Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council

Compensation

Full Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Research Director for the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) Reports to: NREC Executive Director Last update: October 16, 2025 Position Type: Full-time remote with some overnight travel required Direct Reports: This position has no direct reports but does work closely with research grant recipients on program execution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Overall Purpose and Main Objectives: Provides strategic research leadership to NREC staff, Council, committees and contractors by guiding the development and management of a cohesive research portfolio. Ensures projects are designed and integrated to generate actionable insights and inform future research directions. Works to advance research that promotes greater adoption of practices that optimize nutrient use efficiency, ensure soil fertility, and address environmental concerns related to fertilizer use, with a strategic emphasis on attaining targets of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. This senior-level position provides scientific and strategic leadership across NREC’s research investments, ensuring that funded projects collectively advance nutrient efficiency, environmental stewardship, and producer adoption of sustainable practices. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Administer Research Program · Provide strategic leadership in growing a research platform that anticipates future nutrient management needs and positions NREC to drive innovation and adoption of conservation practices. · Assist the Council in prioritizing research focus areas and ensure that NREC’s Requests for Proposals (RFPs) clearly articulate organizational priorities and desired outcomes. · Oversee all aspects of NREC’s RFP process—from release announcement and proposal submission through peer review, scoring, and post-selection communication—ensuring transparency, rigor, and alignment with Council priorities. · Identify and secure qualified, unbiased and diverse external peer reviewers from the research community, establish clear evaluation criteria and ensure the integrity of the review process. Summarize peer reviews with confidentiality safeguards while maintaining full transparency with the Research Committee. · Support the Research Committee in evaluating proposals, peer review findings, and budgets, offering technical input on protocols, methods, and equipment to inform the Committee’s assessments. · Monitor progress and oversee completion of NREC-funded projects, maintaining clear and frequent communication with investigators to align project objectives with timelines, budgets, and deliverables stated in the proposal. · Conduct research site visits as needed (at a minimum annually) to verify progress, assess methods and ensure timely submission of meaningful semi-annual and year-end project reports. · Foster an environment that encourages multi-institution and multi-stakeholder collaboration. · Report to the Council at each Council and Research Committee meeting on project status, providing recommendations on continuation, modification, or discontinuation based on performance and strategic alignment. · Support the Executive Director in working with other research funding agencies and organizations to leverage funding, complement research programs, and inform outcomes. · Collaborate with the Executive Director to standardize reporting formats, ensuring consistent, transparent, and actionable updates across the research portfolio. Communication and Outreach · Partner with the Executive Director and communications contractors to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible dissemination of publications, research reports, project updates, and Council communications. · Collaborate with funded researchers to distill results and hone messages into clear recommendations and best management practices. · Translate NREC-funded research into practical information and tools for Illinois producers, the public, and regulatory agencies, ensuring outputs are responsive to current and emerging producer needs. · Coordinate research forums and other engagement opportunities that connect researchers, Council members, and stakeholders, fostering dialogue around findings and future directions. · Build and maintain strong relationships with research investigators and project managers to ensure clear communication, alignment, and knowledge transfer throughout the life of each project. · Foster productive partnerships with public and private sector collaborators to identify research opportunities, communicate results, and demonstrate the value of NREC’s research portfolio to broader nutrient management and stewardship goals. · Actively engage stakeholders and customer groups to disseminate research outcomes and position NREC as a trusted source of applied nutrient and conservation research. · Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, demonstrating understanding of Council priorities, strategic alignment, and organizational goals. Required Qualifications and Skills Education: Minimum of Master of Science in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Environmental Sciences or similar degree program. PhD in related fields preferred. Experience: Minimum five years of experience in research program management, applied agronomic research, or a related field. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions. Competencies The Research Director combines deep technical expertise to oversee and manage a diverse research portfolio across both basic and applied research in agronomy, crop science, soil science, environmental science, systems management, agroecology, geology, hydrology, microbiology, chemistry, and applied statistics. This role requires strategic vision and the ability to see the big picture—understanding how organizations, stakeholders, and partners work together to achieve shared goals—while ensuring that individual projects are well-designed, executed, and communicated. Success depends on strong analytical skills, clear communication, and the ability to translate research findings into actionable strategies that drive conservation practice adoption and support NREC’s mission. Technical Knowledge · Strong foundation in soils, fertilizers, environmental sciences, crop production, and related agronomic disciplines. · Knowledge of research design principles, protocols, technologies and standard practices for designing and managing agricultural studies. · Experience in planning, executing, and evaluating field trials, including understanding of data structuring, analysis, and interpretation. Research & Analytical Skills · Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and evaluate multiple complex projects while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. · Strong analytical skills to evaluate data and trends across a research portfolio, with robust report writing and synthesis capabilities. · Proficiency in developing, implementing, and reviewing project budgets. Strategic & Systems Thinking · Ability to understand and apply big-picture goals, recognizing how multiple organizations and stakeholders work together to achieve shared outcomes. · Commitment to maintaining strategic focus in research planning, communications, and portfolio management to ensure organizational success. Communication & Relationship Building · Strong presentation skills and the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, practical recommendations for diverse audiences. · Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills to foster collaboration with researchers, producers, and partners. · Proven interpersonal and communication abilities for engaging with Council members, researchers, producers, the public, and media outlets. Project & Organizational Management · Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and contribute effectively in a team-oriented environment. · General computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, and ability to adapt to evolving digital platforms. Physical Requirements: · Work may extend beyond normal business hours as business needs dictate. · Able to work from home and travel. Must have valid driver’s license and be willing to use personal vehicle for business travel (reimbursed at prevailing IRS mileage rate). · Limited overnight travel in-state and out-of-state as needed. Compensation: Commensurate with experience and abilities. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Hiring is subject to review of criminal and driving records. The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and perspectives and encourage qualified candidates of all identities and experiences to apply. How to apply: Send cover letter, Resume’/CV to HR@illinoisnrec.org