Director – Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your Application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Job Posting Title:

Director – Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii)

position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAG PL3 – School of Nutrition and Food Science (Georgianna Tuuri (00010995))

Work Location:

0251 S. Knapp Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

Work Location: School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

Position Description: The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual with an entrepreneurial spirit to provide leadership for the Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii) on the LSU AgCenter Campus in Baton Rouge, LA. The ideal candidate will have a track record of successful development of an institute or center in a scientific environment. They will have an entrepreneurial drive and approach to the position. Expertise in food production, food safety and security, and process development will be needed to support clientele in food-based industries. FOODii is a resource center where entrepreneurs can start a food business, process foods, receive technical and marketing assistance, and benefit from expert advice and research on food safety and food sustainability.

Reporting jointly to the Vice President for Agriculture and the Director of the School of Nutrition and Food Science, the FOODii Director will be responsible for overall leadership and management of the institute to ensure profitability, optimal performance, and success. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Creates and maintains the strategic plan for the institute in support and collaboration with the AgCenter, College of Agriculture, and School of Nutrition and Food Sciences.
• Innovates in ways that support new and improved outreach and research opportunities in the areas of food product development and production.
• Engages with food entrepreneurs and networks with the Louisiana, national, and international food industry by participating in trade shows and industry organizations including but not limited to the Specialty Food Association, Louisiana Business Incubator Association, and Institute of Food Technologists.
• Collaborates with other departments within the AgCenter and College of Agriculture as well as other campuses within the LSU enterprise.
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures utilized in all aspects of operations for the institute. Conducts necessary monitoring and reporting.
• Oversees the management of facilities to ensure the functionality, safety, sustainability, and efficiency of the built environment.
• Provides technical guidance and leadership in food processing technology and quality assurance.

Qualification Requirements: Master’s degree in food science or closely related field, PhD preferred, as well as a minimum of 5 years of experience in food and/or agricultural related industry are required. The ability to interact with stakeholders and write grant proposals seeking external funding are desirable qualifications. The ability to collaboratively work with a diverse group of faculties is critical. Prior experience in a leadership position and strong management skills are desirable. The candidate must possess excellent communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects at once, and a high degree of professionalism.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: August 25, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume including a statement of professional interest and goals, official university transcripts, contact information for three professional references, and a statement of administrative philosophy. Questions about the online application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324. Paper, fax, or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except reference letters. For more information, please reach out to:

Dr. Gina E. Eubanks

Associate Vice President

LSU AgCenter

Phone: 225-578-6914

Email: geubanks@agcenter.lsu.edu

Website: www.lsuagcenter.com

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Additional Job Description:

Competencies:

None

Special Instructions:

Posting Date:

July 29, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

November 25, 2025

Additional Position Information:

Background Check – An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits – The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

About the LSU Agricultural Center:

The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com.

The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HCM Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Read Full Description