Executive Director, agInnovation Northeast
(Position Description [PDF])
agInnovation Northeast, one of five regional associations in the national agInnovation network, represents the directors of all 15 state agricultural experiment stations at the Northeast's 13 Land-grant Universities. As federal agricultural research enters a period of significant change, the association seeks a visionary, collaborative, action-oriented leader to serve as its next Executive Director.
The Role: Reporting to the Chair of agInnovation Northeast, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership for the association and administers the Northeast's Multistate Research Program. The Executive Director serves as the region's principal advocate, building partnerships with federal agencies, industry, and research stakeholders; representing Northeast priorities before USDA, NIFA, Congress, and allied organizations; convening committees and task forces; and preparing strategic communications and responses to federal requests for information. The position may be based at any member university or approved Northeast regional host.
Qualifications: An earned doctorate in agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, agricultural economics, human sciences, nutrition and health, rural and community development, or a closely related field (or equivalent experience); direct research and research-collaboration experience; a track record of professional and executive leadership; strong relationship-building and communication skills; and a clear understanding of the Land-grant system and federally funded agricultural research. Willingness to travel extensively is required.
Terms: Full-time, calendar-year appointment beginning July 1, 2027. Initial three-year contract, subject to annual review by the directors of the 15-member experiment stations. Salary and fringe commensurate with experience.
To Apply: Submit a CV, letter of application, a 2,000-word vision statement for agInnovation Northeast, and contact information for three professional references, as a single PDF, to:
Dr. Christine Smart, Director, Cornell AgriTech, 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY 14456 cds14@cornell.edu.
Applications accepted through November 30, 2026. Review begins early December 2026 and continues until a successful candidate is selected.