Executive Director Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Position Title:

Executive Director Iowa Crop Improvement Association Job Group:

Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 8 years of related experience

Job Description:

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA), established by Iowa Code Chapter 177, serves as the official seed certifying agency for the state of Iowa. As a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors, ICIA is dedicated to ensuring seed and planting stock quality assurance while advancing education and leadership in crop improvement. ICIA is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization's strategic direction, operational performance, and program delivery in support of its mission and continued success. The Executive Director provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership. This role is responsible for ensuring the long‑term sustainability, relevance, and effectiveness of ICIA by aligning programs, finances, governance, and partnerships with the organization's mission, stakeholder needs, and applicable regulatory frameworks, and support innovation in agriculture. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison to the ICIA Board of Directors, Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (ISU CALS), regulatory bodies, and regional and national partners. Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for ICIA, working closely with the Board of Directors and Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to guide priorities, governance, and program execution Represent ICIA and build partnerships with industry, government, and national organizations while maintaining strong collaboration with ISU researchers and stakeholders Provide executive oversight of seed certification programs and Iowa Crop Performance Tests, including trial design, field operations, data quality, compliance, and reporting Direct operational systems, facilities, and technology to ensure efficient execution of testing, planting, data collection, and quality assurance processes Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and organizational standards while advancing continuous improvement efforts Manage financial operations including budgeting, contracts, billing, audits, and long-term planning in coordination with the Board Lead and supervise staff, including hiring, development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture We are seeking a candidate with at least eight years of related experience who brings a balance of technical expertise and strategic leadership. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing field trials, agricultural research, or seed certification, along with a track record of leading teams or programs. This role requires the ability to set vision, lead collaboratively, and delegate effectively, while remaining connected to day-to-day operations as a working leader. Experience in the seed or agricultural industry is vital, particularly for those recognized as leaders who can build partnerships, develop talent, and strengthen the workforce. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established, high-performing organization respected across Iowa and nationally. The successful candidate will build on a strong foundation of systems, resources, and partnerships while providing leadership at the state and national levels. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Iowa State University and a broad network of stakeholders to advance crop improvement and support innovation in agriculture. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is at-will and serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies. This candidate will be hired as Director, Research Administration. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in agronomy, crop science, plant breeding, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field Demonstrated experience leading agricultural field research, performance trials, or seed certification programs Experience shaping and executing long-term vision, including strategic planning and organizational growth Experience influencing policy, standards, or industry practices at the state, regional, or national level Strong financial acumen, including experience guiding organizational budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term financial sustainability Experience in higher‑education or university‑affiliated organizations To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or

Toll Free:

1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.

Appointment Type:

Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12

Month Work Period Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS814

Original Posting Date:

April 22, 2026

Posting Close Date:

May 21, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18923 Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or

Toll-Free:

(877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.