Organization Description
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund bold 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’spartnership and results benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.
FFAR’s research is a core facet of the organization, developed in collaboration with industry, government, academia and nonprofit institutions. Leveraging public and private resources, FFAR increases the scientific and technological research, innovation and partnerships critical for reaching anambitious goal:
A U.S. food and agriculture system that supports producers and their communities, sustains the environment and enables processors and retailers to deliver foods that equitably nourish our population.
FFAR works toward this goal by focusing on four interrelated, strategic research Priority Areas that together aim to provide the impacts stakeholders need to improve and advance the food and agriculture system:
- Cultivating Thriving Production Systems
- Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems
- Bolstering Healthy Food Systems
- Strengthening the Scientific Workforce
Position Description
FFAR seeks two scientific program associates (SPAs) to provide support to the following Priority Area Teams:
- Cultivating Thriving Production Systems Teamwhich supportsresearchthat helps animal and crop systems by increasing productivity, combatingpestand diseases, supporting animal welfare and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.
- Bolstering Healthy Food SystemsTeamwhich supports research thatpromotestheavailability of nutritious foods, improves human health, develops novel food processes andproductsand advances the U.S. food systems’ functionality.
The SPA position(s) fill a critical internal coordination and communication role while supporting engagement with partners and other stakeholders. The SPA(s) will report directly to the Program Directors over each Priority Area identified above and will often work closely with external stakeholders as well as FFAR colleagues on the Communications & Legislative Affairs, Grants, Partnerships & Development, Impacts and Finance Teams.
This science administration position requires a desire to learn more about innovative food and agriculture research, excellent interpersonal and writing skills, a high level of organization and an ability to work under tight deadlines. This is an opportunity to engage across several technical areas in support of a broad food and agriculture research portfolio.
Duties & Responsibilities
Administration
- Organize and manageteamfiles and materials
- Coordinate internal and external meetings, including development of meeting agendas, meeting minutes and follow-up on action items
- Support the development, coordination and on-site execution of events and meetings related to the development ofnew programs, implementation of existingprogramsor other team needs. These may include offsite convening events,webinarsor meetings between external stakeholder groups such as advisory or executive groups
- Support tracking of metrics related toteamgoals/performance
- Support research program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) efforts;This may include facilitating partners’ data entry into FFAR’s M&E system, uncovering and collating impact stories or other related tasks
- Utilize and manage project management tools
- Co-develop and manage standard operating procedures
Communication & Outreach
- Develop internal communication materials, including slide decks
- Support external communication to stakeholders and potential funders, including slide decks, save the date and pre-event materials
- Support outreach strategies by preparingor reviewingmaterials for the FFAR website,teamnewslettersand publications
Research Support
- Coordinatevirtual and in-personmeetings with advisory groups or stakeholders to support concept development fornew programs
- Provide internal research support, including analysis of award data and other information to gain efficiency, ensure equity and make other improvements to FFAR processes
Qualifications
Required Competencies & Skills
- High attention to detail,strong organizationalskillsand the ability to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated time and project management skills, including the ability to meet multiple deadlines;ability to set priorities;ability to create and use spreadsheets to track project deliverables
- Ability to work professionally and collegially within a creative, fast-paced culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision; flexible and able to routinely juggle multiple competing priorities and work incross-departmentalteamscomprisedof both support and senior staff to meet project goals
- Ability to write clearly and cogently for technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to synthesize and summarizelarge amountsof information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue, as well as toidentify, understand and synthesize different perspectives
- Strong systems skills including MicrosoftOffice products required; database and online research applications preferred
- Highest levels of initiative and integrity
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’sdegree
- At leasttwo yearsof relevant professional experience
- Experience working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment
- Experience communicatingcomplextopicssuccinctly and effectively
- Experience multitasking, including working across multiple complex projects in differentfoodandagriculturalresearch areas
- Knowledge of agriculture preferred
- Experience working with academia, the private sector and/or thefood andagriculturalstakeholder community preferred
Application Process
To apply for this position, complete the application process as outlined on FFAR’s careers platform.
FFAR reviews applications on a rolling basis and will accept applications until FFAR selects a candidate. Applications must consist of a substantive cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please include a paragraph identifying the Priority Area you are most interested in supporting and your reasoning why. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and this position may close at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been received.
*Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Additional Information
This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional domestic and international travel will be required. Workoutside 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
- Employee Assistance Program
- Robust Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- On-Site Gym with Free Access for Employees
- Training and Developmental opportunities
EEO Statement
FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
