Manager of Economic Research & Outreach

National Corn Growers Association•Chesterfield, MO

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is seeking a Manager of Economic Research and Outreach to coordinate and strengthen a network of state corn grower association staff engaged in economic analysis. This role helps improve the reach, consistency, and usefulness of objective economic insights that support NCGA’s policy priorities and grower programs. The Manager will provide timely market and policy insights, conduct applied economic research, and work with state partners and external researchers to identify priority research needs and support efforts to address them. This position combines applied analysis, partner coordination, and stakeholder engagement to support analytical capacity across the corn grower network.

Requirements

Strong understanding of U.S. agriculture and corn farming, including agricultural markets, production systems, market structures, risk management, and production data.
Experience conducting applied economic analysis and translating findings for practical use.
Strong facilitation and coordination skills, with experience organizing or leading cross-organizational or multi-stakeholder working groups.
Strong communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to synthesize complex economic information and communicate it clearly to non-technical audiences.
Strong analytical, research, and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with data analysis tools is a plus.
Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics or a related field.
3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
At least 2 years of experience applying economic analysis in an agricultural context.
Requires travel (20%-35%).
Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or related field.
Experience with econometric or other quantitative analysis methods.
Experience advancing collaboration through influence, facilitation, and relationship-building.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and facilitate a voluntary working group of state association staff engaged in economic analysis, helping organize meetings, agendas, and shared priorities.
Identify common analytical needs across states and support information-sharing by coordinating visibility into ongoing work, methods, and outputs from NCGA and state partners.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with state staff, grower leaders, and NCGA Action Teams to support alignment on research priorities and communications.
Partner with NCGA economists to develop concise, regular economic updates on NCGA issues, market conditions, and policy and trade developments relevant to corn growers.
Monitor emerging economic, trade, policy, and market issues and communicate relevant implications and considerations for NCGA priorities.
Work with state partners, NCGA economists, and Action Teams to identify research gaps and help evaluate when joint or commissioned research may be needed.
Support development and refinement of research RFPs and scopes of work in collaboration with NCGA and state partners.
Identify and coordinate relationships with external research partners, including academics, consultants, and other institutions.
Provide technical input on externally commissioned research to help ensure quality, objectivity, and usability.
Conduct applied economic research to support NCGA policy work, strategic initiatives, and member needs.
Translate complex findings into clear, practical deliverables (briefs, reports, presentations) for non-technical audiences; present results to internal and external audiences as appropriate.
Leverage NCGA’s national role to connect state partners with other commodity groups and coalitions when shared economic analysis needs exist.