The Agriculture Program Director will lead The Nature Conservancy’s agricultural initiatives in the State of Illinois, working closely with the agriculture sector on issues related to water quality, soil health, climate change and wildlife habitat. The Director will lead the Illinois Chapter’s agriculture strategy through high-level engagement with members of the agricultural sector and help to facilitate alignment and integration by working with TNC’s North America Agriculture Program, Midwest Division and conservation, science, government relations, corporate engagement, marketing and other staff that interact with agriculture sector stakeholders. As the Illinois lead, the Director will also help shape TNC’s regional strategy for agriculture.
The Agriculture Program Director works with private and public sector partners to understand and address the challenges of adopting conservation practices in agriculture and builds a shared vision and direction to advance sustainable agriculture practices across the State of Illinois and beyond. With coalitions such as the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership, the Director spearheads development of effective messaging and outreach to Illinois farmers, agribusiness and other members of the agriculture sector to provide accurate and relevant information about conservation practices. Builds innovative partnerships with farm service providers such as seed, chemical and fertilizer retailers, land improvement contractors, producer groups, crop consultants, farm managers, agricultural lenders, and non-profits interested in agriculture to develop programs and provide products and services that lead to improved water quality and soil health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate change. Collaborates with government relations team to assess policy impacts, analyze data to support the development of policies and strategically engages the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to ensure timely implementation of the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. With TNC’s government relations team, influences and promotes a strong Conservation Title in the Farm Bill. Cooperates with federal agency staff to target funds and administer programs with the aim of increasing participation and achieving high priority conservation outcomes. Represents TNC on the NRCS state technical committee and work groups and at conferences and field days to convey the importance of soil health to water quality, greenhouse gas mitigation, and agricultural productivity. Functions as the Illinois lead on supply chain and corporate partnerships. Supervises staff responsible for agricultural outreach and project implementation.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Advance existing relationships with members of the agriculture sector, including producer groups and supply chain corporations, and develop partnerships to engage the sector to promote and increase the adoption of sustainable practices, including soil health and nutrient load reduction management.
- In keeping with the outward nature of the role, work in partnership with producer groups, agribusinesses, agencies, academic institutions and other non-profits in a collaborative capacity.
- Facilitate and navigate external partnerships to scale up adoption of sustainable agriculture practices.
- Work closely with other programs throughout the Conservancy (North America Agriculture, Midwest Division and State Business Units) for synergy, ensuring that Illinois’ efforts support and complement the broader goals of the organization.
- Position The Nature Conservancy as a respected voice in Illinois agriculture.
- Design, implement and direct multiple complex projects, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability.
- Facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts.
- Actively seeks public and private funds to meet program needs; manage grants and funds accordingly
- Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
- Supervises staff at remote locations.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
- Experience working with the agricultural community.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
- Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience with effective negotiation, communication skills, and convening skills.
- Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 7 years of experience in conservation or agriculture practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation and agriculture in the Central United States.
- Established relationships with members of the agricultural community in Illinois.
- Outstanding track record as a skilled communicator leading to fundraising success with major prospects or equivalent success in sales.
- Politically savvy and experience in presenting to and communicating with business, governmental, and community leaders.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.