Company description

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin and Urbana, Illinois. We work in collaboration with farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders to develop perennial food and fodder crops within multifunctional systems grounded in ecology and inspired by the savanna biome. Our work aims to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US via strategic research and education. For more information, please visit www.savannainstitute.org.

Job description

The Savanna Institute invites applications for a Tree Crop Development Lead. We seek applicants who share our passion for restorative and resilient agricultural, with a preference for applicants who bring experience in emerging crop commercialization, grower education, and novel investment strategies. This position will initially focus on developing the Midwest industries for hazelnut, chestnut, and elderberry, but crop focus will evolve over time. This position will work closely with academic, non-profit, business, and farmer collaborators. This is a new position that will report to the co-Executive Directors.

Job Description

Hours: Full-time preferred, but part-time possible

Location: Work-from-home, flexible location within Midwest. Occasional reimbursed travel.

Start Date: August 1, 2019, flexible

Rate of Pay: Commensurate with experience

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience in industry development for tree crops or other emerging crops
• Experience agroforestry, forestry, grazing, or other perennial agricultural practice
• Familiarity with hazelnut, chestnut, and/or elderberry value chains
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field

All qualified applicants welcome; farmers and members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct market & supply chain research
• Identify commercialization bottlenecks
• Analyze impact investment strategies
• Identify appropriate business structures and investment vehicles
• Synthesize stakeholder knowledge
• Prepare reports & deliver presentations
• Manage relationships with researchers and supply chain stakeholders
• Organize tree crop advisory committees
• Develop educational resources for growers and industry stakeholders
• Coordinate nascent crop breeding programs
• Catalyze grower cooperation

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15/hr +

Work visa

This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants

Application instructions

Deadline

July 01, 2019