Job Description
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Agriculture Outreach Manager (AOM) builds relationships with organizations that support farmers from a variety of backgrounds within the Upper Mississippi River Foodscape. The AOM will network and strengthen ties with those communities, especially by developing resources to support their economic and environmental resilience. They will use their project management skills to manage projects with partners – setting realistic deadlines, managing a timeline, and ensuring accountability. They will work to increase farmers’ access to advisors (regulatory, financial, and agronomic) and their access to information and knowledge, like programmatic and technical assistance. The AOM will work to increase farmers’ economic resilience by increasing access to markets for the crops farmers want to grow. They will also work to build partner organizations’ capacity in a collaborative and advisory capacity.
Responsibilities & Scope
Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, meeting fundraising targets, and providing input for proposal writing.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
Travel domestically within the Upper Mississippi Foodscape region (IL, IA, MN, and WI) and work flexible hours, as needed.
This is a full-time, 2-year grant-funded position with the possibility of extension based on continued grant funding. Working location is remote from a home office (or nearby TNC office if space is available) in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, with preference given to locations within the Upper Mississippi River Foodscape region, which spans parts of all 4 states.
We’re Looking for You:
The North America Agriculture (NA Ag) Program is looking for an Agriculture Outreach Manager to support our engagement with farming communities and the organizations that serve them in the Upper Mississippi Foodscape. The NA Ag program is a highly matrixed team that works closely with TNC’s widely dispersed staff in divisions; state business units (BUs); and whole system and global teams to scale up the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and programs across the Upper Midwest. We work with public agencies, companies, NGOs, and others to unlock financial and technical assistance; support producer-led networks; bolster innovation and technology; and advocate for policies that enable agriculture practices that improve environmental and social outcomes. The ideal candidate will have exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with farming communities in the Upper Midwest. This individual will leverage and build on their project management skills to advance projects that improve the economic livelihoods of farming communities. Individuals that thrive in a team environment but are comfortable working independently and collaborating with remote colleagues will be most successful in this role. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, community development, agricultural education, conservation, or similar field, and 5 years’ experience in community development and/or agriculture education; or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience communicating with the public including presenting to community leaders, government officials, or related; and working in partnership with other organizations.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, database management, and web browsers.
Experience working with partners/government agencies without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers.
Desired Qualifications:
Fluency in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, or other languages relevant to farming communities in the Foodscape region.
Experience working with farming communities in the Foodscape region.
Knowledge of current trends in regenerative agriculture, including cover cropping, crop diversification, agroforestry, and pastured livestock.
Grant/proposal writing and management experience.
Demonstrated social and emotional intelligence by successfully engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time.
Excellent communication skills in written, spoken, and graphical means.
Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Successful experience implementing program strategic goals.
Auto Safety Policy:
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $80,000 for annual base salary (subject to required tax withholdings). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
We request Priority Protected Veteran & Disabled Referrals for all of our locations within the state.
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Agriculture Outreach Manager (AOM) builds relationships with organizations that support farmers from a variety of backgrounds within the Upper Mississippi River Foodscape. The AOM will network and strengthen ties with those communities, especially by developing resources to support their economic and environmental resilience. They will use their project management skills to manage projects with partners – setting realistic deadlines, managing a timeline, and ensuring accountability. They will work to increase farmers’ access to advisors (regulatory, financial, and agronomic) and their access to information and knowledge, like programmatic and technical assistance. The AOM will work to increase farmers’ economic resilience by increasing access to markets for the crops farmers want to grow. They will also work to build partner organizations’ capacity in a collaborative and advisory capacity.
Responsibilities & Scope
Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, meeting fundraising targets, and providing input for proposal writing.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
Travel domestically within the Upper Mississippi Foodscape region (IL, IA, MN, and WI) and work flexible hours, as needed.
This is a full-time, 2-year grant-funded position with the possibility of extension based on continued grant funding. Working location is remote from a home office (or nearby TNC office if space is available) in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, with preference given to locations within the Upper Mississippi River Foodscape region, which spans parts of all 4 states.
We’re Looking for You:
The North America Agriculture (NA Ag) Program is looking for an Agriculture Outreach Manager to support our engagement with farming communities and the organizations that serve them in the Upper Mississippi Foodscape. The NA Ag program is a highly matrixed team that works closely with TNC’s widely dispersed staff in divisions; state business units (BUs); and whole system and global teams to scale up the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and programs across the Upper Midwest. We work with public agencies, companies, NGOs, and others to unlock financial and technical assistance; support producer-led networks; bolster innovation and technology; and advocate for policies that enable agriculture practices that improve environmental and social outcomes. The ideal candidate will have exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with farming communities in the Upper Midwest. This individual will leverage and build on their project management skills to advance projects that improve the economic livelihoods of farming communities. Individuals that thrive in a team environment but are comfortable working independently and collaborating with remote colleagues will be most successful in this role. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, community development, agricultural education, conservation, or similar field, and 5 years’ experience in community development and/or agriculture education; or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience communicating with the public including presenting to community leaders, government officials, or related; and working in partnership with other organizations.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, database management, and web browsers.
Experience working with partners/government agencies without violating any restrictions related to conflicts of interest, lobbying former employers, or influencing decision makers.
Desired Qualifications:
Fluency in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, or other languages relevant to farming communities in the Foodscape region.
Experience working with farming communities in the Foodscape region.
Knowledge of current trends in regenerative agriculture, including cover cropping, crop diversification, agroforestry, and pastured livestock.
Grant/proposal writing and management experience.
Demonstrated social and emotional intelligence by successfully engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time.
Excellent communication skills in written, spoken, and graphical means.
Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Successful experience implementing program strategic goals.
Auto Safety Policy:
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $80,000 for annual base salary (subject to required tax withholdings). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
We request Priority Protected Veteran & Disabled Referrals for all of our locations within the state.
About The Nature Conservancy
We are a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. We're proud of what we've accomplished since our founding in 1951: The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide — and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally.
Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable.
What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we avoid the worst impacts of climate change, conserve enough habitat to slow down species loss, and safeguard people.
Our planet faces the interconnected crises of rapid climate change and biodiversity loss. We have years, not decades, to address these existential threats.
We are an organization that is known for its strong mission and unique set of values. We offer an environment with a strong organizational culture and highly value our people understanding that they are the heart of our work.
