SD Corn is hiring an Executive Operating and Research Officer

South Dakota Corn brings two distinct organizations together to achieve a common goal. The South Dakota Corn Growers Association and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council work together to improve the lives of South Dakota farmers and increase the economic impact to our state.

Executive Operating and Research Officer

South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA)

Sioux Falls, SD

Full-Time

General Job Description

The Executive Operating and Research Officer is responsible for leadership and strategic direction of research and market development in accordance with policies, goals, and objectives established by the Executive Director and Board Members as well as manages the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) staff. This position will lead projects that relate to corn utilization, separation, fermentation, catalysis, conversion, and other issues or products derived from corn which are identified by the Executive Director and Board Members. This individual will evaluate opportunities for SDCGA to partner with other organizations who are developing technology related to biobased products and new uses for corn.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily office operations and supervise SDCGA staff to build an inclusive culture that ensures team members thrive and organizational goals are met.
• Delegate and manage employee tasks and productivity including review and approval of timesheets and time off requests.
• Assess employee work performance and provide feedback to ensure goals and deadlines are met. Collaborate with Executive Director and conduct annual employee performance reviews.
• Identify and coordinate training and development opportunities for staff.
• Explore potential research opportunities, identify market opportunities, assess new technology, evaluate market potential, identify the value proposition, and coordinate an appropriate strategic plan for production and genetic research and present them to the Executive Director and Board Members for approval.
• Monitor research efforts, identify opportunities to partner, and determine investment priorities by developing and maintaining a database of key statistical information of supply and demand of corn and value-added industries.
• Collaborate with research and agricultural organizations, coalitions, commodity group collaborations, state and national corn grower organizations, agricultural industry initiatives, and other advisory groups regarding issues such as crop production and efficiency, water quantity/quality, soil health, and natural resources conservation.
• Develop key informational reports to present and update Executive Director, Board Members, and staff.
• Partner with SDCGA marketing staff to coordinate educational efforts to optimally position research and related subject matter to internal and external audiences.
• Actively participate in industry events, including serving on committees and task forces to represent and promote all aspects of SDCGA priorities and goals.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, or a related field and 5 years of work experience in research, project management or relevant experience. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5+ years management experience.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to learn on the job and adapt to challenges.
• Ability to think proactively and creatively to develop impactful, data-informed communications to a broad range of audiences from experts to general public.
• Ability to influence and work cross-functionally to drive initiatives and decisions.
• Strong organizational skills and very detail oriented.
• Microsoft Office experience preferred.