Food Innovation Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Type of Position:Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationNo
Job Type:Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)No
Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click theApply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:AFIC@MCOhttps://aficmco.uada.edu/
Summary of Job Duties:The Director of Operations will provide leadership and operational management for the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO). The Director will report to the Senior Associate Vice President for Agriculture-Research within the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Located in the heart of Downtown Springdale, the 45,000 sq/ft Market Center of the Ozarks was announced in 2022 and opened in May 2025. The nearly $31 million facility was designed by Patterhn Ives, a St. Louis-based architecture firm, and constructed the CDI Contractors, an Arkansas-based general contracting company.
The center connects farmers and food entrepreneurs to infrastructure, education, and technical assistance and increase food security across the region.
The Director of Operations will oversee the day-to-day management of all AFIC@MCO activities, including operations, budget administration, facilities management, and personnel supervision.
Specific Responsibilities
The Director of Operations will:
Coordinate and manage the daily operations, budget, personnel, and programming of AFIC@MCO.
Provide innovative leadership in engaging food entrepreneurs and industry partners across Arkansas and the broader region to support the center's mission of strengthening local and regional food systems.
Foster collaboration with regional food ecosystem partners in Northwest Arkansas as well as relevant research and extension programs within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Supervise the center's staff, currently consisting of eight full-time and part-time employees.
Ensure that food entrepreneurs and clients receive high-quality support and services from the AFIC@MCO team.
Support staff responsible for education, research and development, and co-manufacturing activities by assisting with project management, prioritization, and ensuring that projects have clear timelines and deliverables.
Implement operational processes and systems that improve efficiency across functional areas and support increased facility utilization and revenue generation.
Develop and manage a volunteer program to support co-manufacturing and other activities that advance food entrepreneurship and strengthen the regional food system.
Track, monitor and report performance metrics for AFIC@MCO.
Participate on the MCO executive leadership committee with leadership from AFIC@MCO and Spring Creek Food Hub.
Participate in and initiate grant development and fundraising activities that advance the mission of AFIC@MCO.
Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with regional food system organizations, industry partners, and stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of AFIC@MCO.
Evaluate and manage the center's fee-for-service business model, including contracts, workshops, training programs, and grant-funded activities designed to generate revenue to support personnel and future growth.
Provide visible and inspiring leadership that positions AFIC@MCO as a premier regional center of excellence for food innovation and local and regional food systems.
Work with industry partners, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to effectively utilize the center's facilities and equipment for the development and manufacture of new food products and processes.
Collaborate with Spring Creek Food Hub, which is co-located in the Market Center of the Ozarks facility.
Engage with the Market Center of the Ozarks Advisory Committee, other University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture centers, and regional partners to strengthen collaboration and program impact.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of AFIC@MCO and the Division of Agriculture.
Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, business, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including at least four years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in Food Science or a closely related field.

MBA or M.S. in Operations Management or a related discipline.

Professional experience in:

o The food industry, including knowledge of research and development, quality control, and food processing/manufacturing, and/or

o Entrepreneurship and startup support within food systems.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience managing technical or professional staff.

Experience in product and process development, food entrepreneurship, or management of food processing operations.

Demonstrated success in grant writing and project development.

Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Proven ability to build partnerships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, industry partners, researchers, and community organizations.

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
Special Instructions to Applicants:Jean-Francois Meullenet, Director and AVP for Ag Research, jfmeull@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:Feeling, Grasping, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking
Frequent Physical Activity:Crouching, Driving, Kneeling, Pulling, Pushing, Walking
Occasional Physical Activity:N/A
Benefits Eligible:Yes