Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
Crop Production Systems Scientific Program Manager
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Crop Production Systems Scientific Program Manager
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Production Systems Team seeks a dynamic, self-starter to serve as Scientific Program Manager (SPM) for the crop research portfolio. This role provides technical leadership, cultivates scientific partnerships, and manages programs and projects for existing and emerging crop research initiatives at FFAR, collaborating with leading scientists in industry, academia and other research-focused organizations to fund innovative research with practical applications in U.S. agriculture. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, proven project management abilities and broad technical expertise in crop research. Preferred qualifications include expertise in one or more of the following areas: agronomy, cropping systems research, precision agriculture, predictive breeding or data analytics and modeling. The SPM will be an active member of the FFAR Scientific Program Team and may collaborate with other FFAR teams, including Partnerships & Development, Communications & Legislative Affairs and Grants. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR aims to provide affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms, pioneering scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical gaps. FFAR supports four Priority Areas: Cultivating Thriving Production Systems, Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems, Bolstering Healthy Food Systems and Strengthening the Scientific Workforce. This position will support the crops research portfolio within the Production Systems Team, investing in research to advance 1) Crop Resilience and Productivity; 2) Economically Viable Systems; and 3) Agricultural Stewardship applicable to U.S. agriculture. The portfolio includes projects from genetic improvement of yield and resilience traits to developing new crops and production systems, and the development of tools that accelerate genetic crop improvement across crops. The SPM will participate in program design and oversight of programmatic management and evaluation, ensuring funds align with FFAR’s strategic priorities and policies. The SPM will report to the Production Systems’ Scientific Program Director for Crop Research. Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Crop Production Systems Team to prioritize, develop and manage crop research initiatives Oversee existing crop research programs and projects, ensuring goals are met and deliverables are completed on time Direct ongoing projects by facilitating meetings, resolving challenges, tracking progress and communicating results and impacts Manage the establishment of new funding awards from proposal solicitation through agreement execution and award, in coordination with Grants, Finance and Communications Teams Participate in developing new crop research funding programs by building relationships with funders and research partners to define scope, funding mechanisms (e.g., RFAs, prizes) and implementation plans Provide technical expertise in landscaping efforts and research strategy development in the crop research space Partner with the scientific program director and Partnerships & Development Team to lead and support stakeholder communications in defining crop research priorities Represent FFAR to external stakeholders in public and private sectors to build research partnerships and leverage resources Apply a continuous improvement approach to adapt and strengthen new and existing programs based on lessons learned Foster a culture of open communication, teamwork and mutual respect in all internal and external engagements Qualifications
Required Doctorate or equivalent degree in a relevant agricultural, plant science or related field Deep technical expertise in crop research Knowledge of innovation trends and emerging technologies in crop research Familiarity with research and scientific issues in commercial crop agriculture Proven experience in program or project management, including managing budgets, timelines and deliverables Strong organizational skills to manage multiple programs and timelines simultaneously, including across multiple complex projects Demonstrated ability to coordinate long-term projects from proposal through completion Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders in public and private sectors Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to both technical and nontechnical audiences succinctly and effectively Ability to apply problem-solving skills to address challenges as they arise and adapt programs based on lessons learned Proven ability to work cross-functionally within an organization Flexible, efficient, enthusiastic andDiplomatic work style, both individually and as part of a team Highest levels of personal and professional integrity, with a sense of humor Preferred Technical expertise in one or more of: data analytics and modeling; predictive breeding; agronomy; precision agriculture; cropping systems research Experience contributing to research strategy development and program scoping/landscaping Experience designing and managing competitive funding mechanisms (e.g., RFAs or prize competitions) Familiarity with grants management processes Experience with agreement development, review and negotiation in collaboration with legal counsel Familiarity with intellectual property considerations in research funding agreements Application Process
To apply, complete the application process as outlined on FFAR’s careers platform. FFAR reviews applications on a rolling basis and will accept applications until October 17, 2025, or earlier depending on the number of applications received. Applications should include a substantive cover letter and resume. *Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additional Information
This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Domestic and occasional international travel will be required. Work outside of normal business hours may be required. Benefits
100% company paid Dental and Vision Insurance for employee and family 100% Life and Disability Insurance 6% 401k Match – fully vested after first contribution Employee Assistance Program Robust Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave On-Site Gym with Free Access for Employees Training and Developmental opportunities Remote work available 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. End of description.
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The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Production Systems Team seeks a dynamic, self-starter to serve as Scientific Program Manager (SPM) for the crop research portfolio. This role provides technical leadership, cultivates scientific partnerships, and manages programs and projects for existing and emerging crop research initiatives at FFAR, collaborating with leading scientists in industry, academia and other research-focused organizations to fund innovative research with practical applications in U.S. agriculture. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, proven project management abilities and broad technical expertise in crop research. Preferred qualifications include expertise in one or more of the following areas: agronomy, cropping systems research, precision agriculture, predictive breeding or data analytics and modeling. The SPM will be an active member of the FFAR Scientific Program Team and may collaborate with other FFAR teams, including Partnerships & Development, Communications & Legislative Affairs and Grants. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR aims to provide affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms, pioneering scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical gaps. FFAR supports four Priority Areas: Cultivating Thriving Production Systems, Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems, Bolstering Healthy Food Systems and Strengthening the Scientific Workforce. This position will support the crops research portfolio within the Production Systems Team, investing in research to advance 1) Crop Resilience and Productivity; 2) Economically Viable Systems; and 3) Agricultural Stewardship applicable to U.S. agriculture. The portfolio includes projects from genetic improvement of yield and resilience traits to developing new crops and production systems, and the development of tools that accelerate genetic crop improvement across crops. The SPM will participate in program design and oversight of programmatic management and evaluation, ensuring funds align with FFAR’s strategic priorities and policies. The SPM will report to the Production Systems’ Scientific Program Director for Crop Research. Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Crop Production Systems Team to prioritize, develop and manage crop research initiatives Oversee existing crop research programs and projects, ensuring goals are met and deliverables are completed on time Direct ongoing projects by facilitating meetings, resolving challenges, tracking progress and communicating results and impacts Manage the establishment of new funding awards from proposal solicitation through agreement execution and award, in coordination with Grants, Finance and Communications Teams Participate in developing new crop research funding programs by building relationships with funders and research partners to define scope, funding mechanisms (e.g., RFAs, prizes) and implementation plans Provide technical expertise in landscaping efforts and research strategy development in the crop research space Partner with the scientific program director and Partnerships & Development Team to lead and support stakeholder communications in defining crop research priorities Represent FFAR to external stakeholders in public and private sectors to build research partnerships and leverage resources Apply a continuous improvement approach to adapt and strengthen new and existing programs based on lessons learned Foster a culture of open communication, teamwork and mutual respect in all internal and external engagements Qualifications
Required Doctorate or equivalent degree in a relevant agricultural, plant science or related field Deep technical expertise in crop research Knowledge of innovation trends and emerging technologies in crop research Familiarity with research and scientific issues in commercial crop agriculture Proven experience in program or project management, including managing budgets, timelines and deliverables Strong organizational skills to manage multiple programs and timelines simultaneously, including across multiple complex projects Demonstrated ability to coordinate long-term projects from proposal through completion Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders in public and private sectors Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to both technical and nontechnical audiences succinctly and effectively Ability to apply problem-solving skills to address challenges as they arise and adapt programs based on lessons learned Proven ability to work cross-functionally within an organization Flexible, efficient, enthusiastic andDiplomatic work style, both individually and as part of a team Highest levels of personal and professional integrity, with a sense of humor Preferred Technical expertise in one or more of: data analytics and modeling; predictive breeding; agronomy; precision agriculture; cropping systems research Experience contributing to research strategy development and program scoping/landscaping Experience designing and managing competitive funding mechanisms (e.g., RFAs or prize competitions) Familiarity with grants management processes Experience with agreement development, review and negotiation in collaboration with legal counsel Familiarity with intellectual property considerations in research funding agreements Application Process
To apply, complete the application process as outlined on FFAR’s careers platform. FFAR reviews applications on a rolling basis and will accept applications until October 17, 2025, or earlier depending on the number of applications received. Applications should include a substantive cover letter and resume. *Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additional Information
This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Domestic and occasional international travel will be required. Work outside of normal business hours may be required. Benefits
100% company paid Dental and Vision Insurance for employee and family 100% Life and Disability Insurance 6% 401k Match – fully vested after first contribution Employee Assistance Program Robust Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave On-Site Gym with Free Access for Employees Training and Developmental opportunities Remote work available 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. End of description.
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