Director for the Hartwick College Grain Innovation Center

*Date*: May 26, 2021
*Title*: Director for the Hartwick College Grain Innovation Center
The Hartwick College Grain Innovation Center (HCGIC) will be a state-of-the-art facility designed for collaboration between industry partners and the Hartwick College community in order to enhance innovation and product development of grain based products through quality testing, research, and education.
The testing laboratory will provide convenient, affordable, and reliable quality testing of locally produced raw grains, flour, and other grain-based products to assess quality, functionality and sensory properties for growers, millers, bakers, and food product developers throughout the Northeast.
The HCGIC will be home to a pilot stone mill and bakery that will be used to develop and demonstrate processes with local grains, test formulation changes to produce sample products for evaluation, and to develop marketing to showcase baked goods made with local flour. Research will be conducted on novel varieties of soft and hard wheats as well as ancient grains such as spelt, einkorn, and emmer, for evaluation and experimentation.
The HCGIC will also provide professional development and educational opportunities for industry members and Hartwick students through classes, workshops and symposia. As a hub for technical support, the Center will foster connections between farmers, millers, bakers, chefs, breeders, agronomists and organizations to establish sustainable partnerships that support the regional grain growing economy.
The active research agenda and professional outreach with multiple stakeholders in the grain growing economy will provide multiple opportunities for Hartwick faculty and students to participate in applied research, independent study projects, internships, and associated and professional experiences.
*Description:* The Director will be responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including supervision of technical staff and students to deliver accurate & timely analysis of submitted samples. The Director will work collaboratively with grain growers, millers, bakers, Hartwick faculty, students, and other academic institutions to conduct research on the influence of genetics, environment, and processing factors on grain and product quality. Additionally, the Director will also work with faculty, College administration, external stakeholders in developing and implementing workshops, courses, and professional development opportunities. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and entrepreneurial with a strong technical background and a sincere desire to help small businesses and contribute to the economic development of the region. By contributing to a culture of innovation they will push the boundaries of what is believed to be possible in support of the HCGIC's mission to stimulate the local economy and enhance the grain value chain. The Director will be tasked with building and promoting the HCGIC as a value-added, state of the art research and information source.
*Responsibilities:*

Provide innovative and entrepreneurial leadership for the new HCGICCollaborate with faculty, professional staff, and Hartwick students to develop academic linkages between the new HCGIC and the wider Hartwick College campus community. Manage the operations of the laboratory, including coordinating the work of students to ensure accurate & timely analysis of submitted client samples Perform a variety of physical and chemical tests on grain samples from farmers, millers, bakers, and other food processorsConduct milling and baking tests to assess quality and efficacy of grains for use in commercial bakery productsReview all data and evaluate test results for accuracy & validityPrepare and send result reports to clients on a timely basisBuild the HCGIC client base and generate net positive cash flow from operationsRespond to inquiries from clients regarding testing needs, pricing, shipping & payment instructions, turnaround times, and interpretation of resultsMonitor revenue and expenses and follow all College financial procedures associated with purchasing, contracts, and travel Oversee the installation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of instruments and equipment including trouble-shooting, repairs, and arranging for serviceSupervise laboratory and/or bakery employees, contractors, and interns as needed. Make recommendations for and lead acquisition of new equipment and other resources to support the anticipated needs of the labMaintain relationships with vendors and negotiate pricing for equipment and suppliesParticipate in relevant local, regional and national industry meetings & conferences Maintain awareness of trends in ingredients, products, and new technologies in the industry Build and maintain productive relationships with industry stakeholders including farmers, millers, bakers, researchers in industry & academia, extension programs, and industry associationsDevelop and implement strategies for marketing and promotion of the Center's programs and servicesDevelop and deliver educational and professional development training programs, seminars, & workshopsWork with the College's Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations to seek grant funding opportunities Coordinate activities with other internal College departments such as Finance, Information Technology, Marketing & Communications, and Facilities as neededConduct tours of the laboratory for clients, visitors, and prospective studentsComply with all applicable College, Federal, State, local, and associational regulationsAs a representative of the College, comport oneself in a professional manner at all times, both on and off campusParticipate in significant campus activities, including Welcome Weekend, Open House, True Blue Weekend, and Commencement WeekendOther job related duties as assigned*Qualifications:* Minimum requirements for this position are a Master's Degree in Food Science or related field from an accredited college or university, or a Bachelor's Degree with at least five years of relevant experience.

Membership in one or more industry professional associations is an assetHands-on experience with artisanal or commercial baking, especially with bread bakingExperience with test kitchens and/or the baking industry is an assetExperience in supervision and training of technical staff or studentsExperience with teaching or facilitation with professionals and/or undergraduatesAll employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start of employment.An independent, residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 1,200 full-time undergraduates, Hartwick embraces the teacher-scholar model, with teaching excellence as the first priority, and seeks to recruit, retain and promote a diverse workforce. The College features a Liberal Arts in Practice general education curriculum and aspires to "be the best at melding liberal arts education with experiential learning." Hartwick operates as a community of learners where there is a very real sense of belonging and connection. By joining Hartwick, you become part of a group of people who work together, share in our successes, and celebrate our accomplishments. All positions at Hartwick contribute to the education and development of students with the opportunity to see the impact on future leaders - what you do at Hartwick really matters.Our beautiful 425-acre campus is located in the scenic Susquehanna River valley in Oneonta, New York-a charming town near the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick offers health benefits to domestic partners of employees, flexible scheduling, opportunities to engage in athletic and cultural events (concerts, exhibits, and lectures) and tuition benefits for eligible employees and their dependents. Hartwick College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation/preference and gender identity/expression and is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to broadening "the understanding, awareness, and appreciation of diversity among all members of the Hartwick community." Women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Hartwick College is committed to providing a safe and secure educational and employment environment. Employment at Hartwick College is therefore contingent upon a successful background check on every new employee. Candidates to whom an offer of employment is made will be required to sign a Release of Information Form authorizing the College to conduct a thorough background check.Hartwick College is committed to a diverse candidate pool, values an inclusive workforce and workplace environment, and wishes to minimize or eliminate the impact of implicit bias during the search and hiring process. All applicants are asked to submit the following materials with their online applications:
A cover letter;A resume; A Diversity Statement that addresses how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity will support Hartwick College's Diversity Statement ([https://www.hartwick.edu/campus-life/intercultural-affairs/diversity-at-hartwick/](https://www.hartwick.edu/campus-life/intercultural-affairs/diversity-at-hartwick/)); andThe names and contact information for three references, with annotation regarding how the reference is related to you and your work (at least one of your references must be from a current and/or previous supervisor).Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.[Read More](#)