Executive Director

The mission of the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) is to fund science-based research and educational programs that optimize nutrient use efficiency, improve soil fertility, and protect water quality. Created to support the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NREC connects agriculture with environmental stewardship to ensure farmers can maximize yields while minimizing environmental impacts. NREC is a statewide organization established by the Illinois Fertilizer Act in 2012. It is funded through a fertilizer tonnage assessment and has invested approximately $43M to date into research projects supporting the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and promoting sustainable farming practices. NREC is managed by a Council of representatives from farm organizations, commercial fertilizers, specialty fertilizer companies, certified crop advisors, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the agricultural experiment station and members of environmental organizations also provide input to the Council and help bridge the communication gap between the various industries. Through efforts of the industry, Illinois NREC was formed with a funding mechanism that allows for collected funds to be sent directly to NREC, avoiding state handling. This process works to ensure that these funds are available for research. NREC is governed by 13-member Board of Directors and has an operating budget of approximately $5M with two full-time staff (Executive Director and Research Director). NREC seeks a leader who is energized by working in a lean organization and passionate about advancing agricultural research, education, and stewardship. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated ability to balance high-level strategy and relationship management with hands‑on operational execution, including managing multiple priorities. Preferred candidates will bring the intellectual curiosity necessary to translate scientific research into meaningful and accessible information for a wide range of audiences. The successful candidate will have strong organizational and financial management capabilities, including experience overseeing budgets, contracts, and operational systems. Given the organization’s structure, the Executive Director must be comfortable managing a broad portfolio of responsibilities and coordinating effectively with external partners, including outsourced accounting and management firms, banking institutions, researchers, and vendors. Experience administering contracts, monitoring project deliverables, and overseeing payments related to research or grant‑funded initiatives will be important for success in the role. The ideal candidate will bring experience supporting boards and committees. Experience coordinating conferences, educational forums, or industry convenings is highly valued, particularly events that bring together researchers and practitioners to discuss emerging issues, findings, and future priorities. A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, nonprofit management, business, public administration, or a related field is expected, with advanced degrees considered beneficial. Candidates should bring a minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience, ideally within nonprofit organizations, associations, agricultural organizations, research institutions, or education‑focused environments. Salary & Benefits $125,000 – $150,000 plus benefits including healthcare allowance. NREC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage qualified candidates of all identities and experiences to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr