Rodale Institute

Compensation

Full Description

The Senior Manager, Farm Operations will oversee and execute projects within Rodale Institute’s Farm Management Service, managing the daily operations of farmland under contract and coordinating closely with landowners, tenant farmers, and partner organizations. This role provides operational leadership, agronomic expertise, and strategic oversight to ensure successful farm transitions, certifications, and long-term profitability under organic and regenerative organic systems. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Lead the day-to-day execution of farm management projects across multiple geographies, ensuring that all operations align with Rodale Institute’ mission and organic certification standards Develop and implement farm management plans that include crop rotations, input strategies, cover cropping, crop production, and livestock integration, tailored to each client’s overall goals Deliver high-quality work to clients Participate in scoping, strategic planning, and financial modeling of specific farm management projects and deliver work based on internal deadlines in a timely manner Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, staff, and partners. Create and continually improve SOPs and protocols for farm management staff and/or tenants to follow in order to ensure regulatory compliance and implementation of best practices Travel to properties under Rodale management or managed by tenant farmers to ensure that all farm operations are being conducted properly, equipment is maintained, and protocols are followed Oversee all aspects of the organic transition process, including compliance documentation, recordkeeping, and certification support for client farms Maintain positive relationships with farm staff, tenant farmers, contractors, and service providers to deliver efficient, safe, and effective operations Provide direct operational support as needed (e.g., field preparation, planting, harvest oversight, equipment coordination) while primarily focusing on leadership, planning, and project execution Monitor financial and operational performance of managed farms, preparing budgets, enterprise projections, and reports for landowners, partners, investors, and Rodale leadership Maintain proactive communication with landowners, partners, and Rodale’s internal team, ensuring alignment on goals, deliverables, and long-term strategy Build and maintain relationships with key agricultural partners and networks (e.g., NRCS, conservation districts, regional universities, co-ops, and market outlets) to integrate best practices and identify opportunities for collaboration Evaluate and adapt farm operations to maximize soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and overall ecological and financial outcomes Train and mentor temporary staff, interns, and contractors in safe, efficient, and effective farm practices and equipment operation Represent Rodale Institute’s Farm Management Service at client meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events, sharing project updates and lessons learned Contribute to the growth and refinement of Rodale’s Farm Management Service by developing internal standard operating procedures, cost structures, and replicable farm management frameworks Document and track all field operations and project activities to satisfy certification, reporting, research, and accounting requirements Complete all other duties as assigned by management Required Qualifications: Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather conditions Must be able to lift 50lbs or more Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to be flexible with work hours, as farm work can be unpredictable Education & Experience Must have a Bachelor’s degree and/or 5 years of experience in organic horticultural or agronomic crop production 10 years of experience in large-scale farm management Experience managing organic farm operations Experience creating crop plans, maintaining operations and recordkeeping in accordance with USDA organic certification standards Travel: Frequent travel is required Regional travel is expected as part of normal duties and national travel to conferences or Rodale Institute main campus will occur on occasion Other Expectations: Willingness to provide input, explore new tasks, try new or different approaches and openness to new ideas Be honest, respectful and take ownership of our work and mission All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.