Job type: Full-time

Location: Remote, U.S.-based, with the option to work from FFAR’s Washington, D.C. office

Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000

Organization Description

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund audacious research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR’s partnership and results benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.

FFAR’s research is a core facet of the organization, developed in collaboration with industry, government, academia and non-profit institutions. The Foundation’s research focuses on catalyzing innovation to solve pressing food and agriculture challenges. Leveraging public and private resources, FFAR increases the scientific and technological research, innovation and partnerships critical to enhancing sustainable production of nutritious food for a growing global population. FFAR currently supports research in six Challenge Areas:

• Soil Health
• Sustainable Water Management
• Next Generation Crops
• Advanced Animal Systems
• Health-Agriculture Nexus
• Urban Food Systems

In addition to research programs, FFAR’s Scientific Workforce Development programs prepare today’s scientific workforce to address the food and agriculture challenges of tomorrow.

Climate change is creating numerous challenges for food and agriculture systems. FFAR’s AgMission™ initiative further supports research enabling agriculture to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and advance the widespread adoption of climate-smart agriculture.

Position Description

This is a science administration position that requires a desire to learn more about innovative food and agriculture research, excellent interpersonal and writing skills, a high level of organization and focus, and an ability to work under tight deadlines.

Reporting to the Scientific Program Director, based in FFAR’s Washington DC office, the Officer will work closely with all members of the Scientific Program as well as other colleagues in communications, grants, development, government relations and other areas.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Proactively manage projects that have been initiated by the Scientific Program team.
• Coordinate work with other Scientific Program Associates.
• Generate in-depth content for direct use in programs and events.
• Produce materials for Advisory Councils and external stakeholders.
• Assist Program Directors in conceptualizing and developing new program strategies, schedule, budget, and other objectives.
• Assist Program Directors in communications with Advisory Councils.
• Assist in communicating and coordinating activities within and across teams at FFAR
• Prepare documents for internal review.

• Conduct sessions and/or small workshops on behalf of FFAR. Develop agendas, invite presenters and participants, oversee meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.
• Coordinates response to reviewers, applicants, and internal decision memoranda for submitted proposals.
• Creates and maintains materials, web sites, and social media channels to provide interest groups and stakeholders with information generated from and for activities.
• With Program Directors, initiate and support collaborations with federal, state, and local government agencies, and foundations. Identify potential private-sector partners for programs.

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree, or comparable experience to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in an agriculture-related field.
• A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated analytical, writing, and fact-checking skills.

• Demonstrated ability to generate scientific content (posters, presentations, manuscripts, or documents) for a wide variety of audiences, including the public.
• Experience in engaging, organizing and coordinating stakeholder groups to strengthen partnership initiatives.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and achieve specified outcomes under deadlines. Flexible and able to routinely juggle multiple competing priorities and work in teams of both support and senior staff to meet project goals.
• Strong data management skills with a thorough understanding of how different components in a database are related.
• Exceptional project management skills and a strong track record of success in stewarding projects.

• Capacity to bring together disparate pieces of information in attempting to solve a particular problem and comfort with creative thinking in combining information to forge new pathways for innovation.
• Ability to develop, package and produce content in publications, web sites and other media.
• Comfort and commitment to actively engaging through remote conferencing.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to quickly come up to speed on and speak effectively about complex material, while conveying FFAR’s vision, mission, goals, and core values.

Application Process

To apply for this position, click here: Recruitment (adp.com)

This position will be open until April 28, 2023, Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Additional Information

This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Travel will be required, both domestically and internationally. Work outside of normal business hours may be required.

Benefits Offerings:

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• 100% company paid dental and vision insurance for employees and family.
• 100% life and disability insurance
• Up to 6% 401k Match – fully vested after first contribution.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Robust vacation, sick, holiday and parental leave
• On-site gym with free access for employees
• Training, tuition assistance and developmental opportunities

EEO Statement

FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applications are encouraged from individuals who may fall into any such groups, as well as from veterans and uniformed service members.