Executive Director

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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…