Delta Regen Rice+ Program Director

Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI) | Program Development & Implementation

Hours: Full-time (4 days, 32 hrs. per week)

Compensation: $85,000 - $90,000 annually, excellent benefits; grant program track

Location: Mississippi Delta Region (Required)

Reports to: Managing Director, Soil & Climate Initiative

The Background

Delta Regen Rice+ is a regionally-based collaboration to regenerate soil, build farmer prosperity and boost regenerative agriculture markets in the Delta, starting with rice.

Formally launching in November 2025, Delta Regen Rice+ is a program of the Soil & Climate Initiative. SCI is a farmer-first holistic farm-to-shelf regenerative agriculture transition program with options for 3rd party verification. www.soilclimateinitiative.org

SCI seeks a Delta Regen Rice+ Program Director to build this market-based collaboration and work with its key stakeholders in the Delta Region – farmers, processors, buyers, technical specialists and more – who wish to transition to regenerative agriculture and be part of a dynamic program to build markets for rice and other regeneratively-grown products in the Delta.

You’ll join our growing, dynamic SCI Team, which will include a dedicated Delta-based farm program specialist. Meet our team (www.soilclimateinitiative.org/team), which includes two colleagues who work and farm in Arkansas, along with Delta Regen Rice+ founding farmers, who are already engaged in pilots in the region.

The Opportunity

Lead the transformation of agriculture in the Mississippi Delta. As the Delta Rice+ Program Director at the Soil & Climate Initiative, you'll spearhead our strategic expansion into this critical agricultural region, driving the transition from conventional to regenerative farming practices that restore soil health, sequester carbon, and strengthen rural communities.

Starting with rice farming operations across the Delta, you'll build the partnerships, systems, and market connections that make regenerative agriculture both environmentally beneficial and economically viable. This role places you at the center of a movement to prove that farming can be a powerful solution to climate change while supporting thriving agricultural communities.

Your Impact

Drive Regional Transformation

Lead the Delta Regen Rice+ Program from pilot phase through full-scale implementation. You'll work directly with farmers to transition thousands of acres to regenerative practices, creating measurable impact on soil health, carbon sequestration, and farm profitability across the region.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Develop and manage relationships with processors, CPGs, and supply chain partners to create market incentives and access for regeneratively grown crops. Your partnership strategies will provide the economic foundation that makes regenerative transition sustainable for farmers.

Manage Stakeholder Relationships

Oversee a comprehensive portfolio of program participants and agricultural value chain stakeholders. Ensure high-quality program delivery while advancing our mission through strategic relationship management and farmer support services coordination.

Secure Growth Resources

Collaborate with Growth & Impact and Grants & Partnerships teams to identify and secure funding sources and strategic partnerships. Drive program expansion to reach more farmers and convert additional acres through effective resource mobilization.

Lead Impact Measurement

Direct cross-functional efforts for data collection, analysis, and reporting to farmers, partners, and funders. Ensure program impact is accurately measured, documented, and communicated to support continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of experience working with farmers and/or food companies
• Experience with regenerative, organic, or biologically-based agricultural systems
• Strong understanding of agricultural supply chains, from processors to brands
• Strong project management and team leadership skills
• Proven business and client development experience
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to the Mississippi Delta region

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with certification or verification procedures in agricultural settings
• Experience with facilitative leadership and multi-stakeholder networks
• Strong research, writing, and speaking skills
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree or directly related work experience

Essential Skills:

• Ability to discuss complex sustainability and agricultural issues with diverse stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with senior executives and agricultural leaders
• Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high service standards
• Please note, we recognize that experience doesn't always look the same – skills are transferable, and passion is important. Please tell us how your experience can lead to success in this position.

Ready to Transform Agriculture?

Join us in proving that regenerative agriculture can revitalize rural communities while addressing climate change. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead systemic change in one of America's most important agricultural regions.

More about Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary between $85-90,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including employer-sponsored health insurance, retirement, and generous PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• 4-day work week
• Remote work flexibility

To Apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to: hiring [at] soilclimateinitiative [dot] org

Application Deadline: September 29th, 2025

The Soil & Climate Initiative is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination regarding: actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, or reproductive health disorders), age (18 years of age or older), marital status (including domestic partnership and parenthood), personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, citizenship status, credit information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Harassment based on a protected characteristic is included as a form of discrimination and is strictly prohibited.