Senior Program Officer, Global Collaboration Resilient Food Systems

Senior Program Officer, Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems

McKnight Foundation seeks a Senior Program Officer to lead agroecological, farmer-centered transdisciplinary research under the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems (CRFS) program.

CRFS focuses on scalable agroecological solutions and equitable research practices across three regional communities:
Andes, West Africa, East and Southern Africa. The Senior Program Officer will manage a portfolio of ecological, farmer-centered grants, shape strategy, and foster partnerships to advance systemic change.

• Identify strategic priorities and gaps to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging in program areas.
• Lead and support change making through convening, collaboration, and networking among grantees and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership for programmatic strategies, portfolio management, and grant review.
• Collaborate with the program director to shape strategy, grant recommendations, and evaluation.
• Represent the Foundation in global forums, amplify impact, and engage in public speaking and publishing.

• Ph.D. in agroecological science or related discipline and seven (7) years of full-time professional experience in agroecological research and grantmaking.
• English language fluency; preference for additional language fluency (French, Spanish, Portuguese).
• Demonstrated expertise in soil health, ecological pest and disease management, agrobiodiversity, and circular economy.
• Strong leadership, partnership, and communication skills, with experience managing multi-year grants and fostering inclusive ecosystems.

The ideal candidate is an innovative, collaborative scientist who balances hard science with program management, thrives in ambiguity, and demonstrates commitment to equitable, regenerative research that advances smallholder farmer empowerment.

Minneapolis, MN. Full-time, exempt position. Salary $ per year.

Please apply online through the McKnight Foundation website. Submit a PDF resume and two-page cover letter explaining fit for the position.

McKnight Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.