Press Releases

Field to Market Seeks Regional Program Manager

June 17, 2015

Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture seeks a Regional Program Manager to oversee project work in Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. This is a two-year position beginning in July 2015 and concluding in June 2017 with the possibility of a more permanent role being established over time.

Field to Market is a 501(c)(3) organization that brings together a diverse alliance of grower groups; agribusiness companies; food, beverage, restaurant and retail companies; conservation groups; universities and public sector partners to focus on promoting, defining and measuring the sustainability of row crops for food, fiber and fuel production.

Position Overview

The Regional Program Manager is responsible for coordinating a multi-stakeholder effort to scale up Field to Market project engagement with farmers across three states – Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. The position will work with participating companies and organizations to develop strategies to recruit growers, train company representatives, build coalitions and direct resources to increase adoption of measures that improve row crop sustainability to deliver water quality, water quantity, and climate benefits in particular.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project management, budgeting and coalition building with at least a working knowledge of agronomy and agricultural sustainability. In addition, the individual must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills; an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; and a desire and enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development.

The position reports to the president of Field to Market.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct project management and oversight, including budgeting, directing the work of subcontractors, and reporting on activities and progress of project partners.
  • Serve as the key project facilitator by hosting regular meetings and conference calls with partners, including gathering and synthesizing feedback.
  • Oversee the work of technical experts to conduct an environmental diagnostic, impact assessment and industry landscape assessment to ensure most efficient targeting of resources and partner development.
  • Coordinate with regional ag organizations to leverage and scale existing activities, train local project administrators and support grower recruitment.
  • Interface with Field to Market staff and leadership to provide technical support for regional Fieldprint Projects, coordinate the work of partners to advance adoption of best practices by farmers in target states, including connecting with a diversity of continuous improvement programs and platforms, and support partners in adhering to all Field to Market policies, protocols and standard operating procedures.
  • Communicate with a broader set of stakeholders and work with project partners to expand the collaboration to additional companies and organizations.
  • Represent Field to Market by speaking at grower conferences and other agricultural supply chain events throughout the year.

Qualifications

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in agricultural sustainability, project management, agronomy, agribusiness, or non-profit management specific to the ag industry.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in in agronomy, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, crop/soil science, agricultural sustainability, business, management or related field.
  • Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder teams and build successful interactions.
  • Successful experience in working with a membership-driven organization strongly preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills (writing/editing, speaking, facilitating). A writing sample may be requested.
  • Ability to prioritize, establish and meet deadlines and handle multiple priorities.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Must have strong command of the English language.
  • Travel required for this position is extensive.  At times travel may be expected on short notice.  Travel and other work related assignments may include weekends.
  • Office location TBD – Des Moines, IA; Bloomington, IL; or Lincoln, NE.

To apply

Please submit a cover letter that explains your interest in the position and a resume to kfairman@fieldtomarket.org no later than June 30, 2015.  Salary is commensurate with experience. Health insurance and other benefits included.

ABOUT FIELD TO MARKET

Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture® brings together a diverse group of grower organizations; agribusinesses; food, feed, beverage, restaurant, and retail companies; conservation groups; universities and public sector partners to focus on defining, measuring, and advancing the sustainability of food, feed, fiber, and fuel production. Field to Market comprises around 200 members representing all facets of the U.S. agricultural supply chain, with members employing more than 5 million people and representing combined revenues totaling over $1.5 trillion. 

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