Network Director - The Nebraska Soil Health Coalition

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references by December 9.

The Nebraska Soil Health Coalition's mission is to “Advance producer-centered education, outreach, and adoption of soil health principles and build resilient farms, ranches, and communities across Nebraska.” NSHC is a 501(c)3 organization that established the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition Fund (NSHCF), an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), to further support this mission.

Position Purpose

The Network Director will support the NSHCF mission by providing leadership to establish and nurture soil health hubs throughout Nebraska. By being a difference maker that interacts with diverse partners 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.

Position background information is available at www.nesoilhealth.org.

Examples of Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Work activities are subject to change based on the 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 an 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 economic budget work with beginning vs. intermediate producers to monetize 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 with 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.
• 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 Requirements

• 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lincoln, NE 68516

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000