Director of Strategic Partnerships

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund audacious research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR’s partnership and results benefit farmers, consumers and the environment.

Job Description

FFAR invites applications for highly motivated and dynamic individual(s) to join our team as Director(s) of Strategic Partnerships. The Director(s) will leverage FFAR’s existing funding and relationships. Additionally, the Director(s) will work with our Scientific Program Directors to generate new funding partnerships and grow existing funding partnerships to support FFAR’s collaborative scientific research and workforce development priorities in line with FFAR’s Research Strategy. Working with other Directors of Strategic Partnerships, the Director(s) will also proactively identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospect and donor/partner relations to advance FFAR’s fundraising efforts.

This position will report to FFAR’s Vice President Partnerships & Development (P&D). A successful candidate will have familiarity with the agriculture, food systems, nutrition and/or agroecosystems research environment. Candidates should also have experience establishing partnerships with or between food and agriculture and food companies.

Position Overview

The Director of Strategic Partnerships will play a pivotal role in advancing FFAR’s mission to support growth and resilience of the U.S. food and agriculture system. This Director will design and implement strategies to establish co-funded public-private partnerships that bring together agribusinesses, food manufacturers, research institutions and philanthropic partners. A strong preference will be given to candidates with deep experience in the agribusiness and crops sector, including input suppliers, seed companies and organizations working at the intersection of crop science, sustainability and value chain innovation. The Director will lead efforts to secure substantial matching funds and deliver high-impact collaborations that drive measurable outcomes and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s partnership strategy focused on building and managing co-funded public-private partnerships that advancegrowthin the U.S. crops and agribusiness sectors.
• Identify, cultivate and manage executive-level relationships with agribusinesses, input suppliers, seed and crop protection companies, foodmanufacturersand foundations to advance shared investment priorities.
• Secure significant levels of matching funds from corporate,foundation and institutional partners, ensuring alignment with organizational and programmatic objectives.
• Negotiate and structure complex partnership agreements, including co-development initiatives, restricted funding collaborations and close revenue-sharing deals that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Oversee a strategic opportunity pipeline, leveraging CRM tools to manage leads, monitor performance and support data-driven decision-making.
• Co-create and co-design novel partnerships platforms and implement revenue generation guidance from the P&D strategy.
• Engage with startups and emerging innovators inagri-tech, crop systems, sustainability and related fields to identify collaboration opportunities that expand the organization’s reach and impact.
• Collaborate cross-functionallywith internal teams—programs, research,operationsand communications—to ensure partnerships are well-designed, resourced and effectively implemented.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic leadership by tracking trends in crop production, agribusiness innovation and sustainability to guide partnership priorities.
• Develop compelling co-funding proposals and partnership presentations, effectively translating complex scientific or technical content into clear, persuasive narratives.
• Represent the organization externally at industry events,conferencesand high-level partner meetings, positioning the organization as a trusted, results-oriented collaborator in the crops and food systems space.
• Model a proactive, collaborative and adaptable leadership style, fostering teamwork and accountability across the Partnerships & DevelopmentTeam.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, ensuring consistent attention to detail andtimelyfollow-through.
• Travel domestically as needed to cultivate partnerships and represent the organization at key events and convenings.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degreerequired; advanced degree (MBA or relevant Master’s) strongly preferred, ideally in agriculture, agribusiness, crop science, food science, environmental science, sustainability or a related field.
• Sector Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the U.S. agribusiness landscape—especially in the crops sector, including seed, crop protection, input supply and value chain operations.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 8 years leading partnership development, or business development within an agribusiness, crop science company or food manufacturer.
• Public-Private Partnership Development: Proven ability to design, fund and manage co-funded partnerships between corporate, philanthropic and research partners, with a strong record of securing matching funds.
• Strategic & Financial Acumen: Demonstrated financial acumen with success structuring and executing several complex revenue sharing deals with measurable returns.
• Innovation Orientation: Experience engaging startups or emerging technologies in crop production, agri-tech or food innovation.
• Leadership: Strong strategic thinker and team collaborator capable of translating ideas into actionable, high-impact partnerships.
• Analytical & Communication Skills: Ability to distill technical and scientific information into clear insights and persuasive communications for diverse audiences.
• CRM & Data Management: Skilled in leveraging CRM and other tools to track, manage and report on partnership performance.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust across corporate,nonprofitand academic sectors.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel domestically for partner engagement and representation at major industry events.

Application & Nomination Process

Please click here to apply for this role. Applicants must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. FFAR reviews applications on a rolling basis and will accept applications until a candidate is selected.

Additional Information

This position requires longs period of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional travel may be required. Additionally, this position will work closely with the VP of Partnerships & Development and may be asked to come into the FFAR office located in downtown Washington, D.C. to attend key meetings and events. Work outside of normal business hours may be required.

Benefits Offerings:

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• 100% company paid dental and vision insurance for employee and family
• 100% life and disability insurance
• 6% 401k match – fully vested after first contribution
• Employeeassistanceprogram
• Robust vacation, sick and holiday leave
• On-site gym with free access for employees
• Training and professional development opportunities

EEO Statement

FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.