Employment Opportunities: Join the ISA team!

Field Program Representative - AgOutcomes (Eastern ND/Western MN)

Objective

The Field Program Representative is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in the Red River Valley and surrounding areas. The Field Program Representative works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data.  Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.

Essential Functions

  • Provide support to current and prospective farmers for collection of management practice data and other necessary enrollment information
  • Increase grower enrollment in the identified area
  • Support verification and validation of climate smart practice adoption
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform
  • Create and maintain a pipeline of farmers to enroll via direct communication and key partnerships
  • Conduct a consistent cadence of check-ins with enrolled farmers
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and support to affiliated farmer recruiters (seed dealer, crop advisors, ag retail, etc.)
  • Track acres enrolled in territory by affiliated recruiters, provide payment and report status
  • Assist farmers in interpreting and understanding outcomes-based payment structure and estimated payments based on models
  • Provide technical assistance to enrolled farmers for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries like certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors
  • QA/QC all farmer provided data
  • Provide opportunities for enrolled farmers to participate in on-farm research/benchmarking with other enrolled farmers
  • Analyze and interpret outcomes data received from 3rd party verifiers
  • Build a profile as a conservation expert for farmers in your area
  • Provide guidance on relevant trends and developments in the agricultural landscape related to markets, innovations, potential customers, etc.
  • Gather, assimilate, and analyze market and competitive information

Competencies

  • Deep Working Knowledge of Local Agricultural Cropping Systems
  • Demonstrated Initiative, Assertiveness, and Ability to Drive Results
  • Establishing and Building Relationships
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Displaying Conservation Technical Expertise
  • Coordinating Project Activities
  • Prioritizing and Organizing Work
  • Managing Resources

Travel/Location

This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, or other agricultural related fields.
  • Minimum of three to five years of experience working in agronomy or conservation.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
  • Experience in agriculture or related field such as agronomy sales

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here
Field Program Representative - AgOutcomes (Eastern IL/Western IN)

Objective

The Field Program Representative is the farmer face for AgOutcomes and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) in Eastern Illinois, Western Indiana, and surrounding areas. The Field Program Representative works to enroll farmers in the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, assists farmers and affiliated recruiters in the enrollment process, provides quality control of incoming farmer data and translation of resulting environmental and ecosystem service data.  Additionally, this position provides conservation and agronomic advice to enrolled farmers and maintains excellent customer relationships with farmers.

Essential Functions

  • Provide support to current and prospective farmers for collection of management practice data and other necessary enrollment information
  • Increase grower enrollment in the identified area
  • Support verification and validation of climate smart practice adoption
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform
  • Create and maintain a pipeline of farmers to enroll via direct communication and key partnerships
  • Conduct a consistent cadence of check-ins with enrolled farmers
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and support to affiliated farmer recruiters (seed dealer, crop advisors, ag retail, etc.)
  • Track acres enrolled in territory by affiliated recruiters, provide payment and report status
  • Assist farmers in interpreting and understanding outcomes-based payment structure and estimated payments based on models
  • Provide technical assistance to enrolled farmers for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries like certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors
  • QA/QC all farmer provided data
  • Provide opportunities for enrolled farmers to participate in on-farm research/benchmarking with other enrolled farmers
  • Analyze and interpret outcomes data received from 3rd party verifiers
  • Build a profile as a conservation expert for farmers in your area
  • Provide guidance on relevant trends and developments in the agricultural landscape related to markets, innovations, potential customers, etc.
  • Gather, assimilate, and analyze market and competitive information

Competencies

  • Deep Working Knowledge of Local Agricultural Cropping Systems
  • Demonstrated Initiative, Assertiveness, and Ability to Drive Results
  • Establishing and Building Relationships
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Displaying Conservation Technical Expertise
  • Coordinating Project Activities
  • Prioritizing and Organizing Work
  • Managing Resources

Travel/Location

This position will be based remotely in the identified territory. Requires some office time at the Iowa Soybean Association office in Ankeny, Iowa. As a remote employee, you are responsible for setting and maintaining your schedule. Requires up to 50% travel, typically within the identified territory. Frequently travel is outside the local area and may be overnight. Some of the travel may be in other states.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, or other agricultural related fields.
  • Minimum of three to five years of experience working in agronomy or conservation.
  • Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
  • Experience in agriculture or related field such as agronomy sales

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here
Data and Technology Lead - AgOutcomes

Objective

The Data and Technology Lead is responsible for managing and overseeing the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) data and external data and technology partnerships. This position is also responsible for analyzing agronomic data, environmental outcome data and monitoring and sampling results. Knowledge of agronomic and environmental models is required. This position will provide strategic leadership for the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund related to internal and external data and technology needs.

Essential Functions

  • Provides data and technology leadership and management that aligns with the mission of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.
  • Identify opportunities to improve or expand the use of data and technology within the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund operations.
  • Manage and lead the organization's internal and external data and technology partnerships for web development, outcome quantification, and others.
  • Work with contractors to design and implement data management systems to ensure accurate and timely capture, storage, analysis, and reporting of agronomic and environmental data.
  • Have knowledge of agronomic and environmental models, including but not limited to COMET-Farm, Nutrient Tracking Tool, GREET, and others.
  • Provide advanced analysis of agronomic and environmental data to support the organization's work in improving soil health and water quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement technology solutions that support the organization's mission.
  • Identify emerging data and technology trends and evaluate their potential impact on the organization.
  • Train and mentor staff in the use of data and technology tools and resources.
  • Ensure data security and compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Create annual budgets, tracks contractor expenses.
  • Knowledge of web services and technology to support the SWOF web-based data portal.

Competencies

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Environmental Modeling
  • Results Driven
  • Data Analytics
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Collaboration Skills

Travel/Location

This position is located in Ankeny, Iowa but we are also open to remote work. This position requires some travel, mainly to meet with partners and farmers.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may have some supervisory responsibilities over analyst positions.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, environmental science, agronomy, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in data management, analysis, and modeling, preferably in the agriculture or environmental sector.
  • Expertise in designing and implementing data management systems and models, including familiarity with agronomic and environmental models such as COMET-Farm, Nutrient Tracking Tool, GREET, and others.
  • Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical analysis and data visualization.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams to develop and implement technology solutions.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Fitness Center
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your Day Dress Code

Apply Here
Regenerative Ag Program Specialist (Cotton) - AgOutcomes

Objective

The Regenerative Ag Program Specialist is a key member of the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton program (www.trustuscotton.org/about/climate-smart), a partnership between the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (USCTP) and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (www.theoutcomesfund.com) to advance the adoption of climate smart practices on 1.2 million acres across 19 cotton belt states. The Regenerative Ag Program Specialist oversees farmer contracting for the Climate Smart Cotton program. This role works closely with Field Representatives employed by the Cotton Trust Protocol and cotton farmers to collect farmer operational data, deliver guidance on new conservation practice opportunities, and translate resulting environmental and ecosystem service outcome data. The Regenerative Ag Program Specialist oversees farmer contracts through the enrollment pipeline from data collection to contract execution utilizing the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund farmer enrollment platform and resources. Additionally, the Regenerative Ag Program Specialist works closely with Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team members on quarterly reporting on farmer enrollment and environmental outcomes.

Essential Functions

  • Provide support to the Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and prospective farmers for collection of management practice data and other necessary enrollment information.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Soil & Water Outcomes Fund and associated farmer enrollment platform.
  • Assist Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and farmers in interpreting and understanding outcomes-based payment structures and estimated payments based on models.
  • Provide assistance to Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and farmers enrolled farmers for agronomy and conservation practice implementation, either directly or through intermediaries like certified crop advisors or agronomy advisors.
  • Manage the farmer contract pipeline and progress contracts through each stage of enrollment, communicating frequently with Cotton Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Specialists and Cotton Trust Protocol Leadership.
  • Support the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team members in forecasting, tracking, and reporting on key enrollment and financial metrics, including acres enrolled, environmental outcomes projected, and farmer payments.
  • Work with the Cotton Trust Protocol team to direct and oversee farmer payments.
  • Provide quarterly update reports to the Cotton Trust Protocol.

Competencies

  • Agronomy Expertise
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Displaying Technical Expertise
  • Managing Resources
  • Prioritizing and Organizing Work
  • Establishing Relationships
  • Customer Service

Travel/Location

Ideally, this position will be based in Ankeny, Iowa, but open to remote. This position requires infrequent travel, mainly to meet with partners and the team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology or related field.
  • Understanding of the cotton cropping system and conservation practices.
  • Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
  • Understanding of computer technologies including cloud-based data storage, farm data management systems, and online contract management.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Fitness Center
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your Day Dress Code

Apply Here
Managing Director - Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance

Objective

The Managing Director will manage the implementation of Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance’s grants and agreements as well as the organization’s operations, including finance, annual budgeting, tracking match commitments, and project management.

Essential Functions

  • Lead development and implementation of IAWA annual budgeting process. Present budgets to IAWA Board and Management Team.
  • Manage project timelines and set priorities for major public-private partnerships, including the Midwest Agriculture Water Quality Partnership and Iowa Systems Approach to Conservation Drainage.
  • Track deliverables and match commitments for all IAWA grants, including federal and state agencies and private foundations. Submit reports and invoices as required by grants.
  • Track and manage IAWA financials including grants, IAWA Business Council, invoices, in-kind contributions, and private donations in collaboration with the ISA Controller and IAWA team.
  • Help coordinate project implementation efforts for IAWA, founding organizations, and partners.
  • Support new proposals by managing timelines and developing proposal budgets.
  • Attend IAWA and key partner meetings and events.
  • Manage senior staff as direct reports, as assigned by Executive Director.
  • Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

Competencies

  • Financial Management
  • Project Management
  • Timeline Management
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Developing Plans
  • Collaboration Skills
  • Assertiveness
  • Flexibility

Travel/Location

This position may require up to 10% travel. Occasional travel may be required outside the local area and overnight. 

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business and Management or other related field.
  • Three or more years of experience in project management/implementation.
  • Strong financial management and project management skills, including Excel spreadsheets.
  • Demonstrated history of successfully handling multiple tasks on time and within budget.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • CAPM or PMP designation.
  • Demonstrated communications competency.
  • Grant submission and/or grant writing experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of agriculture, water quality and conservation

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Dress for your day dress code

Apply Here
Director of Marketing + Communications - Amplify

Objective

Amplify Association Management (Amplify) is an accredited association management company (AMC) that specializes in full-service management for non-profit professional and trade associations. We become a strategic partner to our clients to elevate the impact of their mission, members and industry.

The Director of Marketing and Communications will join a motivated team of executives, event planners and program managers to improve outcomes for our trade association partners. The ideal candidate will have technical skills in communication, journalism or public relations; social media management; and building successful, measurable marketing campaigns. Bonus points if you have additional experience in graphic design and Adobe Creative Suite, web design, digital media creation, photography, and experience in association management software.

This individual will coordinate strategies and tactics across multiple clients in a range of exciting industries. Specific projects include editorial and digital newsletter management, building marketing campaigns for events and coordinating digital media. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, intuitive and motivated to make an impact at Amplify, and for our clients.

Amplify is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Iowa Soybean Association.

Essential Functions

  • Strategy: Advise trade association leaders and fellow Amplify team members to understand where marketing and communications can support their strategic plan and tell their story. 
  • Develop Plans: Create plans with measurable objectives, strategies, tactics, timelines and budget for each contracted service (e.g. events, membership renewals, publications, social, etc).
  • Lead and Manage: Empower the marketing team and contractors to execute the marketing plans that impress — on time and on budget.
  • Business Development: Identify opportunities to expand Amplify marketing services in existing business and new business.

Competencies

  • Highly Organized  
  • Efficient and Effective at Managing Multiple Projects 
  • Unrivaled Attention to Detail 
  • Adapt Quickly to Change 
  • Collaborative and Humble Team Player 
  • Critical and Strategic Thinking 
  • Embody Confidence and Composure  

Travel/Location

  • This position requires some travel. Travel will generally be regional and national requiring some nights and weekends.

Supervisory Responsibility

  • This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Education and Experience

  • Undergraduate degree (BA or BS), completed, with a focus in communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, business or related field required. The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years of experience. 

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account available
  • Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Apply Here