Director of the Center/Program for Agriculture Job Description - Keystone Policy Center

Sep 14, 2026

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Keystone Policy Center seeks a Director of the Center/Program for Agriculture to build a vision and goals for the agriculture portfolio aligned with the organization’s mission. The role leads collaborative agriculture projects and programs, manages and mentors 2–4 staff, and sets strategy including near-term and long-term growth. The Director is responsible for standards, client and funder management, financial goal tracking, external representation, and contribution to a Senior Leadership Team. The position involves 25–30% domestic travel and offers benefits, with applications due May 3, 2021.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResumes

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Job Title and Reporting

Summary of Keystone Policy Center

Role Responsibilities

Required Experience

Preferred Knowledge

Desired Competencies

Travel and Other Considerations

Compensation and Benefits

Application Requirements

JOB DESCRIPTION Keystone Policy Center Job Title: Director of the Center/Program for Agriculture Reports To: Vice President, Programs FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Will need to be geographically associated with one of our offices in Washington, DC, Denver, CO or Keystone, CO SUMMARY: The Keystone Policy Center brings together crucial teams of stakeholders who have diverse individual perspectives but recognize a common need to address urgent issues with lasting solutions. For more than 45 years, Keystone has helped leaders move beyond fixed positions toward collaborative, action-oriented approaches to problem solving. Keystone has built a portfolio of substantive work in designing effective forums for stakeholders to address complex and often contentious issues here in Colorado, throughout the United States, and internationally in the policy areas of natural resources, agriculture, energy, education and health. We engage participants in producing actionable outcomes and create a collaborative environment in which all perspectives are respected and inform final decisions. The Center/Program Director for Agriculture is considered an expert in the field and expected to develop a vision and goals for the agriculture portfolio that supports the mission of the Keystone Policy Center. They are expected to develop and lead collaborative projects and programs in agriculture and mentor and manage 2-4 staff within the Center initially in partnership with other Center Directors. Other expectations include setting a strategy that includes a vision statement and near-term and long-term program and project growth. The Director is expected to work with staff to maintain high standards for work on projects and programs within the Center and be responsible for client and funder management within the Agriculture Program. The Director works with Center staff to develop individual growth plans. Directors are expected to meet and track financial goals. The Director will represent Keystone externally at conferences, with press and at other events. Directors serve with other Center Directors and the President and Vice Presidents on a collaborative Senior Leadership Team. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE • 10+ experience in the field of agriculture, sustainability in agricultural supply chains, or other relevant substantive experience • Familiarity with carbon markets and climate policy preferred • Experience in fundraising and client management • Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder processes and/or proven ability to be viewed as a trusted broker • Experience with entrepreneurial program and project development • Experience in issues-based facilitation • Experience with issue management and/or policy development • Proven ability to build and maintain networks • Experience with managing online platforms preferred DESIRED COMPETENCIES Proven ability to: • Synthesize and communicate complex or diverse information • Communicate effectively to diverse audiences, from community members, farmers, ranchers and landowners to conservationists to policy makers and senior level decision makers • Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner • Develop alternative and innovative solutions • Display original thinking and creativity • Exhibit objectivity and openness to other’s views • Manage multiple workstreams at once • Contribute to building a positive team environment TRAVEL AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: This position will require 25-30% domestic travel throughout the year, depending on office location. Currently travel is on hold due to COVID. This is a largely sedentary position with minimal physical requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000, dependent on experience. Keystone Policy Center offers generous sick and vacation leave,

FAQs

What responsibilities does the Agriculture Center/Program Director have?

The Director develops the agriculture portfolio vision and goals, leads collaborative agriculture projects and programs, manages and mentors 2–4 staff, and sets strategy for program growth. They also maintain work standards, manage client and funder relationships, track financial goals, and represent Keystone externally.

What experience is required for this position?

Candidates need 10+ years of experience in agriculture, agricultural sustainability in supply chains, or related substantive areas. Additional required experience includes fundraising and client management, managing complex multi-stakeholder processes, issue-based facilitation, and building and maintaining networks.

How and when should candidates apply?

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Sarah Alexander (salexander@keystone.org) no later than May 3, 2021. The position remains open until filled.

Sep 14, 2026

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