Network Director

Applications will be reviewed, beginning January 6th. The position is open until notified otherwise.

Job Title: Network Director – the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC)

Salary: Base salary range is $85,000-$95,000, annually, based upon experience plus benefits

Reports to: NSHC Board Chair and the Nebraska Community Foundation Chief Financial Officer

Status: Exempt, Full‐Time (NCF-NSHC affiliation and benefits)

Updated: December 17th 2024

This position is funded through grants and donations which are provided by the agricultural industry, private persons, organizations, or the government. The NSHC currently has funding on-hand for three plus years for this position. Other grants are in process and there are high expectations of additional funding in future years, due to the importance of soil health and regenerative agriculture.

How to Apply

Submit your cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae and three references by January 6th 2024, on the Nebraska Community Foundation website. The position is open until an announcement is posted.

Apply now

The Network Director for the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization supports the mission to “Advance producer-centered education, outreach, and adoption of soil health principles and build resilient farms, ranches, and communities across Nebraska.” They will provide leadership to establish and nurture soil health hubs throughout Nebraska. The NSHC will work with the Nebraska Community Foundation and interact with diverse partners.

Applications will be reviewed, beginning December 9th. The position is open until notified otherwise.

We seek a difference maker to deepen the impact of regenerating agriculture, natural resource conservation and leadership in the nexus of rural-urban communities. The leader must possess the skills, commitment and demonstrated abilities to work with a range of stakeholders who influence agricultural decision-making and economics. These include agricultural producers, health- and community leaders, education and agricultural input providers, financial lenders, land managers, policy makers, nutrient providers and other organizations that are intertwined with our natural resources and bio-economy. The collaborations will be developed through our three-pronged community-based approach to foster systemic soil health adoption, enhance the lives of the producers and the communities they live in and intertwine your passion and skills with key influencers to meet locally driven goals.

You are a good fit for this position if you have prior experience in conservation-based initiatives, bring a strength/asset-based approach to your work, adult education/facilitation skills and thrive in a complex and highly collaborative environment.

This is a virtual position with preference for a candidate who can work with producers and stakeholders in the initial Hub located in south central Nebraska.

Expectations

Examples of Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Work activities are subject to change based on team need but core activities and responsibilities will likely include:

Developing, nurturing and coordinating a network of producers – community stakeholders and partners in the south central, Nebraska soil health hub and future hubs across the state. These hubs include our three pronged approach of a Producer to Producer learning group, a Strategic Visioning Group and a Educational-Demonstration site.
Serving as a key influencer representing NSHC’s vision and core values.
Building trusted relationships leading to the co-creation and implementation of projects to accelerate the transition to regenerative agricultural practices for producers and their communities.
Fostering new possibilities among the high-level landscape of soil heath stakeholders and potential partners across the state along with the specific activities and needs within each hub. This includes a focus on economic budget work with beginning vs. intermediate producers in monetizing soil health and profitability.
Garnering support and fundraising to ensure the financial sustainability of NSHC.
Ensuring financial and administrative procedures are followed and completed.
Responsible for NSHC partnerships, collaborations and the NCF relationship.

Collaborating with the NSHC Education Coordinators (to be hired with the involvement of the Network Director) and other soil health partners to design, deliver, and facilitate services, training, and programs to help the Soil Health Hubs meet their goals.

Education, Skills, and/or Experience – Required

Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or higher preferred) related to soil health, natural resources, conservation, agriculture and/or facilitative learning.
Excellent listening skills and high emotional intelligence.
Evidence of strong writing to tell our story and successfully seek funds.
Ability to facilitate participatory dialogue, lead diverse groups to consensus, and create action plans that achieve their goals.
Ability to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships in individuals, organizations and communities.
Self‐motivated to meet deadlines and ability to motivate producers, agricultural groups, and community leaders.
Big picture, systems level thinker as well as detail oriented.
Strong administrative skills, organizational skills and technology proficiencies.

Education, Skills, Talents and/or Experience – Preferred

Adult education and/or facilitation training and experience are helpful.
Involvement and/or interest with “best management practices” in national, Regenerative Agriculture Initiatives including Nebraska.
Expertise in conservation, using data to inform learning and/or facilitative leadership.

Other

This position requires periodic trips to south central Nebraska and some travel throughout the state, including overnight travel.
Some night and weekend work are required.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Successfully passing a background check.
Periodic travel to the Nebraska Community Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This job description is intended to be general and may evolve over time. The description is subject to periodic updating. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different and/or additional duties or responsibilities.