This position was posted on January 27, 2025, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is successfully completed. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration.
About Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation
The U.S. food and agriculture system sits at the heart of the climate challenge. Currently accounting for 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture could become the largest single source of U.S. emissions by 2050 if we fail to act. But with the right solutions, agriculture has the power to help solve the climate crisis while improving the livelihoods of U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Launched in 2022, the Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation (PACT) is an independent donor collaborative focused on unlocking agriculture's full potential as a climate solution. Supported by 15 funders—including the Walton Family Foundation, the Grantham Foundation, and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation—PACT aligns resources, expertise, and innovation to accelerate the transition to climate-smart and regenerative agriculture.
Why It Matters
Agriculture is both part of the problem and a critical part of the solution. Climate-smart and regenerative practices can:
- Cut emissions and sequester carbon in the soil, helping combat climate change.
- Improve soil health, water use, and biodiversity, creating resilient ecosystems.
- Support farmers and ranchers with tools to thrive economically while building sustainable systems.
PACT's Vision and Goals
PACT is driven by a bold vision: a net-zero U.S. agriculture system by 2050. Achieving this vision will require a transformation of how we farm, what we farm, and where we farm. To realize agricultural climate solutions at scale, PACT will accelerate three points of strategic leverage:
- Markets: Strengthening demand for climate-smart agricultural practices to transform markets and unlock private sector financing.
- Policy: Advancing federal and state policies that accelerate adoption of climate-smart solutions.
- Innovation: Empowering farmers and ranchers to lead the way through accessible technologies, practices and production systems.
How PACT Works
PACT’s mission is to advance scalable agricultural solutions to the climate crisis through collaborative grantmaking and the cultivation of transformational ideas and networks. PACT is action-oriented and deploys a range of strategies, including:
- Grantmaking to fund transformative projects, research, and technology.
- Coalition-building to unite partners and align efforts across the agriculture and climate sectors.
- Policy advocacy to drive change at federal and state levels.
- Innovation support to scale new technologies and proven practices that deliver results.
A United Effort for Impact
Backed by some of the nation’s most forward-thinking funders, PACT represents a unified push to reimagine agriculture as a cornerstone of climate action. By fostering collaboration, advancing innovation, and amplifying solutions, PACT aims to transform the agriculture sector into a resilient, climate-positive system that benefits people, producers, and the planet.
To learn more about PACT, visit www.ag-climate.org.
The Opportunity
PACT is looking for a bold, visionary leader and sharp strategist to serve as the organization’s inaugural Innovation Program Director (Director). The Director will grow the Innovation program from the ground up and serve as a resource to others in the philanthropic, financial, public, and advocacy sectors to advance research, technology, and other novel solutions to accelerate an equitable and just transition to climate-smart agriculture.
PACT’s Innovation Program invests in local and national non-profit organizations to leverage research, technology, and other novel solutions to fill pipeline gaps and unlock market opportunities toward an equitable transition to climate-smart and regenerative agriculture.
The Director will lead Innovation Program strategy development, partner engagement, and direct grantmaking (~$10M/year) and portfolio management. They will identify and assess approaches and opportunities to advance and disseminate critical research, accelerate new technology and innovative finance solutions, support new pathways to scale climate-smart agricultural solutions and create economic value for U.S. farmers and ranchers. They will serve as an ambassador for PACT, building its network of public, academic, and philanthropic partners, advocates, and leaders who are developing innovative solutions to curb U.S.agriculture’s contributions to the climate crisis.
The Director will also collaborate with PACT’s Executive Director and other Program Directors to identify mutually reinforcing opportunities, cross pollinate ideas, and co-develop projects that crosscut the organization’s strategic pillars. They will provide thought leadership and champion continuous learning that advance collective impact among funders, partners, and the philanthropic community as a whole.
The position will report to PACT’s Executive Director, Joe Shultz, and will work closely and in collaboration with PACT’s program team.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Establish PACT’s Innovation Program
- Develop, implement, assess, and adjust grantmaking and partnership strategies to leverage research, technology, and other novel solutions to accelerate the transition to climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices and technologies at a national scale.
- Evaluate progress, test assumptions, and assess impact on a regular basis with an eye to continuous improvement and adaptive management.
- Prepare and manage internal and external materials regarding PACT’s Innovation Program including strategy documents, impact evaluation and reporting, grant summaries, and external presentations.
Network Brokerage and Philanthropic Leadership
- Acting as a thought leader and convener, establish and engage a network of aligned academics, peer funders, partners, and leaders in the climate-smart agriculture space whose input can inform and evolve PACT’s strategies over time.
- Track and communicate developments/trends in the sector and field, and present updates to PACT’s Advisory Committee and broader network.
Strategic Grantmaking
- Identify emerging needs and gaps in the field and source “best-fit” opportunities for PACT’s Innovation grantmaking portfolio through consistent engagement with peer funders, partners, and grantees.
- Develop funding recommendations that are supported by thorough vetting and due diligence analyses for grantmaking opportunities that advance PACT’s goals and invest in critical capacities in the field.
- Build, nurture, and manage relationships with PACT’s grantees to provide guidance, thought partnership, and connections to others in the field. Work directly with grantees to hone and adjust projects and metrics to maximize learning and test theories of change.
- Work with the PACT program team to develop approaches and criteria for program measurement and evaluation to inform PACT’s grantmaking strategies.
Candidate Profile
While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill, quality, and characteristic, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile:
An Entrepreneurial, Strategic, & Catalytic Leader
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who thrives in building programs from the ground up. They bring a strategic, proactive approach to driving innovation and solving complex challenges, balanced by the ability to execute with precision and adaptability.
- Strategic, proactive, and critical thinker who anticipates challenges, identifies opportunities, and adjusts plans as needed.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement cohesive strategies that align with PACT’s mission and deliver measurable impact.
- Self-starter who embraces ambiguity and thrives in dynamic, fast-moving environments.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled in project management to ensure effective execution of initiatives.
- Hands-on and adaptable, ready to take on responsibilities across strategy, grantmaking, and operations.
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively, combining self-direction with intentional teamwork.
A Strong Relationship Builder & Convener
This role requires a leader with the ability to build bridges across sectors, foster trust, and galvanize diverse stakeholders toward collective action.
- Deep understanding of collaboration, adept at fostering inclusive partnerships with funders, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural leaders.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, able to tailor messages for diverse audiences, from scientific experts to community leaders.
- A credible and diplomatic representative of PACT, inspiring confidence and trust among senior stakeholders in philanthropy, government, academia, and industry.
- Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with grantees rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose, ensuring long-term collaboration and impact.
A Credible Subject Matter Expert
The Innovation Program Director must bring substantive expertise and credibility in sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices, and emerging solutions.
- At least 10 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, research, ecosystem service markets, or related fields within the U.S. agriculture context.
- Proficient understanding of the science underpinning climate mitigation strategies in agriculture, including regenerative practices, land-use models, and emerging technologies.
- Familiarity with monitoring, measurement, reporting, and verification (MMRV) tools and a general understanding of the U.S. land-grant university system of research and extension.
- Strong analytical and research capabilities, with the ability to distill complex scientific information into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of federal research opportunities (e.g., USDA, DOE, FFAR) and how to alignthem with PACT’s goals.
- Business and policy acumen to navigate environmental, economic, and political systems and advance climate-smart agricultural solutions.
A Passion for the Mission
The ideal candidate is driven by a deep commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture and improving livelihoods in rural communities.
- Genuine passion for addressing climate change through agriculture, with a focus on sustainability, equity, and innovation.
- Strong alignment with PACT’s mission of reducing agriculture’s climate impact while enabling rural communities to thrive in the face of climate challenges.
- Inspired by the opportunity to lead transformative change, contributing to the ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero U.S. agriculture system by 2050.
- Resilient and mission-driven, energized by both the urgency and long-term nature of solving the climate challenge.
- Team player capable of wearing many hats and comfortable in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
A Master’s degree or equivalent is required; PhD preferred.
Location & Travel
The Innovation Program Director is a remote role. The successful candidate may be based anywhere in the United States.
The successful candidate will be willing and able to do a moderate amount of domestic travel (~25%).
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $225,000 with a generous benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Employer
PACT actively seeks to expand Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within our organization and through our work. We encourage people of color and candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.
Contact
Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Cheryl Stevens. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group
Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.