Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Farm Systems Viability Manager

About PFI

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates. 

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission. 

About the Position

The farm viability department provides innovative, personalized support to help farmers achieve their goals. We partner with farmers to implement new on-farm practices, develop markets and create robust farm business plans. We make key connections across the food and agriculture supply chain, develop strategic partnerships and shape the policies that encourage resilient farms to thrive.

We’re seeking a farm systems viability manager to manage our largest financial and technical assistance programs and a growing team of staff who advise farmers looking to adopt new practices in their farming operations. This team currently oversees projects that support farmers who are adding cover crops, small grains in rotation, grazing infrastructure, prairie strips, oxbows and precision conservation, as well as those who are reducing their nitrogen rates.

As the farm systems viability manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring execution of our largest programs that impact millions of acres of crop ground in Iowa and surrounding states. If you’re passionate about driving positive change at a bigger scale while supporting a team that helps farmers make that change, this is your role! 

Duties

• Manage projects that provide financial and/or technical assistance to farmers and landowners adopting practices in field crops production that include:
• Cover crops, small grains and extended rotations 
• Nitrogen reduction
• Grazing management
• Edge-of-field and in-field habitat conservation 
• Design and implement processes to ensure consistency and efficiency of farm viability work by:
• Collaborating with the finance team to ensure payment accuracy and timeliness for farmers
• Ensuring consistent, high-quality consultations to farmers
• Designing and overseeing reporting for Scope 3 emissions reporting, fee-for-service contracts and grants
• Work closely with the data systems and member engagement team to complete work  
• Oversee staff members who conduct farm systems viability work 
• Promote teamwork and consistent technical assistance and customer service within the farm systems team  
• Manage capacity and budget efficiently to complete work   
• Write proposals for grant and/or fee-for-service funding opportunities   
• Develop and manage partner relationships, working closely with large food and beverage companies, related to farm systems programs that leverage both organizations’ work toward PFI’s farm viability goals   

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

• Knowledge of basic agronomy, field crop and livestock systems, agroecology and precision conservation in the Midwest
• Knowledge of carbon markets and greenhouse gas accounting
• Experience with database management 
• Able to provide technical assistance
• Takes initiative to design, launch and manage ambitious projects
• Experience supervising a team
• Grant-writing experience
• Skilled at facilitating both in-person and virtual meetings
• Budgeting and budget management skills
• Experience with program evaluation and data-driven decision-making
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Able to develop and manage a detailed schedule and work plan with little oversight
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and with media such as graphics or visual aids
• Able to adapt to different software platforms 
• Respectful of differing perspectives
• Efficient and effective in fast-paced environments
• Provides and receives feedback constructively

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

• Existing knowledge of PFI’s programs 
• Three years of professional experience
• Experience with survey design or software
• Appreciation of and passion for PFI’s organizational mission
• Empathetic and able to build and mend relationships
• Has a mindset of continuous improvement

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid schedule. A minimum of two days in the office per week are preferred for this position, which may also involve seasonal travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The beginning salary for this position is $72,000 with annual opportunity for merit salary increases and position advancement. 

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 4% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment. 

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote workers and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.  

Please apply by completing an application (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.