WiSys · 4 hours ago
Director of Forward Ag
Madison, WI
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveWiSys is focused on enhancing Wisconsin's agricultural system through innovation and collaboration. The Director of Forward Ag will lead strategic initiatives, cultivate partnerships, and drive funding strategies to support agricultural research and development in the state.
Information Technology
Hiring Manager
Maureen Miner
Responsibilities
Develop and Lead Forward Ag’s Long-Term Strategic Direction
Create and execute a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with internal and external advisory bodies; identify goals, metrics, and resource priorities to ensure Forward Ag’s sustained impact
Capitalize on Current Funding to Expand the Fundraising and Revenue Strategy
Expand and cultivate relationships with philanthropic, corporate, governmental, and investment partners; secure diverse funding streams including grants, sponsorships, major gifts, and multi-year commitments. Manage grant funding to support initiatives
Build and Manage Collaborative Partnerships Across Sectors
Establish and nurture strong industry, academic, tribal, and governmental partnerships; guide the Core Team and Working Groups to achieve coordinated, unbiased, and impactful outcomes
Lead Outreach, Communication, and Stakeholder Engagement
Grow Forward Ag’s digital and community presence; establish communication systems and events; promote research collaboration and clearly convey Forward Ag’s mission and progress to partners, funders, and the public
Provide Organizational Leadership and Cross-Functional Support
Shape the strategic vision for events, support and coach internal teams, collaborate across departments, and assist the President with trustee reporting and organizational visibility
Qualification
Required
Experience collaborating with teams, industry partners, and leadership boards to advance mission-aligned goals, ideally related to creating innovation pathways from research to real-world impact
Experience leading teams, coordinating cross-functional work, supporting executive leadership, and driving efficient, inclusive, and mission-aligned operations
Demonstrated success securing and managing diversified funding streams, including philanthropic, corporate, governmental, and venture-based support
Outstanding written and verbal communication; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse partners, resolve conflicts, and build consensus across organizations
Demonstrated ability to respond to rapidly changing environments and creative problem-solving skills
Advanced degree in business, law, life sciences, or related field preferred
Preferred
Background in agriculture, food systems, resilience, social sciences, or related fields, with familiarity or commitment to resilient agricultural practices and Wisconsin's agricultural landscape
Knowledge of innovation financing, entrepreneurial support, commercialization processes, intellectual property, and experience leading or building rapidly growing startup organizations
Experience with community engagement, extension practices, higher-education research environments, and developing research-informed education or workforce development programs
Experience managing federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, along with budgeting, forecasting, and effective resource allocation
Experience supervising high-performing teams and effectively networking or collaborating across diverse sectors, including those within Wisconsin's agricultural ecosystem
Company
WiSys
WiSys works hand-in-hand with inventors, researchers and students to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, identify, protect, develop and commercialize discoveries emanating from the research base as well as foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking on the campuses it serves.
Founded in 2000
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$1MKey Investors
National Science Foundation
2023-05-11Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Blane Huppert, MBA
Sponsor & Partnership Associate
Recent News
2025-05-05
2025-05-05
2025-04-03
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