Vice President of Science and Research

Position Overview

Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture seeks a Vice President of Science and Research to oversee the scientific development of the Field to Market program including metrics, benchmarks, periodic indicators reports, and science-based reports on special topics.Field to Market is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder initiative 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 commodity crop production.

The Vice President of Science and Research is responsible for helping to forge consensus on best science and practical application among more than 150 multi-stakeholder member organizations. The position is also responsible for engaging with the broader scientific community to represent the science-based approach of Field to Market and advocate for advances in agricultural sustainability research.

The ideal candidate will have a Master or Doctoral degree in an agricultural science field with experience conducting research, analyzing data, and publishing scientific results. They should possess a strong background and understanding of sustainability, environmental modeling, climate science, agronomy, agricultural systems, US commodity crop production, and the trends, opportunities, and progress of scientific and environmental research in these areas.

Critical skillsets include strategic and scientific leadership coupled with experience engaging stakeholders to find common understanding, expert knowledge or familiarity with methodologies and tools related to sustainability measurement frameworks; environmental modeling (DNDC, DayCENT, COMET, APEX, SWAT); quantitative data analysis; soil and water conservation; greenhouse gas accounting; and USDA models and data services (WEPP, WEPS, SCI). The candidate should have knowledge of the trends, tools and strategies related to agricultural sustainability; strong communication and interpersonal skills; be detail oriented; a track record of managing small teams and facilitation; 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.

Key Responsibilities 

Management 

• Participate in the executive leadership team of the organization including strategic planning, staff and project management planning and supervision, and responsible for reporting to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors on science programs.
• Supervisor for staff with primarily scientific and technical job responsibilities, including assigning and monitoring progress on tasks, performance reviews, and mentoring and career development.
• Act as project manager for the overall development of scientific elements of the program including metrics, benchmarks, data analysis and scientific communications.
• Responsible for fundraising to support development and revision of science-based metrics and other science and research program elements.

Scientific Leadership 

• Responsible for ensuring the scientific integrity of Field to Market programs and recognition of the program and overall approach as a science-based and technically sound documentation and communication to scientific audiences through presentations and written articles and reports.
• Lead the scientific and technical work with aligned programs as needed.
• Stay up to date on relevant scientific advances through participation in scientific meetings and events, networking with member and non-member experts, and staying abreast of scientific literature including national and international reports.
• Serve in scientific advisory positions as invited.
• Responsible for development, research, writing and review of Field to Market scientific publications including the periodic National Indicators Report and other special reports as requested.

Member Engagement and Facilitation 

• Primary staff lead for the Science Advisory Council including planning of activities, calls and meetings, individual relationship management with advisors, and facilitation between the SAC and other governance bodies seeking advice
• Primary staff lead for the Metrics Committee including overall planning, assistance with facilitation and establishment and facilitation of ad-hoc sub-committees as needed
• Primary staff lead for the Affiliate Sector University member organizations, including recruitment, engagement, and member relationships
• General member recruitment and relationship management for members in all sectors including communication with scientific and technical staff and engagement of member experts in development of metrics and program elements 

Qualifications 

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in agronomy, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, crop/soil science, agricultural sustainability or related field. A PhD in a related field is preferred.
• Established Track Record: A minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in agronomy, agricultural economics, or in fields related to agricultural sustainability and food/fiber supply chains.
• Excellent communication skills (writing/editing, speaking, facilitating). Technical writing samples may be requested.
• Successful experience in working with a membership-driven organization preferred.
• Exceptional project management skills and experience managing multiple projects Ability to prioritize, establish and meet deadlines.
• Proactive self-starter who can work as part of a team as well as independently when
• Ability to work effectively and as a team in a small office environment.
• 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.
• This position is in Washington, DC.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter that explains your interest in the position and a resume to [email protected] no later than Friday, April 1, 2022. Use the subject line “Vice President Science and Research.” One combined PDF file is preferred.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Field to Market offers a comprehensive benefits package,including health, dental and vision insurance, 401k match and generous paid leave. Please noteapplicants must have authorization to work in the United States.

Commitment to Equal Employment

Field to Market is an equal opportunity employer committed to the fair and equal treatment of allemployees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity orexpression, genetic information, marital status, age, national origin, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, collaborative and sustainable work environment for allemployees.