The Agriculture Strategy Manager will lead The Nature Conservancy’s agricultural initiatives in the Snake River Plain, to address issues related to water quality, water quantity, soil health, and climate change. The Manager will direct the Idaho Chapter’s agriculture strategies through high-level engagement with members of the agricultural sector and help facilitate strategic alignment and integration by working with TNC’s conservation, science, government relations, marketing, North America Agriculture, and other teams that interact with agriculture sector stakeholders.
The Agriculture Strategy Manager will be responsible for developing and managing the implementation of conservation strategies and activities across the Snake River Plain as currently outlined in the Idaho Agriculture Case Statement and Roadmap. The work will include management of projects, executing activities in the field, collaboration on the development of strategies for regenerative agriculture, identifying strategic relationships with agribusinesses, technical service providers, and water managers across the Snake River Plain. The Manager will need to build productive relationships and partnerships with farmers, dairy interests, water managers, agencies, and key local stakeholders involved in nutrient management, soil health, water management, and water quality. The Manager will also foster cross-site learning among conservation partners and the agriculture community; and facilitate consensus and partnerships among key stakeholders. Local knowledge and agriculture expertise will be critical to implement long-term adoption of conservation activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Advance existing relationships with members of the agriculture sector, including producer groups, supply chain corporations, dairy industry and develop partnerships to engage the sector to promote and increase the adoption of regenerative practices, including soil health, nutrient load reduction management, and water demand reduction.
- Facilitate and navigate external partnerships to scale up adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.
- Position The Nature Conservancy as a respected voice in Idaho agriculture.
- Facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts.
- Design, implement and direct multiple complex projects, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability.
- Actively participate in raising public and private funds to meet program needs; manage grants and funds accordingly.
- Work closely with other programs throughout the Conservancy (including North America Agriculture) for synergy, ensuring that Idaho’s efforts support and complement the broader goals of the organization.
- Establish ambitious and realistic goals for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Proven experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability with diverse partners, both internal and external.
- Experience developing partnerships and leading collaborations within the private and public sectors.
- Experience with a variety of farming activities including precision agricultural, conservation tillage, irrigation systems, farm planning, and ability to make recommendations for conservation.
- Experience with effective negotiation, communication, and convening skills.
- Experience performing tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned territory, with occasional national travel.
- Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree and 5-7 years of experience in conservation or agricultural practice, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans with the public and private entities.
- Experience working in the dairy industry.
- Established relationships with members of the agricultural community in Idaho.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation and agriculture.
- Politically savvy and experience in presenting to and communicating with business, governmental, and community leaders.
- Proficient data management skills including generating reports, interpreting data, and ability to integrate information into actionable results.
- Experience identifying potential public funding sources and cultivation.
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.