Director, Bio-diversity Informatics and Software

Summary: The Director, Bioinformatics and Software directs and coordinates activities related to research, evaluation, selection and/or development of software solutions, and maintains ongoing knowledge of systems that support the mission and purposes of the Garden. Additionally, the Director, Bioinformatics and Software leads and participates in strategic IT/System planning functions of the Garden. The Director supervises and evaluates staff and develops and controls budgets relative to areas of assignment.

This role will also develop discovery research by designing systems architectures and infrastructures for the computerization of data and directs the development of biodiversity informatics tools, preparing reports and managing staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Directs and manages software and data analysts and technical staff to develop, implement and support bioinformatics and software projects including Tropicos, Living Collection Management System, the World Flora Online and herbarium digitization.
• Plans, leads and directs Garden process and technology systems projects.
• Directs and manages ongoing software support for Garden technology systems including Garden websites, cloud applications and data integrations between internal and external systems.
• Plans, leads and directs Garden-wide business integration initiatives such as development of cross-divisional performance metrics.
• Provides consulting, analysis of business processes/operations, and project/program leadership to other Garden divisions, as required.
• Manages employee/volunteer hiring and selection process as well as employee work assignments, coach/develop performance for success, provide professional development of staff and volunteers, review/approve timesheets, maintain accurate attendance records, complete annual performance evaluations and goal setting sessions with assigned employees, handle all disciplinary actions, etc.
• Monitors employee/volunteer productivity, workload and morale with the goal of promoting employee/volunteer satisfaction while accomplishing the division’s mission.
• Seeks partnerships with external projects to further the Garden’s mission and objectives, ensuring ongoing effectiveness of the Garden’s programs and outreach through partnerships with community, institutional, governmental, commercial, and business organizations and agencies.
• Prepares reports and summaries evaluating effectiveness of the programs and projects.
• Meets established schedules and deliverable milestones for all funded projects.
• Communicates development progress of grant-funded projects to administrators and other stakeholders.
• Works to obtain grant and donor funding, develops and manages all budgets, contracts, funding development, submission of grant proposals and reports.
• Responsible for the thorough, accurate and timely completion of administrative responsibilities including, but not limited to submission of expense reports or related, staff appraisals and finalization of goals, budget and other reporting updates, etc.
• Represents the Garden and presents reports on Garden bioinformatics projects and discoveries at programs, meetings, trainings, conferences, etc.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position leads the Garden’s Bioinformatics and Software team that consists of employees, contractors, interns and volunteers.

Core Competencies:
• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment