Bioindustrial Director, Programs

Orchestrate High-Impact Bioindustrial Projects that Advance Minnesota Agriculture

The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), a MN non-profit, is seeking an experienced project and program management professional to coordinate a diverse portfolio of bioindustrial initiatives. In this role, you’ll help multidisciplinary teams stay organized, aligned, and moving toward successful project outcomes.

Working alongside scientists, business development professionals, industry partners, universities, commodity organizations, entrepreneurs, and government agencies, you’ll coordinate the planning, execution, and tracking of projects that support renewable energy, biobased products, coproduct valorization, nutrient recovery, biomass utilization, and other emerging bioindustrial technologies. This position is responsible for coordinating and managing a portfolio of projects through influence, communication, and project management practices. The role does not supervise staff or serve as the technical subject matter expert.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex work, building productive relationships, and helping technical teams deliver successful projects. Success in this position comes from organization, communication, facilitation, and follow-through—not serving as the technical subject matter expert.

You’ll coordinate a portfolio of client projects, grant-funded initiatives, and strategic programs by:

• Coordinating multiple concurrent projects through planning, execution, monitoring, and completion.
• Developing project plans, timelines, milestones, budgets, and reporting routines that keep work progressing.
• Facilitating communication and coordination among scientists, business development staff, clients, leadership, and external partners.
• Monitoring project status, budgets, schedules, risks, and resource needs while helping teams stay aligned.
• Supporting grant development, funded initiatives, and required reporting activities.
• Managing client intake, project scoping, documentation, and portfolio visibility.
• Preparing reports that communicate project progress, outcomes, and economic impact.
• Building collaborative relationships with industry, government, higher education, commodity organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Enjoy organizing complex work into clear plans and achievable milestones.
• Naturally build collaboration among people with different areas of expertise.
• Like keeping multiple projects moving while maintaining attention to detail.
• Are skilled at facilitating discussions, solving coordination challenges, and keeping projects on track.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Find satisfaction in helping others succeed by creating structure, clarity, and accountability.
• Enjoy seeing innovative ideas move from concept to successful implementation.

• Program / Project Management (portfolio, 3 years experience)
• Budget, Grant Management & External Reporting
• Multidisciplinary Team Facilitation
• Client Pipeline / Intake / CRM
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent (minimum)
• Documented to work in the United States

Location:

Waseca, Minnesota (preferred) or hybrid, spending 2 days per week in Waseca.

Travel:
Approximately 4–6 days per month

To apply:

Send a letter of interest and resume to hr

• Bachelor's degree in project or program management, engineering, agricultural science, agribusiness, or a related field
• Three or more years of recent experience in progressive program or project management
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects or programs
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Experience managing budgets and grant-funded initiatives
• Ability to facilitate cross-functional teams and stakeholder collaboration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with external partners and stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  
  Valid driver’s license and ability to travel
• Documented to work in the United States

• Master's degree in a related discipline
• PMP, PgMP, CAPM, or similar certification
• Experience in agricultural processing, renewable energy, biobased products, or related industries
• Knowledge of USDA, MDA, LCCMR, or similar grant programs