Program Officer - Collaborative Crop Research Program; MF

Posted on August 09, 2021

The McKnight Foundation is a fourth-generation family foundation established in 1953 by William L. McKnight and his wife, Maude L. McKnight. Mr. McKnight was an early leader of 3M, known for fostering innovation and recognizing creative potential, values that continue at the Foundation.

For over 35 years, the Foundation’s Collaborative Crop Research Program (CCRP) has worked towards a world where nutritious food is accessible and sustainably produced by local communities. The program promotes agroecological research and knowledge sharing to empower smallholder farmers, research institutes, and development organizations. It adopts a holistic, ecosystem approach to agriculture, supporting research and partnerships that enhance crop productivity, livelihoods, nutrition, equity, and environmental sustainability across ten countries on two continents.

The CCRP originated from the Foundation’s Plant Biology Program, founded in 1983, reflecting a commitment to place-based grantmaking and learning from grassroots initiatives.

Since inception, the CCRP has invested over $134 million in grants fostering collaboration among smallholder farmers, local researchers, and development practitioners. Currently, grants support regional research projects within three communities of practice (CoPs) in the Andes, West Africa, and East & Southern Africa, led by regional consultants and the Foundation team. The portfolio also includes multi-region grants supporting research methods, innovations, and global thought leadership.

The Program Officer will lead efforts at the forefront of transdisciplinary agroecological solutions, managing a global portfolio of research projects and investments aimed at creating equitable and sustainable food systems for smallholder farmers.

Based in Minneapolis, MN, and part of the Foundation’s international program team, the Program Officer reports to the International Program Director. Collaborating closely with the international team, grantees, regional consultants, and global partners, the role involves developing strategic responses to challenges such as global food security, climate change impacts on agriculture, and balancing regenerative versus unsustainable crop production.

The salary range is $111,600 to $117,800. The position is based in Minneapolis, MN, with no exceptions. Although currently remote due to COVID-19, employees are expected to return to the office part-time in September 2021 and full-time in January 2022.

Applicants should submit their resume and cover letter via Good Citizen’s Candidate Portal, addressed to Sarah Meyer.

The McKnight Foundation’s search is supported by Good Citizen’s team, including:

Sarah Meyer
Mollie Smith
Vice President, Search Associate
,

This job posting was published three years ago by Elyse Gordon.