Director of Research & Innovation

Wolfe's Neck Center•Freeport, ME

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Managing Director of Programs and serving as a member of WNC's Program Leadership Team and Management Team, the Director of Research & Innovation is a leadership role responsible for developing and overseeing all work conducted as part of WNC's Research & Innovation program area - one of three primary program areas that is newest to the organization and is actively being developed. Oversight of this area of programming includes: All projects and partnerships related to the development and use of soil health indicators and models as part of the expanding Northeast Farmers Fund practice implementation work; Supporting WNC's Research Scientist who is leading and coordinating all research initiatives conducted on site at Wolfe's Neck Center; Developing and overseeing project work and convenings to develop an agricultural framework for Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) that maintains data integrity and accuracy, supports the viability of agricultural operations of all scales, and enables better coordination and risk reduction; and Supporting staff in overseeing partnerships and facilitated conversations to advance the development of data systems and technologies that make data collection, sharing and analysis easier for farmers so that they can understand the impacts of their practices and take advantage of market incentives and premiums that support farmer viability.

Requirements

Advanced degree in agriculture science, agroecology, ecology, plant science, soil science, environmental science, or related field.
6-10 years of relevant experience with agricultural research and/or data systems and technology development.
Working knowledge of agriculture and crop/soil interactions, with a preference for livestock and grazing-based farm operation - could be achieved through a combination of on-farm experience, farm-based research, or technical assistance.
Strong collaborative project management, prioritization, and planning skills, with demonstrated success producing high-quality deliverables on time and within budget.
Success in developing and communicating clear strategic vision across departments, team and external partners.
Experience working with and managing remote teams, and the ability to foster a collaborative and effective team culture while coaching direct reports.
Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, technologists, technical assistance providers, and agriculture support organizations.
High degree of familiarity with fundraising processes and financial oversight, with a preference for experience in the agricultural research and data systems landscape.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)
The Director of Research & Innovation position can be structured as an onsite, hybrid, or fully remote position, requiring regular, mutually agreed upon time spent on-site at our oceanfront farm and campus.
The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of Research & Innovation programming, including:
Supporting Research & Innovation staff in maintaining agricultural data systems and technology development project timelines and deliverables, ensuring that work gets done on time, within budget, and according to project specifications;
Leading and participating in all initiatives related to the development of an agricultural framework for Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) that maintains data integrity and accuracy, supports the viability of agricultural operations of all scales, and ensures better coordination and reduced risk;
In coordination with the Senior Manager for Marketplace Development, overseeing staff and technical assistance providers who deliver support to farmers in the Northeast with conservation practice adoption, related soil analysis services and any associated environmental assessments;
Supporting the Research Scientist who is leading and coordinating all research projects conducted on site in accordance with an established organizational research agenda;
Providing overall management of relevant program budgets;
Working with the Managing Director of Programs and Research & Innovation staff to identify and elevate potential connections across Research & Innovation projects and with other areas of WNC programming;
Ensuring comprehensive partner relationship management and communication, supporting Research & Innovation staff who serve as points of contact for project-specific relationships, and serving as a principal point of contact for partners and subawardees who are engaged across projects to support holistic relationship development.
Supervise Research & Innovation program staff, including the implementation of meetings and other processes to best support the overall function of the team.
Work with the Managing Director of Programs and other relevant WNC staff to develop and implement new areas of Research & Innovation programming, including:
Identifying and engaging relevant subject matter expertise and potential partners to advance new areas of work;
Supporting efforts to identify new funding sources to support sustained funding for core operations as well as relevant potential projects;
Working with the Advancement Team, Operations and Finance, Managing Director of Programs, and other staff to support funding proposals and reporting.
Represent Wolfe's Neck Center at relevant conferences and gatherings, as a panelist and speaker.