The Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) at North Dakota State University invites applications for a Senior Program Leader for Strategic Partnerships and Policy Outreach position. This appointment offers a dynamic leadership opportunity for an individual passionate about advancing applied agricultural policy research and strengthening the Center’s connections with commodity organizations, producer groups, agribusiness, and other stakeholders across the Midwest and beyond. The successful candidate will play a central role in translating ARPC research into timely, accessible, and policy-relevant analysis that informs agricultural policy in the United States.
The Senior Program Leader will work closely with the ARPC Leadership to help shape the strategic direction of the Center’s stakeholder engagement and applied policy communication agenda. This collaborative role involves identifying emerging policy priorities through direct interaction with commodity organizations and industry leaders, guiding the development of outreach-oriented research products, and ensuring ARPC’s work addresses the most pressing agricultural risk management concerns facing producers and agribusiness. The successful candidate’s input will be integral to the Center’s mission to inform U.S. agricultural policy with data-driven insights relevant to stakeholders and decision-makers.
A vital part of this position is collaborating with the ARPC Leadership to expand ARPC’s visibility and influence through relationships with Midwest agricultural commodity organizations, agribusiness firms, cooperatives, and other stakeholder groups. The Program Leader will lead efforts to produce policy briefs, stakeholder reports, presentations, and other communication products that provide practical, actionable guidance for external audiences. In this role, the Program Leader will help bridge the gap between academic research and stakeholder needs, ensuring that ARPC findings contribute meaningfully to agricultural risk management discussions and policy development.
The Senior Program Leader will provide leadership in building and sustaining external partnerships, mentor junior researchers in stakeholder-facing communication, and foster a collaborative environment that encourages practical, responsive research translation.
The Program Leader will report directly to the ARPC Director and work closely with them to support external funding development, stakeholder-informed project design, and the long-term growth of ARPC initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity for a driven individual to expand the reach and relevance of ARPC’s work. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive team that delivers high-impact research that directly informs U.S. agricultural policy and stakeholder decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with the ARPC Director and Associate Director to shape the Center’s Midwest stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with the Center’s goals and mission.
- Lead the development of stakeholder-facing policy briefs, industry reports, presentations, and related outreach materials that communicate the implications of agricultural risk management policies.
- Coordinate with ARPC Economists to organize periodic in-person/virtual workshops for ARPC stakeholders on topical issues.
- Provide timely analyses and briefings on emerging agricultural policy and market disruption issues, working with the Director to ensure rapid delivery of actionable insights to stakeholders and policymakers.
- Cultivate and manage partnerships with external stakeholders, including Midwest policymakers, agricultural institutions, commodity groups, and industry leaders, to expand the reach and visibility of ARPC research.
- Mentor junior researchers and staff in translating technical research into accessible communication products, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports high-quality applied research and stakeholder engagement.
- Work closely with the Director to secure external funding for ongoing and future research and engagement activities, ensuring the sustainability and growth of ARPC’s initiatives.
Work Schedule:
This is a full-time, 10-month non-tenure-track position at the rank of Research Assistant/Associate Professor. Continuation is dependent on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
Minimum Qualifications:
- M.S. in agricultural economics, business administration, agribusiness, public policy, or a closely related field. At least 5 years of professional experience in agricultural policy, agribusiness, commodity organizations, agricultural consulting, government agencies, or related sectors.
- Demonstrated experience engaging with agricultural stakeholders, including commodity groups, producer organizations, agribusiness firms, cooperatives, or policy institutions in areas of agricultural policy, agribusiness, agricultural risk management, crop insurance, farm programs, market disruption analysis, or closely related areas.
- Experience producing applied research or outreach materials for external audiences such as commodity organizations, producer groups, agribusiness firms, policymakers, or other stakeholder communities.
- Proven ability to lead complex projects and build productive partnerships across academic, policy, and industry settings. Experience organizing and leading stakeholder meetings, workshops, or industry briefings.
- Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively convey complex research results to policymakers, stakeholders, industry audiences, and academic communities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A record of policy reports, extension-style outreach materials, or related outputs in agricultural economics, risk management, or agricultural policy.
- Professional experience with commodity organizations, farm groups, agricultural finance institutions, or agribusiness firms.
- Familiarity with U.S. agricultural policy frameworks, including crop insurance programs, farm programs, and agricultural risk management strategies, and experience collaborating with commodity groups, industry leaders, and policymakers.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain institutional partnerships that enhance the visibility, responsiveness, and impact of research findings.
- Experience representing research programs in public forums through stakeholder meetings, industry presentations, policy briefings, or related outreach activities.
Applicant Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Professional Resume
- Statements of stakeholder engagement experience
- One example of a policy brief, industry report, presentation, or outreach product (if
- available)
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
