Executive Director, Iowa Food & Agriculture Innovation

America's Cultivation Corridor; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

America’s Cultivation Corridor seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Iowa’s leading food, agriculture, bioscience and technology ecosystem initiative. The role focuses on building partnerships, accelerating investment, and driving measurable growth across industry, academia and government, with travel to support regional engagement.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, 10 years of senior leadership experience, and a willingness to travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10 years of professional leadership experience are required.
• Experience across business, agriculture, government, higher education, innovation or related sectors is preferred.
• Domestic and international travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Corridor’s strategy, priorities, programs and operations with governance and fiscal oversight.
• Develop industry relationships and identify opportunities for investment, growth and partnerships in Iowa’s food/agriculture ecosystem.
• Strengthen connections among startups, established industry, research institutions and investors to accelerate commercialization and entrepreneurial growth.
• Retain and grow the investor base, demonstrate impact, and secure financial support for organizational sustainability.
• Build and maintain strong cross-sector relationships and convene partners around opportunities for regional advancement.
• Serve as a visible external leader and spokesperson, representing Iowa’s agricultural innovation ecosystem at events and conferences.
• Develop international relationships to position Iowa as a destination for global food and ag innovation.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic thinking

Fundraising

Partnership building

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

America’s Cultivation Corridor seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Iowa’s leading food, agriculture, bioscience and technology ecosystem initiative. The role focuses on building partnerships, accelerating investment, and driving measurable growth across industry, academia and government, with travel to support regional engagement.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, 10 years of senior leadership experience, and a willingness to travel