Position: Executive Director

Hours: Full Time
Location: Des Moines/Ames, Iowa

About America’s Cultivation Corridor

America’s Cultivation Corridor is a public-private partnership working to strengthen Iowa’s position as a global leader in food, agriculture, bioscience, and technology. The Corridor connects industry, higher education, government and economic development leaders with entrepreneurs and investors to advance innovation, attract investment and create opportunities for Iowa.

Through strategic partnerships, industry engagement and signature programs, the Corridor serves as a connector, convener and catalyst for Iowa’s food and agriculture ecosystem.


Position Summary

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for America’s Cultivation Corridor and is responsible for advancing its mission, organizational strategy, financial sustainability and impact. Reporting to the Board of Investors and collaborating closely with the Executive Committee, the Executive Director leads the organization, staff and consultants while serving as a highly visible representative of Iowa’s food, agriculture and bioscience ecosystem.

The successful leader will build trusted relationships, identify opportunities, connect partners and turn strategy into measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership & Management 
    Lead the Corridor’s strategy, priorities, programs and operations. Work with the Board of Investors and Executive Committee to establish goals, measure results and ensure strong governance and fiscal management.
  • Industry & Business Development
    Build relationships with food, agriculture, bioscience and technology companies. Identify opportunities for investment, business growth and strategic partnerships to connect companies with Iowa resources and partners.
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    Strengthen connections among emerging companies, established industry, research institutions, producers and investors. Lead programs and partnerships that accelerate commercialization, technology adoption and entrepreneurial growth.
  • Investor Development & Financial Sustainability
    Retain and grow the Corridor’s investor base, cultivate new investors and sponsors and clearly demonstrate the value and impact of engagement with the organization.
  • Partnership & Ecosystem Development
    Build and maintain strong relationships across industry, higher education, government, economic development, commodity organizations and the entrepreneurial community. Convene partners around opportunities that advance Iowa’s food and agriculture economy.
  • Communications & External Leadership
    Serve as a visible spokesperson for the Corridor and Iowa’s agricultural innovation ecosystem. Represent the organization at industry events, conferences and meetings and help elevate Iowa’s reputation nationally and globally.
  • Global Engagement
    Develop relationships with international companies, governments and innovation organizations to position Iowa as a destination for companies seeking access to the U.S. food and agriculture marketplace.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be an accomplished leader and relationship builder with experience working across business, agriculture, government, higher education, innovation or related sectors.

Candidates should demonstrate strong executive leadership, strategic thinking and communication skills; experience developing senior-level partnerships; an ability to generate financial support and organizational growth; and a track record of turning relationships and opportunities into measurable outcomes.

A bachelor’s degree and 10 years of professional leadership experience is required. Experience in agriculture, food, bioscience, technology, business development, innovation, economic development, higher education, government relations or a related field is preferred.

Domestic and international travel is required.

Location

This is a Des Moines and Ames-area position with regular work taking place at our downtown Des Moines and Ames offices. The role is not remote, and candidates should reside within commuting distance to downtown Des Moines to support regular in-person collaboration and engagement throughout the region.

Leadership Profile

The Executive Director should be an externally focused, relationship-driven leader who can move comfortably among corporate executives, entrepreneurs, university leaders, government officials, producers and investors.

Above all, the individual must be able to connect people and opportunities and translate those connections into investment, innovation, partnerships and growth for Iowa.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to admin@cultivationcorridor.org.