communication by serving as a liaison with the NSF office, attending NSF meetings and maintaining the VESTA web site.
8. Supervises all details of the VESTA Project by monitoring and reviewing VESTA student progress and assuring that all VESTA student records and files are complete, current, and confidential.
9. Documents VESTA Project progress in achieving its funded objectives by coordinating evaluation of the project.
10. Represents the VESTA Project at appropriate meetings, both locally and regionally.
11. Secures funding for the continuation of the VESTA Project by doing research and working closely with the Director of Sponsored Research and Programs to coordinate the writing of cooperative agreements and grant proposals.
12. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing and maintaining professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Dean of the College (West Plains campus).
13. Helps to assure the overall success of the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Project Director, VESTA is supervised by the Dean of the College (West Plains campus) and supervises support staff assigned to the VESTA Project.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JUNE 2007
