Summary
Senior leader who, as a part of the NCGA Management Team, will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the association on all corn production and sustainability issues. To help facilitate industry alignment of these things, this leader will coordinate sustainable production data, information, and strategies across the entire corn value chain. They will also work closely with NCGA’s state partners to leverage their expertise and work related to sustainable corn production. To that end, they should bring to the organization technical expertise in the field of sustainability, a passion for agriculture and a strong collaborative spirit.
Reports to: NCGA Chief Executive Officer
Organizational Overview
Founded in 1957, NCGA represents nearly 37,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. Our mission is to create opportunities for corn farmers. We do that in partnership with our affiliated state organizations by:
- Advocating for favorable policies for corn farmers in Washington, D.C.
- Growing demand for corn and corn products around the globe.
- Driving sustainable corn farming practices at the farmgate.
- Building trust of corn farmers and farming among key influencers.
NCGA is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and maintains an additional office in Washington, D.C. The organization is led by the Corn Board, a 15-member board of directors that are elected to their respective terms by our Corn Congress delegate body.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Policy Formulation
- Work with NCGA’s Action Teams to establish strategies and policies to enhance U.S. corn productivity and sustainability.
- Work with the NCGA Washington, DC staff to engage Congress, USDA, EPA, DOE, and other relevant agencies in support of legislation or programs that promote corn sustainability.
- Provide information on corn production and sustainability policies and programs to NCGA producer leadership, state partners and staff.
- Align sustainability programs with partners.
- Planning
- Develop both short-term and long-term plans to address research, production, environmental management, sustainability, and issues management.
- Industry Alignment
- Collaborate with corn industry on NCGA priority areas, including sustainability, crop inputs, conservation, and innovation issues.
- Lead/participate in industry and coalition initiatives in the sustainability space that moves NCGA closer to its goals.
- In conjunction with NCGA’s Market Development team, partner with downstream customers to share data and insights related to the sustainability of U.S. corn.
- Relationships
- Partner with state corn organizations, and other key value chain partners and stakeholders in the development of joint programs that enhance corn productivity, stewardship, and sustainability.
- Team management
- Supervise/manage staff, with ability to lead and coordinate staff across various departments.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experience managing federal regulatory matters affecting agriculture and the environment.
- Experience developing and managing integrated research, education, or public policy initiatives.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to work with an extensive variety of people, including corn growers, business executives, and association leaders.
- Experience analyzing, interpreting, and communicating technical production data/information.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to diplomatically manage dynamic and complex issues and relationships.
Education/Experience
- Ten years experience, preferably working with agricultural, food, or natural resource issues.
- Strong technical background in production agriculture, conservation, and sustainability.
- Knowledge of association management is a plus.
Travel
20-25%
Position Type/Location
Full-Time St. Louis/Hybrid (up to 2 days a week from home)
NCGA is an equal-opportunity employer
The National Corn Growers Association is committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
