OBJECTIVE: Co-lead the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) in the conception, development, execution, and communication of in-field and edge-of-field farmer-centric research and technical assistance that is science-based, data-driven, highly integrated and collaborative across agronomics and conservation, and brings short- and long-term value to soybean farmers’ cropping systems for greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. This position will report to the Senior Director of Research.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Contribute proven agronomy and agronomic knowledge and leadership in establishing and growing a nationally recognized program for farmer-centric soybean research, communication and adoption of continuous improvement practices that combines agronomy, conservation, and analytics for profitable and sustainable soybean production.
• Provide visionary leadership and mentoring for a team of staff scientists with diverse professional training and experience that include agronomy, environmental science, analytics and similar. Initially, the leadership role will be by influence and not direct supervision.
• Develop working relationships with managers, staff, farmer board members, and various program participants and partners that demonstrate trust and mutual respect.
• Work in partnership with the Co-Director RCFI – Conservation to conceptualize new ideas and provide direction to the team. 
• Promote and ensure a culture of staff and team engagement, integration, and alignment internally and externally with affiliated collaborators.
• Develop and assist the ISA Sr Director of Research, the Research Leadership Team, and the ISA Board of Directors in the creation and fulfillment of short- and long-range goals and objectives, Key Performance Indicators relating to the ISA mission and strategic plan, as well as the RCFI program priorities.

COMPETENCIES

• Agronomy
• Field research, especially on-farm research
• Soybean and/or row crop production agriculture
• Innovation and creativity
• Ability to lead by influence and example
• Attention to tactics and detail and to novel longer-range strategic opportunities
• Technical and People Leadership
• Budgeting and program development

TRAVEL

• This position requires remote work in the field and requires up to 50% regular travel, typically in Iowa. Occasionally travel is outside the local area and overnight.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has no supervisory responsibility.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in Agronomy or similar agronomic science field
• 5-10 years of related experience in creating, leading, and overseeing the development and implementation of agricultural research programming, management of programs and teams, and professional interactions with managers, colleagues, team members, board members, farmers, university and company researchers, and those involve in communications, policy, and/or market development.
• Proven experience in developing and managing program budgets, grant proposals, and/or contract research agreements
• Proven oral and written communication skills
• Experience working in a not-for-profit and/or board-lead organization is desirable

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code