Visiting Assistant Director, TIAA Center for Farmland Research at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Visiting Assistant Director, TIAA Center for Farmland Research


WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.


Be a part of our story.
The Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois is seeking to hire a qualified individual to support the functions and visibility of the TIAA Center for Farmland Research. The Center is housed in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics with a mission to advance farmland markets through research and information.



Major Duties and Responsibilities:



This role would participate in all activities related to the research and outreach program of TIAA Center for Farmland Research and conduct independent research related to contemporary issues impacting farmland markets. Example outcomes include articles written for the Farmdoc program, professional presentations at major conferences and meetings, and the development and maintenance of unique and novel data resources related to farmland valuation and returns useful for research and policy support analyses. The position allows close work and interaction with NCREIF and institutional investor projects; ISFMRA annual Land Values and Lease Trends project; Illinois Depart. of Revenue annual FATAB process and work with parties interested in farmland taxation and use; and with institutions supplying capital to owners of agricultural assets. A component of this position would be to support and maintain a website dedicated to outreach and informational resources related to farmland markets, and to guide the content and presentation of materials in various public facing or outreach activities. Teaching activities based on interests may also be an option.


Research including data and tool development and delivery:

• Develop strategic large research related long-term data sets related to performance of farmland as an investment, financial data related to equities, fixed income, and alternative investments.
• Develop and implement research related data projects with FBFM, NCREIF, IDOR, ISPFMRA to run the survey system used by ISPFMRA for its annual publication, and maintain the system used by IDOR for farmland assessment calculations. Oversee the NCREIF index. Manage the FBFM farm-level research economic data sets through time and conduct detailed analysis of the data in long-term ongoing projects.
• Update research tools to provide natural extensions of annual updates and provide options for research project development as well.

Participation in outreach activities (speaking roles as interested, farmdoc related outreach publications):

• Translate complex research related data collection of farmdoc related sites and the affiliated TIAA Center for Farmland Research site provide the greatest visibility and options for communicating with those interested in agricultural issues. Participation in various research activities associated with these could include: preparation and delivery of content at industry conferences, development of research articles suitable for farmdoc publication, interactions with policymakers and those interested in impacts of programs affecting agricultural assets.

Research Project Management and Website Outreach:


• Manage extension and outreach relationships with stakeholders globally.


• Collaborate with cross-functional research teams to understand specific requirements and deliver practical solutions.


• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders.


• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.



Position Requirements and Qualifications



Required Education:
Master's or Ph.D degree in agricultural economics, economics, or a related field.



Required Experience:
Job or research experience related to contemporary issues impacting farmland markets.



Knowledge Requirements:
Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork as well as the ability to work independently.



Appointment Information:
This is a full-time (100%, 12-month) Academic Professional appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000 to $90,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position may become non-visiting at a later time. The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.


Application Procedures:
Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Wednesday, April 11, 2025. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.


For further information, please contact Dan Breen, search chair, at at djbreen@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .


Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .



Requisition ID: 1029700
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now