The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is seeking an AMP Program Manager to lead implementation of a USDA Amplifying Markets for Producers (AMP) grant program across multiple Midwestern states. This position will oversee a team responsible for farmer eligibility, environmental review coordination, contract administration, agricultural data management, compliance documentation, and USDA reporting activities. The AMP Program Manager will work closely with USDA staff, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team, participating farmers, and external partners to ensure successful program implementation, operational efficiency, participant enrollment, and achievement of grant deliverables and milestones. This is a grant-funded position with anticipated funding through five years.
Essential Functions
- Lead implementation and day-to-day management of a multi-state USDA Amplifying Markets for Producers (AMP) grant program
- Supervise and support a cross‑functional team responsible for compliance, environmental review, contracts, data management, and reporting activities
- Coordinate program implementation activities with USDA staff, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund teams, participating farmers, and external partners
- Develop and maintain operational processes, workflows, and performance tracking systems to support efficient program delivery
- Oversee farmer enrollment pipelines, contract execution processes, environmental review coordination, and eligibility verification activities
- Monitor program milestones, deliverables, budgets, reporting requirements, and timelines to ensure compliance with USDA grant requirements
- Maintain strong working knowledge of USDA grant terms, conservation program requirements, and associated regulatory obligations
- Support forecasting, tracking, and reporting of key performance metrics, including enrolled acres, producer participation, conservation practice implementation, and farmer payments
- Oversee data quality, record management, and reporting accuracy within agricultural data management systems and enrollment platforms
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify operational improvements and streamline program implementation processes
- Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for USDA, leadership teams, and project partners
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with USDA representatives and key project stakeholders
- Support issue resolution and risk management related to enrollment, compliance, reporting, and operational delivery
Competencies
- Leadership
- Project Management
- Operational Excellence
- Problem Solving
- Regulatory Compliance
- Decision Making
Work Location/Travel
- This position is based in Ankeny, Iowa. This position may require occasional travel.
Supervisory Responsibility
- This position supervises a small team working on implementing the AMP grant.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural business, environmental science, public administration, agronomy, natural resources, or a related field
- Experience managing complex agricultural, conservation, or USDA-funded programs
- Strong understanding of USDA conservation programs, grant administration, and producer enrollment processes
- Experience leading teams and managing multiple operational workstreams simultaneously
- Demonstrated project management, organizational, and stakeholder coordination skills
- Experience working with agricultural data management systems
- Strong communication and relationship management skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
- Ability to manage deadlines, operational priorities, and reporting requirements in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience managing USDA grants or federally funded agricultural programs
- Familiarity with conservation implementation, environmental review processes, and agricultural data systems
- Experience working with farmers, conservation organizations, or commodity groups
- Knowledge of Midwest cropping systems and conservation practices
Benefits
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- FSA and HSA available
- Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
- Fitness center and Golf simulator
- 401(k) with generous company match
- Dress for your Day Dress Code
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.