Director, US Agriculture

Director, US Agriculture

Winrock International is a recognized leader in the U.S. and globally, providing solutions to some of the world’s most complex social and agricultural challenges. Our mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunities and sustain natural resources. It is central not only to what we do, but how we do it.

Winrock’s agricultural work in the US advances a more regenerative, equitable, and resilient U.S. food system. Guided by Winrock’s mission to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources, Winrock’s US agricultural work is led by a unit called the Wallace Center, which brings together farmers, businesses, communities, and changemakers to co-create solutions that strengthen livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on.

Unit: US Programs
Location: US Remote, Midwest or Delta region preferred. Light domestic travel is required
Reports To: Senior Director, U.S. Programs

BACKGROUND

The Wallace Center at Winrock International is a national program working to advance a more regenerative, equitable, and resilient U.S. food system. Guided by Winrock’s mission to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources, the Wallace Center brings together farmers, businesses, communities, and changemakers to co-create solutions that strengthen livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on. The Center’s strategy focuses on four priority areas of action:

• Healthy Agricultural Ecosystems
• Just Economic Opportunities
• Resilient Communities
• Effective Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Director of U.S. Programs, the Director of US Agriculture leads the domestic agriculture and food systems strategy, operations, and staff to advance its mission and vision. This role provides strategic and programmatic direction, represents Wallace Center and Winrock externally, upholds organizational values, and engages in regular collaboration with Wallace Center and Winrock teams. Key responsibilities include:

Programmatic Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for advancing US agricultural and food systems programming, advancing Wallace Center’s mission to build regenerative, equitable, and resilient food systems.
• Champion innovation, systems learning, and collaboration to drive field leadership and impact.
• Integrate data, outcomes, and partner feedback into continuous program and strategy improvement.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Track performance and financial health, ensuring accountability to funders, partners, and Winrock.

Team Supervising & Coaching

• Provide inclusive, inspiring leadership that aligns staff around the Center’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a diverse and high-performing team within a human-centered, collaborative culture.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and professional fulfillment through clear communication, coaching, and shared purpose.
• Ensure operational quality, staff development, and risk management across programs.

Cross-Team & Winrock Liaison

• Serve as the primary representative of the Wallace Center within Winrock International and across national networks, partnerships, and events.
• Build and sustain strategic, cross-sector relationships that elevate the Center’s visibility and impact.
• Monitor trends, opportunities, and challenges in the food and agriculture landscape to inform strategy.