Director - Fertilizer Inovation Center (USA)

International Fertilizer Development Center • Muscle Shoals, AL

106d • $111,800

About The Position

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Chemical/Process Engineering, or related agricultural/environmental sciences.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in fertilizer research, innovation, or industry, including at least 7 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record in developing and managing large-scale R&D programs, research facilities, or innovation centers.
• Strong understanding of U.S. and global fertilizer industry trends, nutrient management practices, and emerging innovations.
• Demonstrated capacity to mobilize resources (federal/state funding, private sector partnerships, philanthropy).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills to engage high-level stakeholders across academia, government, and private sector.
• Experience in policy engagement with USDA, state governments, and other allied organizations in U.S. on agriculture/energy/food security.
• Experience working in or with the fertilizer industry (manufacturing, R&D, or commercialization).
• Expertise in precision agriculture, AI/data analytics, and sustainability assessment.
• International exposure and collaboration with global R&D institutions, multilateral agencies, or innovation networks.
• Familiarity with U.S. research and innovation funding mechanisms.
• Experience in establishing public-private partnerships and fostering innovation ecosystems (startups, incubators, accelerators).
• Recognized publications, patents, or innovations in fertilizer science, soil health, or sustainable agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership in establishing LIFe-US as the premier U.S. center for fertilizer innovation.
• Align research and innovation priorities with U.S. national food security, environmental, and economic growth agendas.
• Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers, and farmers.
• Manage LIFe-US multidisciplinary research staff, provide advice and relevant guidance and information, and ensure that the institutional priorities are clear and understood.
• Oversee cutting-edge R&D in enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), bio stimulants, AI-driven nutrient management, soil health, and circular economy solutions.
• Ensure excellence in laboratory infrastructure, research methodologies, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Contribute to the development of LIFe's MELs framework and monitor research performance within the framework of the Institute's new strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of the R&D endeavors of IFDC.
• Lead and support institutional staff in developing and publishing quality peer-reviewed journal articles, manuscripts and other technical publications to enhance IFDC's scientific credibility.
• Build and manage partnerships with U.S. universities, USDA, industry leaders, farmer organizations, and philanthropic foundations.
• Mobilize financial and technical resources through federal, state, private sector, and philanthropic channels.
• Represent LIFe-US and IFDC in national and international forums on fertilizer innovation and sustainable agriculture.
• Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the fertilizer industry ecosystem and farmer profitability.
• Contribute to national and state-level policy dialogues on fertilizer innovation, soil health, and sustainability.
• Promote LIFe-US as a trusted platform linking science, policy, and markets.
• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and administrative staff.
• Develop and monitor annual work plans, budgets, and performance indicators.
• Compile and finalize periodic research reports for submission to donors, IFDC Research and Program Committee, and the Board of Directors.
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and effective communication across the consortium.
• Mentor the next generation of U.S. fertilizer scientists and agribusiness professionals.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Health and group life insurance coverage
• 13th-month salary
• Social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws
• End-of-contract benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Repair and Maintenance
• Education Level: Master's degree