Coordinator, Awards and Lectures

World Food Prize Foundation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, IA seeks a Coordinator to support planning and execution of awards and lectures. You will assist with logistics, communications, and stakeholder coordination for prestigious events and programs.

The role requires attention to detail, strong writing, and the ability to multitask in a high-volume environment. Travel may be required; remote work is not available. A bachelor’s degree is required with 1–3 years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree required; 1–3 years experience preferred.
• Experience in agriculture, food security, or international development is a plus.
• Comfort with high-volume environments and travel up to 1–3 times/year.
• Strong written communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics for Innovate for Impact Challenge startup pitch competition.
• Support promotion, selection and announcements of Foundation awards.
• Assist with background research and writing about award winners and nominees.
• Coordinate travel, lodging and schedules for award winners at events.
• Draft outreach materials, briefing books, scripts, and letters for key figures.
• Maintain stakeholder CRM with award winners and nominators.
• Participate in subcommittees as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Project coordination

Cross-cultural communication

Multitasking

Written communication

Education

Bachelor degree

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Asana

Zoom

Salesforce CRM

Job description

REPORTS TO: Director of Awards and Lectures, World Food Prize Foundation

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 14, 2026

SALARY: $40,000 - $55,000+ | Commensurate with Professional Experience

JOB PURPOSE

The Coordinator supports the planning and implementation functions of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Awards and Lectures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the coordination of logistics for the Innovate for Impact Challenge startup pitch competition.
• Support the promotion, selection and announcement of various Foundation awards, including Innovate for Impact Challenge, Top Agri-Food Pioneers and Iowa SHARES Award.
• Assist with background research and writing about award winners, nominees and fields of interest.
• Support the involvement of Foundation award winners involved in International Dialogue events and lecture series by coordinating logistics of travel, lodging and schedules.
• Draft outreach and written communication for internal and external usage, including briefing books, concept notes, scripts, letters and other various content for key figures such as World Food Prize Laureates.
• Assist with relationship management for Foundation awards winners and nominators, including updating information in the stakeholder CRM database.
• Participate in subcommittees as relevant and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree required, preferably relating to the fields of food security, agriculture, international development, event planning or administration; 1-3 years experience strongly preferred.
• Experience and interest in agriculture business, startups, and innovation is a major benefit.
• Generally, 6-8 years experience may substitute for educational requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail, written communication and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively while managing complex projects and working independently in a high-volume environment.
• Exceptional professionalism, teamwork, relationship management and interpersonal skills, particularly in cross-cultural contexts working under pressure and time constraints
• Experience working with a wide array of high-profile and international stakeholders including funding donors, local and national government officials, agency leaders, scientific & industry-related experts and dignitaries.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools (Asana), and virtual meeting platforms (Zoom). Experience using Salesforce CRM database is considered a plus.
• Eagerness to research, learn about and understand agriculture and global food security public policy, strategies, key players and programs.
• Interest in producing in-person and online events.
• Familiarity with key stakeholders and organizations that the World Food Prize Foundation works with as well as widely recognized global food security events are a plus.
• Multilingual abilities and international experience are a plus.

DIRECT REPORT(S)

• May have responsibility to direct the work of one or more Interns, Docents, or Volunteers at various times throughout the year.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Based in Des Moines, IA. Travel 1-3 times/year. May be required to lift up to 25 - 50 lbs (generally office supplies or event props). Long periods sitting at a computer screen. May stand for prolonged periods during events. Some bending, stooping may be required. Willing to relocate to the area of Des Moines, IA. This is not a remote position.