Job Description

Posting Context Statement
The Deep Soil Ecotron is a $23 million dollar institute at the University of Idaho focused on advancing understanding of deep soils and their critical role in ecosystems. By enabling manipulation of subsurface abiotic and biotic factors, it supports innovative research in soil science, ecology, and biogeochemistry, while advancing soil sensor technology and data science. The Ecotron also engages stakeholders, from local producers to global researchers. As it approaches full operation in Fall 2026, the Managing Director will have the opportunity to lead its growth, build partnerships, and position the institute for long-term success.
Position Overview
This position serves as the administrative lead for educational, outreach, and professional programs, or directing complex business operations in support of the program. The program manager formally plans, assigns, directs and coordinates the work of the program. The position will represent the program to administrators, faculty, staff and students within the university and external contacts.

Duties may include:
Design and develop or assist with the design and development of program(s) or project(s)
Manage and oversee the administrative and daily operations of a program
Ensure compliance with university, state and federal policies and regulations
Oversee the supervision of personnel for the program
Manage contract, grant and/or state funding; approve and monitor budget expenditures; prepare budget revisions; provide interim status reports on all accounts; oversee, coordinate, and/or assist with proposal writing to develop additional funding
Participate in the development of annual operating budgets and provide fiscal direction to the unit
Oversee and/or coordinate the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; develop, write and present program reports
Other duties as assigned
Unit URL
https://www.uidaho.edu/research/facilities
https://deepsoilecotron.org/
Position Qualifications
Required Experience
Four years of program coordination or program management experience
One year of supervisory experience or delegating work to others
Participation in the development and management of operating budgets
Required Education
Bachelor’s Degree; four additional years of experience in program coordination (for a total of eight years) may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree
Required Other
None
Additional Preferred
Bachelor’s Degree in soil science, project management, business management, or related to the domain of the position
Master’s Degree in soil science, project management, business management, or related to the domain of the position
Leadership experience in a non-academic setting (e.g., industry or non-governmental organization), including contributing to cross-disciplinary collaboration
Familiarity with university research environments and practices, including supporting research operations and administration
Knowledge of soil science or scientific infrastructure and data management
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, collaborative environments while supporting strategic initiatives and project implementation
Experience communicating with stakeholders through written and verbal formats