International Network Specialist

The Land Institute•Salina, KS

19d•$57,000 - $71,000•Remote

About The Position

The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501c3 non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature's economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, is developing new perennial grain crops , like Kernza ©, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature's limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future. The Land Institute seeks to hire a Network Specialist for the International Initiative to support the growing Global Perennial Grain Research Network—a collaborative international community of researchers advancing perennial grain crop development and sustainable agricultural systems. The Network Specialist will manage the day-to-day operations of the global network, including coordination of working groups, administration of the network’s online communication platform (Slack), and maintenance of a central researcher database (Airtable). The position plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and engagement among scientists, partners, and institutions worldwide. The Manager will work closely with the Director of the International Initiative in overseeing the following areas:

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, international development, or related field
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project, network, or community coordination.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, additional languages preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing digital tools such as Slack, Airtable, and Google Workspace, including experience facilitating digital collaboration and mediating relationships across platforms.
Experience working across time zones and diverse cultures.
Knowledge of agricultural research, sustainability science, or global research networks.

Nice To Haves

Experience in online community management or knowledge-sharing platforms.
Familiarity with data management practices and CRM/database tools.
Understanding of perennial agriculture and TLI’s mission

Responsibilities

Network Coordination and Working Group Support: Ensure effective communication, collaboration, and integration across thematic and regional research groups as well as with independent researchers within the network. With the Director of the International Initiative, act as a primary point of contact for the Global Perennial Grain Research Network. Support the development and coordination of emerging working groups spanning crop types, technical themes, and regions. Lead on the planning and logistics of meetings and check-ins in coordination with technical leads
Communications Platform Development and Moderation: Lead the development, moderation, and active facilitation of the network’s new online communications platform to build a vibrant, connected global research community. Collaborate with TLI’s communications and IT teams and key global leaders to design and launch communication platforms for the Global Perennial Grain Research Network, including policies around community norms, permissions, structures, etc. Serve as the primary moderator, helping to ensure constructive, inclusive, and engaging interactions across channels, actively encouraging participation, highlighting new resources, and promoting collaboration among members. Troubleshoot access, functionality, and user issues as needed. Monitor participation trends and engagement data, preparing periodic summaries to inform improvements.
Network Database Management: Oversee and maintain the International Initiative’s central Airtable database of global perennial grain researchers and institutions. Manage updates, approvals, and classifications of new and existing contact records. Ensure data quality, accuracy, and compliance with permission and privacy agreements. Coordinate with team members to maintain automations linking Airtable to the website and other tools. Generate targeted lists and summaries to support communications, reporting, and outreach. Work with the TLI Network Database working group to align and/or integrate the international database with other cross-functional organizational databases and contact management solutions. Work with the ethical infrastructure team to ensure database governance and management is aligned and promote just, safe sharing across partners.
Event Support and Outreach: Support virtual and in-person engagement that strengthens collaboration and visibility across the network. Assist with planning and logistics for network events, webinars, and meetings. Coordinate communications for events, newsletters, and updates. Contribute content that highlights network activities and findings.