Director, US Agriculture

Winrock International

10d•Remote

About The Position

Winrock International is seeking a Director, US Agriculture to lead its domestic agriculture and food systems strategy, operations, and staff. This role is crucial for advancing the mission and vision of the Wallace Center, which focuses on creating a more regenerative, equitable, and resilient U.S. food system. The Director will provide strategic and programmatic direction, represent the Wallace Center and Winrock externally, uphold organizational values, and collaborate with internal teams. The position is based in the US, with a preference for candidates in the Midwest or Delta region, and requires light domestic travel.

Requirements

Holistic, extensive U.S. agriculture and food system knowledge, experience, and thought-leadership, especially in issues relating to growing the ag-of-the-middle, local and regional food systems, and regenerative agriculture.
Broad partnership development experience and deep industry relationships, including with leading nonprofits, BIPOC communities, tribal governments, federal and state agencies, funders, and the private sector.
Proven experience leading and growing teams of talented professionals, including remote teams, while managing organizational priorities and relationships.
Proven expertise in financial management, with extensive budget development and management responsibilities of multi-project portfolios.
Deep understanding of the domestic funding landscape, including demonstrated experience in securing and managing diverse funding streams, particularly from the US government and philanthropic sources.
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
At least 10 years of relevant experience, acquired through formal education and/or sector relevant work.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated sector thought leadership highly desirable.
Master’s Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction for advancing US agricultural and food systems programming, advancing Wallace Center’s mission to build regenerative, equitable, and resilient food systems.
Champion innovation, systems learning, and collaboration to drive field leadership and impact.
Integrate data, outcomes, and partner feedback into continuous program and strategy improvement.
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Track performance and financial health, ensuring accountability to funders, partners, and Winrock.
Provide inclusive, inspiring leadership that aligns staff around the Center’s mission and strategic priorities.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a diverse and high-performing team within a human-centered, collaborative culture.
Foster teamwork, accountability, and professional fulfillment through clear communication, coaching, and shared purpose.
Ensure operational quality, staff development, and risk management across programs.
Serve as the primary representative of the Wallace Center within Winrock International and across national networks, partnerships, and events.
Build and sustain strategic, cross-sector relationships that elevate the Center’s visibility and impact.
Monitor trends, opportunities, and challenges in the food and agriculture landscape to inform strategy and partnerships.
Ensure that key project outcomes, policy efforts, and collaborations are leveraged for maximum community and organizational benefit.
Lead a robust, diversified fundraising and partnership strategy to sustain and grow US agriculture work.
Cultivate strong relationships with foundations, government agencies, donors, and strategic partners.
Engage staff in new business development, grant design, and partnership cultivation.
Oversee timely, compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications that reflect the Center’s and Winrock’ vision and results.