Executive Director Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA), established by Iowa Code Chapter 177, serves as the official seed certifying agency for the state of Iowa. As a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors, ICIA is dedicated to ensuring seed and planting stock quality assurance while advancing education and leadership in crop improvement. ICIA is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization’s strategic direction, operational performance, and program delivery in support of its mission and continued success. The Executive Director provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership. This role is responsible for ensuring the long‑term sustainability, relevance, and effectiveness of ICIA by aligning programs, finances, governance, and partnerships with the organization’s mission, stakeholder needs, and applicable regulatory frameworks, and support innovation in agriculture. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison to the ICIA Board of Directors, Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (ISU CALS), regulatory bodies, and regional and national partners. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established, high-performing organization respected across Iowa and nationally. The successful candidate will build on a strong foundation of systems, resources, and partnerships while providing leadership at the state and national levels. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Iowa State University and a broad network of stakeholders to advance crop improvement and support innovation in agriculture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
8 years of related experience
Balance of technical expertise and strategic leadership
Experience in managing field trials, agricultural research, or seed certification, along with a track record of leading teams or programs
Ability to set vision, lead collaboratively, and delegate effectively, while remaining connected to day-to-day operations as a working leader
Experience in the seed or agricultural industry
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in agronomy, crop science, plant breeding, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field
Demonstrated experience leading agricultural field research, performance trials, or seed certification programs
Experience shaping and executing long-term vision, including strategic planning and organizational growth
Experience influencing policy, standards, or industry practices at the state, regional, or national level
Strong financial acumen, including experience guiding organizational budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term financial sustainability
Experience in higher‑education or university‑affiliated organizations

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for ICIA, working closely with the Board of Directors and Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to guide priorities, governance, and program execution
Represent ICIA and build partnerships with industry, government, and national organizations while maintaining strong collaboration with ISU researchers and stakeholders
Provide executive oversight of seed certification programs and Iowa Crop Performance Tests, including trial design, field operations, data quality, compliance, and reporting
Direct operational systems, facilities, and technology to ensure efficient execution of testing, planting, data collection, and quality assurance processes
Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and organizational standards while advancing continuous improvement efforts
Manage financial operations including budgeting, contracts, billing, audits, and long-term planning in coordination with the Board
Lead and supervise staff, including hiring, development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture