POSITION SUMMARY:

Through an $80M USDA-supported Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program, Roeslein is scaling solutions across prairie restoration, renewable natural gas (RNG), carbon and water markets, and next-generation nutrient products in partnership with a network of leading NGOs, academic institutions, and industry partners. The Grant Director serves as the operational leader responsible for program execution through September 2028 with a focus on delivering outcomes that establish durable, market-based solutions beyond the program term.

This role is responsible for driving performance across a complex, multi-partner system while ensuring compliance, data integrity, and financial discipline.  Working closely with commercial, land, and technical leadership, the Director aligns program execution with broader business priorities and advances scalable, market-driven solutions across carbon, water, nutrients, and RNG.  Success in this role requires the ability to bring structure, drive accountability, and influence outcomes across stakeholders with diverse perspectives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office and uncontrolled atmosphere.  Exposure to harsh conditions—such as:  dust, fumes, chemicals, hazardous materials, noise, and varying weather and temperatures—for long periods of time is possible.  All employees are required to follow safety standards and wear all personal protective equipment in designated areas. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, use hands and fingers, grip, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk and hear.  Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. on a regular basis is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Execution & Accountability

• Lead end-to-end execution of the $80M AMP program across 16 subawardees and multiple internal workstreams
• Drive accountability for deliverables, timelines, and outcomes across all partners
• Establish and maintain operating rhythms to ensure consistent program performance

Sub-awardee Management & Partner Oversight

• Directly oversee sub-awardee performance, ensuring alignment with program goals, budgets, and timelines
• Manage team supporting sub-awardee coordination and execution
• Proactively identify risks, gaps, and underperformance, and drive corrective action
• Maintain strong, productive relationships with partners while holding a high bar for delivery

USDA Interface, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure seamless coordination with USDA through internal program management structure
• Oversee all reporting, compliance, and deliverables, including evolving requirements related to data, MRV, and audit readiness
• Maintain rigorous standards for documentation, transparency, and audit preparedness

Data, MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) & Performance Management

• Collaborate with directors and technical experts on the development and execution of data and MRV processes to track program performance and outcomes
• Ensure accurate and timely tracking of key metrics in collaboration with area leads and FP&A, including:
• Acres enrolled
• Environmental outcomes (carbon, water, soil)
• Producer payments and program spend
• Partner with technical and commercial teams to ensure data supports both compliance and future market applications

Financial Oversight & Capital Deployment

• Oversee program budget and allocation across workstreams and partners
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including producer payment thresholds and allowable uses of funds
• Support decision-making on fund deployment to maximize program impact and long-term viability

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner closely and ensure strong coordination across functions to maintain momentum and alignment:
• Commercial Directors (Env Markets, Nutrients) to align program outputs with market development
• Land and implementation teams to ensure execution feasibility
• Marketing to oversee deployment of a significant program budget, ensuring spend is aligned with program objectives, delivers measurable impact, and is tracked with strong financial discipline
• Technical and MRV project managers to ensure data integrity and credibility
• Partner with internal and external legal teams to ensure contracts, partner agreements, and external messaging are aligned, compliant, and effectively support program execution

Team Leadership & Operating Model

• Directly manage internal program resources, including:
• Program specialist
• External support services
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Build a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and execution excellence across the broader grant team

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL / ABILITY / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Core Requirements

• BA/BS degree in agronomy, natural resources management, conservation, engineering, business, or other related field of study and/or other conservation practice or related field
• 10+ years of experience in program management, operations, or leadership roles within agriculture, sustainability, energy, or related sectors
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs with significant scale and scrutiny
• Strong experience with grants, government programs, or public-private partnerships
• High degree of integrity and attention to compliance, reporting, and financial discipline
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority while holding teams accountable for results
• Strong communication skills, including ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, partners, and government stakeholders
• Ability to bring structure to ambiguity and drive execution in fast-moving environments
• Experience working with NGOs, academic partners, and conservation organizations

Preferred Experience

• Experience with USDA programs, AMP, or similar federal funding structures
• Familiarity with MRV systems, environmental data, or performance tracking frameworks
• Exposure to carbon markets, water programs, nutrient systems, or RNG

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean MVR
• Ability to travel (~25%)
• Ability to work across office and field environments