The Raptor Center Endowed Chair and Director

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) invites applications for an outstanding distinguished dual-role faculty candidate as the holder of the prestigious Patrick T. Redig Endowed Chair in Raptor and Ecosystem Health and as the Director of The Raptor Center. The position will be a contract (non-tenure) or a tenure-track full-time at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor at the Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM) Department. The final rank and terms of appointment will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate consistent with Collegiate and University policies.

Position Overview:

We are searching for an exceptional individual with demonstrated leadership in conservation medicine and/or ecosystem health, complemented by a strong academic background and administrative experience. This role is critical in advancing raptor and ecosystem health, shaping research and clinical practices, and ensuring the continued success and impact of The Raptor Center. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and program development at The Raptor Center and will join the faculty of the VPM department to contribute to impactful research, education, mentoring and outreach activities, promoting collaborations, partnerships, and an interdisciplinary, diverse and inclusive culture of belonging. The candidate in this position will be key to drive philanthropic efforts to secure resources and support the activities at The Raptor Center to maintain the Center's status as a global leader in raptor medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and conservation.

Duties:

As the Patrick T. Redig Endowed Chair:

• Provide visionary leadership and faculty engagement in academic, teaching, research, and outreach endeavors related to ecosystem health, veterinary population medicine, raptor health and rehabilitation, and/or conservation medicine, particularly as an active faculty member of the Ecosystem Health Division of the Veterinary Population Medicine department.
• Establish and maintain an innovative, collaborative, and impactful applied research program in population medicine and/or conservation medicine of avian species, especially raptors, including but not limited to epidemiological, ecological, welfare, and clinical studies.
• Contribute to teaching and mentorship to help develop the next generation of leaders in ecosystem health, raptor conservation, and raptor medicine and surgery.
• Promote an interdisciplinary, diverse, inclusive culture of belonging for all learners and colleagues.

As the Director of The Raptor Center (TRC):

• Advance the strategic mission of TRC, in consultation with external stakeholders and collaboration with the College, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and The Raptor Center Advisory Board.
• Lead and direct the dedicated team at TRC to advance TRC's strategic mission, vision and values.
• Foster and develop a network of partnerships to advance and fulfill TRC's teaching, research and service missions, and maintain TRC's status as a global leader in raptor medicine, surgery and rehabilitation.
• Drive and advance philanthropic efforts to maintain and build resources and support for TRC operations.
• Lead and establish direction and priorities for educational efforts to engage communities in programs focused on the human-wildlife interface and raptor conservation challenges.
• Create strategies to continue the vision that advances raptor rehabilitation, clinical raptor medicine, patient welfare, and professional service and education, while promoting a culture of research and scholarship.
• Promote an interdisciplinary, diverse, inclusive culture of belonging for all learners and colleagues.

Requirements Qualifications:

Candidates must have an advanced degree, either a DVM or a PhD or an equivalent degree from a non-US University, along with significant experience and recognition as a leader in ecosystem health and/or conservation medicine and/or raptor health. The search committee is seeking an individual who can demonstrate the following:

• Strong record of scholarship, teaching, public outreach and/or service
• Experience engaging with various stakeholder groups (e.g wildlife rehabilitation community, community leaders, educators, scientists, and clinical teams)
• Experience building and sustaining collaborative networks and highly functional teams
• Collaboration and contributions as a collegiate/university/organizational citizen
• Demonstrated success in securing grants and philanthropic support to aid research and outreach programs
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to community and belonging and inclusivity

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates with both a DVM degree or equivalent and an additional advanced degree (i.e. PhD, MS, MPH, Board certification)
• Demonstrated background and experience in wildlife rehabilitation
• Demonstrated knowledge of raptors and their conservation issues globally
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media, donors, key stakeholders, and partners
• Proven skill in upholding integrity and fostering personal accountability, contributing to a strong organizational reputation.
• Capacity to drive innovation, optimize resource utilization, and achieve measurable outcomes efficiently.

Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is first and foremost a hospital for ill and injured raptors, caring for over 1,000 birds annually. As an internationally renowned veterinary teaching hospital, TRC trains students and professionals worldwide to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation and conducts multi-disciplinary ecosystem health research. In addition, TRC has a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. With the help of raptor ambassador birds, TRC's education team uses innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through a variety of onsite, offsite, and virtual programming. This work is accomplished with a permanent staff of 25 and a cohort of over 300 volunteers. While part of the University of Minnesota, The Raptor Center functions as a nonprofit organization, equipped with a mission-focused Advisory Board, and relies on philanthropic donations for the majority of its annual $2 million budget.

Pay Range: $120,000 - $155,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Applicants must submit a diversity statement addressing their contributions to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. Specifically, applicants should reflect on what they have learned form working with diverse populations.

Review of applications will begin on March 31, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled..

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

For specific questions related to the position please contact Anna Jones at bystr005@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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