Director and Endowed Chair, King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management

Agency

Department

Job Summary

The successful applicant will be a nationally recognized expert, distinguished leader and scholar that understands the vision and works to advance the mission of the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM). The person hired will hold the rank of Professor if he/she possesses the appropriate credentials. The successful candidate will be the Director of the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management, President of the TAMUK H.R. Smith Ranch, LLC and will hold the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr., and Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead KRIRM faculty, staff, and students in the fulfillment of the mission of the institute: education, innovation, and outreach
• Lead outreach and fundraising efforts for the institute and encourage grantsmanship among institute faculty
• Serve on the KRIRM Management Council of external industry advisors
• Oversee Masters of Science in Ranch Management (RAMT) curriculum, serve on RAMT graduate student committees, and engage in student mentoring and case study project guidance
• Recruitment and retention of graduate students for RAMT program, and collaborative support towards other graduate student programs for faculty with RAMT appointments
• Expand the existing national network of land owners and managers who are able and willing to host case study projects, which are an integral part of the ranch management graduate student curriculum
• Recruit industry professionals to teach specific aspects of ranch management not addressed in coursework or outreach education
• Serve as President of the TAMUK H.R. Smith Ranch, LLC, oversee ranch operations, and be the liaison for the ranch to the TAMUK Foundation Board of Directors

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience – PhD from an accredited institution or university with six years of related work experience or an MBA or Master of Science degree from an accredited institution or university with eight years of related work experience or a combination of other credentials deemed equivalent.

Knowledge of – Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications.

Ability to – Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success in fundraising and development efforts
• Skills and ability to teach students to integrate wildlife, range, livestock and business disciplines in a systems approach to ranch management
• Experience in the management of a complex, financially successful ranching enterprise
• Evidence of exceptional communication, leadership, and mentorship skills
• Experience (including professional writing), abilities and reputation commensurate with an endowed chair
• Demonstrated ability to understand and lead the teaching of a systems approach to ranch management
• Exhibited ability to effectively work within a public university environment
• Evidence of excellent working relationships with animal and natural resource management stakeholders

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must submit an application packet containing:

• A letter of application stating interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials outlined in the Job Description;
• Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV);
• Copies of transcripts; and
• Names and contact information of three references

To ensure full consideration, all application materials should be submitted electronically via Workday. Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. A background check is required prior to employment for this position. In addition, the selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript(s) from each degree granting institution before an offer can be made.

Position is available beginning June 1, 2026.

Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2026. For more information, contact:

Rick Machen, PhD

Executive Director, King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management

MSC 137, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX 78363

Office:          (361) 593-4756

Email:          rick.machen@tamuk.edu

Jason Apple, PhD

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

MSC 156, Texas A&M University- Kingsville

Kingsville, TX 78363

Office:          (361) 593-3711

Email:          jason.apple@tamuk.edu

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.