Director, Polar Geospatial Center – Position Description
Job Code: 9354D1

Summary
The Director of the Polar Geospatial Center (PGC) has responsibility for development and execution of plans to achieve the center’s vision of providing geospatial support to the science and logistics communities in polar regions and advancing the use of geospatial and remote sensing data in the geosciences worldwide. The position leads and contributes to PGC’s geospatial initiatives including GIS analysis, remote sensing products, data production pipelines, cartography and visualization, data democratization, earth science and polar logistics support.
In this role, the Director:

• Serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the Center, including responsibility for designing research programs, submitting proposals to funding agencies, managing project execution and reporting, and communicating with Center stakeholders including PGC’s user community and funding sources.
• Leads Center strategic planning and management efforts.
• Is accountable for performance and results of Center initiatives to both Center sponsors and staff.
• Provides leadership and coordination to PGC managers and conveys big-picture context to staff and students. Cultivates and empowers staff and supports PGC’s inclusive culture.
• Sets priorities for user support, community engagement, and data production initiatives.
• Serves as primary liaison to the scientific community, including promotion of PGC’s activities and identification of opportunities to improve PGC services.

Major Job functions

• Direct the Polar Geospatial Center - responsibilities include project management, personnel planning, development and supervision, identification of new funding opportunities, proposal and grant writing, budget preparation, project reporting, policy development, prioritization of projects and initiatives.
• Lead and contribute to PGC’s geospatial initiatives including GIS analysis, remote sensing products, data production pipelines, cartography and visualization, data democratization, and earth science and polar logistics support. Support and develop PGC’s commitment to DEI.
• Identify and evaluate trends and future directions in the geoscience, remote sensing, and scientific computing communities in order to position the Center for long-term success and viability. Develop and refine Center strategic plans. Cultivate innovation in PGC’s staff and students.
• Be an articulate and enthusiastic representative for PGC at conferences and workshops. Communicate PGC activities through presentations and written material. Engage with PGC’s user communities to encourage awareness, broaden participation, and improve products. Advocate for Center interests with stakeholders and collaborators.
• Pursue opportunities to partner with the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and others to facilitate growth of geospatial research at the University of Minnesota and contribute to geospatial education at the undergraduate through graduate level.

The Polar Geospatial Center (PGC) is a part of the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences in the College of Science & Engineering. PGC provides geospatial support, mapping, and GIS/remote sensing solutions to researchers and logistics teams in the polar science community and worldwide. We collaborate with scientists to complete their research goals in a safe, timely, and efficient manner by providing a service which most groups do not have the resources or expertise to complete. Our goal is to introduce new, state-of-the-art techniques from the geospatial field to effectively solve problems in the least mapped places on Earth. PGC is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the US Forest Service, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

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 cover letter
• A curriculum vitae
• Vision statement (up to two pages) outlining future directions of PGC
• Statement (up to three pages) addressing the following topics:
  • Project Management experience and approaches
  • Research interests, experiences, and future directions
  • Experience with and plans to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Names and contact information (email, phone) of three references

This position will remain open until filled.

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

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.