Director, Tropical Conservation and Development Program

Job no: 541305
Work type: Faculty Admin Title
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Education/Training/Instructional Design, Executive/Director/Management
Department:57140100 - LT-CTR-LT AMER STUDIES-ADMIN

Classification Title:
PRG DIR & ASO/FULL PROF

Classification Minimum Requirements:
An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field

Job Description:
The Center for Latin American Studies of the University of Florida (UF) welcomes applications for the position of Director for its Tropical Conservation and Development (TCD) Program. We seek a dynamic and innovative leader in the field of conservation and development to build on the strengths of this internationally recognized program of training, research, and practice.

The mission of the TCD Program is to bridge theory and practice to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and human well-being. The program:

• offers a cross-campus graduate certificate which complements the knowledge and skills that students develop in their home units, adding significant value to their graduate education;
• promotes cross-national, interdisciplinary, integrative, and comparative problem-centered research at UF; and
• embraces collaborative learning and action with partners involved in day-to-day conservation and development realities around the world.

The TCD Director will:

• lead and advocate for this cutting-edge, internationally recognized interdisciplinary research and training program with over 120 faculty affiliates and over 80 enrolled graduate students;
• direct budget allocations of investment returns on ~$6 million in endowments (most of which directly supports students);
• secure extramural funding to support research and training activities;
• oversee the innovative TCD graduate certificate program, maintaining academic rigor and relevance to conservation and development practice;
• support the vibrant TCD community of students, faculty, alumni, and partners through multiple and varied events;
• fortify existing and build new relationships with units and constituencies across the UF campus;
• strengthen and expand collaborations with organizations and partners across the globe, particularly with the more than 550 TCD alumni;
• spearhead shared program governance and a long-range TCD vision for the future; and
• commensurate with candidate background and interest, maintain a teaching/mentoring and/or research portfolio.

The incoming TCD Director will have an appointment and be housed in the UF Center for Latin American Studies. We anticipate an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The Director may also be appointed jointly with another campus unit, depending on candidate profile, preferences, and university considerations.

Expected Salary:
Commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

In addition to a competitive salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore more here https://benefits.hr.ufl.edu/.

Required Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field;
• Demonstrated record of relevant research and professional experience in tropical conservation and development, including significant field experience in the Global South;
• Experience with program management, administration, and fundraising;
• Experience with leading facilitative decision-making processes and shared governance; and
• The ability to build collaborative relationships across disciplines and communicate effectively with diverse constituencies.

Preferred:
Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese or another language of the tropics.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Interested applicants must apply online at jobs.ufl.edu. For full consideration applicants must include:

1. Complete curriculum vitae;
2. A letter of application describing experience, qualifications, and vision related to this position; and
3. The names and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on November 2, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries concerning this position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Karen Kainer at [email protected].

Advertised: 11 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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