Company description

We are a nonprofit in Iowa supporting up-and-coming farmers to grow healthy food and build thriving farm businesses. We provide access to land, infrastructure, education, markets, and other resources. Through the use of regenerative agricultural practices, we are improving soil health and working in harmony with the land and our natural resources, while helping ensure more Iowans have access to fresh, locally grown food and strengthening resilient local food systems.

The farmers of In Harmony Farm cultivate a vibrant mix of nutrient-dense vegetables—greens, peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, radishes, turnips, beets, squash, carrots, cabbage, herbs, and more—on farm sites across our campus. Together, we’re growing not just food, but a healthier, more connected community.

Job description

The Executive Director & General Manager (ED/GM) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for In Harmony Farm (IHF), ensuring that IHF’s mission, to equip up and coming farmers with access to land, education, and market opportunity, is fulfilled through strong systems, transparent governance, and sustainable growth.

This role integrates IHF’s core areas of Production & Education, Markets & Fundraising, and Operations & Governance, ensuring cohesive strategy, clear accountability, and alignment across programs, staff, and board priorities. The ED/GM fosters cross-functional collaboration, strengthens systems and performance, and represents IHF as a leader in regenerative agriculture, food equity, and small farm entrepreneurship.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Lead the implementation of IHF’s strategic plan across its core pillars: Producer Support & Program Development, Sustainable Growth & Innovation, Financial Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships, and Operational & Governance Excellence.
Convene regular reviews to align priorities, assess progress toward strategic goals, and ensure coordinated execution across programs, markets, and operations.
Translate vision and board goals into actionable annual plans with measurable outcomes.
Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, facilitating transparent communication, alignment, and informed decision-making.
Represent IHF publicly as an advocate for local food systems, regenerative agriculture, and equitable access to land and markets.

Organizational Management & Integration

Oversee daily operations and staff performance across the Grow, Pollinate, and Root Functions.
Establish clear accountability structures, communication practices, and performance review processes.
Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and grant requirements.
Support board committees through timely reporting and participation.
Integrate people, partnerships, and finances to build system-driven operations.
Oversee organization-wide data governance and performance review processes, ensuring program, market, and financial data are integrated into strategic planning, board reporting, and funding decisions.

Program Oversight & Farmer Success

Guide the design and delivery of education, mentorship, and land access programs for beginning farmers.
Ensure alignment between curriculum, mission, and measurable impact metrics (profitability, retention, and independence).
Monitor program outcomes using data systems and continuous feedback loops.
Strengthen community and partner relationships to enhance IHF’s role as a learning and collaboration hub.

Financial Stewardship & Sustainability

Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Executive and Finance Committees.
Oversee fiscal operations, grant management, and financial reporting with bookkeeping support.
Build and maintain a diversified funding mix (approximately 50% grants, 30% private giving, 20% earned income).
Oversee lease administration, farmer rent collection, and related agreements to ensure financial clarity, compliance, and alignment with program goals.
Secure more funders, donors, and corporate partners using compelling data and storytelling.
Support communications and fundraising efforts, including events and campaigns.

Community, Partnership, and Market Development

Serve as a visible ambassador for IHF’s mission and programs, building authentic relationships with partners, funders and the community.
Develop partnerships with food networks, conservation organizations, and educational institutions.
Oversee market and co-branding initiatives that increase visibility and farmer revenue.
Promote community events and agritourism that connect Iowans to local food systems.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, agriculture, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

· Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, agriculture, or mission-driven enterprise.

· Proven success leading cross-functional teams and managing complex programs.

· Demonstrated expertise in fundraising, grant management, and financial oversight.

· Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture, local food systems, or small business development.

· Exceptional communication, facilitation, and partnership-building skills.

· Demonstrated commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences.

· Hands-on, collaborative leadership style suited to a farm-based, community-centered environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

· Integrator Mindset: Aligns people, processes, and priorities to deliver measurable results.

· Strategic Thinking: Balances mission focus with market realities for sustainable growth.

· Financial Acumen: Oversees diverse funding and financial accountability with transparency.

· Collaborative Leadership: Builds trust, accountability, and shared ownership among teams.

· Community Engagement: Develops and maintains trusted relationships with partners and stakeholders across sectors.

· Operational Excellence: Establishes systems that ensure clarity, compliance, and consistency.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role leads IHF’s managers overseeing Production & Education; Markets, Communications & Fundraising; and Operations, Finance & Governance, with responsibility for hiring, supervision, and performance management across these areas.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

April 03, 2026