Director, US Agriculture

Director, US Agriculture

Winrock International is a recognized leader in the U.S. and globally, providing solutions to some of the world’s most complex social and agricultural challenges. Our mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunities and sustain natural resources. It is central not only to what we do, but how we do it.

Winrock’s agricultural work in the US advances a more regenerative, equitable, and resilient U.S. food system. Guided by Winrock’s mission to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources, Winrock’s US agricultural work is led by a unit called the Wallace Center, which brings together farmers, businesses, communities, and changemakers to co-create solutions that strengthen livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on. 

Unit: US Programs
Location: US Remote, Midwest or Delta region preferred. Light domestic travel is required 
Reports To: Senior Director, U.S. Programs

BACKGROUND: 
The Wallace Center at Winrock International is a national program working to advance a more regenerative, equitable, and resilient U.S. food system. Guided by Winrock’s mission to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources, the Wallace Center brings together farmers, businesses, communities, and changemakers to co-create solutions that strengthen livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on. The Center’s strategy focuses on four priority areas of action:

• Healthy Agricultural Ecosystems
• Just Economic Opportunities
• Resilient Communities
• Effective Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Senior Director of U.S. Programs, the Director of US Agriculture leads the domestic agriculture and food systems strategy, operations, and staff to advance its mission and vision. This role provides strategic and programmatic direction, represents Wallace Center and Winrock externally, upholds organizational values, and engages in regular collaboration with Wallace Center and Winrock teams. Key responsibilities include:

Programmatic Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for advancing US agricultural and food systems programming, advancing Wallace Center’s mission to build regenerative, equitable, and resilient food systems.
• Champion innovation, systems learning, and collaboration to drive field leadership and impact.
• Integrate data, outcomes, and partner feedback into continuous program and strategy improvement.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Track performance and financial health, ensuring accountability to funders, partners, and Winrock.

Team Supervising & Coaching

• Provide inclusive, inspiring leadership that aligns staff around the Center’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a diverse and high-performing team within a human-centered, collaborative culture.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and professional fulfillment through clear communication, coaching, and shared purpose.
• Ensure operational quality, staff development, and risk management across programs.

Cross-Team & Winrock Liaison

• Serve as the primary representative of the Wallace Center within Winrock International and across national networks, partnerships, and events.
• Build and sustain strategic, cross-sector relationships that elevate the Center’s visibility and impact.
• Monitor trends, opportunities, and challenges in the food and agriculture landscape to inform strategy and partnerships.
• Ensure that key project outcomes, policy efforts, and collaborations are leveraged for maximum community and organizational benefit.

Funder Engagement & Funding Development

• Lead a robust, diversified fundraising and partnership strategy to sustain and grow US agriculture work.
• Cultivate strong relationships with foundations, government agencies, donors, and strategic partners.
• Engage staff in new business development, grant design, and partnership cultivation.
• Oversee timely, compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications that reflect the Center’s and Winrock’ vision and results.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Holistic, extensive U.S. agriculture and food system knowledge, experience, and thought-leadership, especially in issues relating to growing the ag-of-the-middle, local and regional food systems, and regenerative agriculture.
• Broad partnership development experience and deep industry relationships, including with leading nonprofits, BIPOC communities, tribal governments, federal and state agencies, funders, and the private sector.
• Proven experience leading and growing teams of talented professionals, including remote teams, while managing organizational priorities and relationships. 
• Proven expertise in financial management, with extensive budget development and management responsibilities of multi-project portfolios.  
• Deep understanding of the domestic funding landscape, including demonstrated experience in securing and managing diverse funding streams, particularly from the US government and philanthropic sources.  
• Demonstrated sector thought leadership highly desirable. 
• This is a national search, however, there is priority consideration for candidates based in and with experience in the U.S. Midwest and Delta states. 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience, acquired through formal education and/or sector relevant work. 

Salary range: $120,000–$140,000, depending on location, skills, and relevant experience. Winrock offers a strong benefits package. 

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law. 

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.