Director of Agricultural Markets

Position Summary

United States Biochar Initiative is seeking a Director of Agricultural Markets to focus on developing market demand for biochar as a soil amendment, as an ingredient in high efficiency fertilizers and biologicals, and as a component in potting and horticultural media.

We are looking for a highly competent self-starter, with a strong bias towards action, to develop demand for biochar in agricultural markets to support the growth of the US biochar industry. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing market development plans and projects and becoming a leading voice on the agricultural use of biochar in the United States.

About USBI

The US Biochar Initiative (USBI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to expand the production and use of biochar in the United States with a focus on developing products and markets for biochar. Although we are a nonprofit, our culture is entrepreneurial and fast-paced and we focus on delivering results while remaining lean, flexible, and creative.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and Manage USBI Agriculture Program

Develop, refine, and implement market development plans to increase the adoption of biochar within target agricultural markets, including 1) as a soil amendment, 2) as an ingredient in biochar-enhanced fertilizers and biologicals, and 3) as a component in potting media and horticultural substrate

Manage all aspects of the Agriculture Program at USBI including planning, contracting, budget development, and reporting.

2. Project Planning, Management, and Execution

Plan, manage, and execute key market development activities that move the needle to develop market demand for biochar including research and development projects, on-farm demonstration projects, train-the-trainer projects, product development efforts, education projects, and more.

Lead project design including experimental and/or demonstration project design, data collection planning, and data analysis.

Support on site activities including biochar application and experimental setup, data collection, and documentation.

Implement existing USBI projects in the agricultural sector including projects with Washington State University and American Farmland Trust focused on biochar as a soil amendment and as a component of biochar enhanced fertilizers.

Oversee project budgets, invoicing, grant deliverables, and timelines.

3. Industry and Partner Engagement & Relationship Building

Proactively establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as fertilizer producers and distributors, large commercial growers and land managers, plant nursery operators, agricultural industry associations, agricultural conservation organizations (e.g., NRCS, Conservation Districts), University researchers and extension agents, and biochar producers and product manufacturers.

Prioritize and then actively support key stakeholders to drive demand for biochar, including by delivering high quality education on biochar, helping to implement R&D and demonstration projects, and supporting biochar sourcing.

Leverage your existing industry connections to accelerate adoption, form strategic alliances, and develop high-value partnerships.

4. Funding & Resource Development

Identify and pursue discrete funding opportunities (e.g., grants, sponsorships, or cost-share programs) that will help scale market development.

Support the Executive Director in identifying and securing foundational funding from philanthropic sources.

5. Thought Leadership and Communications

Represent USBI at conferences, trade shows, agricultural field days, and other industry events, driving forward our market development agenda.

Become a leading voice in the United States biochar industry by participating in webinars, authoring trade journal articles (e.g., in fertilizer and horticulture publications), co-authoring peer-reviewed publications, developing position papers, and more.

Coordinate with our internal communications lead to support monthly newsletters and social media content.

Qualifications

1. Education & Experience

Required: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in agronomy, crop science, horticulture, soil science, agricultural business, environmental science or engineering, or a related field.

Required: 5+ years of hands-on experience in market development, program or business development, product management, conservation program management or a related role—preferably within agriculture or a closely aligned industry.

Required: Proven track record of driving projects, products, or programs from concept to market (e.g., launching new product lines or programs, expanding into new regions, expanding offerings, etc.).

Preferred: Existing network in one or more relevant sectors (fertilizer, horticulture, crop production, regenerative agriculture, soil amendment, composting, ag-tech, biochar, agricultural conservation, etc.) is highly desired.

2. Technical Expertise

Required: Deep understanding of technical aspects of soil and agriculture, including soil health and regenerative agriculture, on-farm operations, fertilizer application and use, horticultural substrate, etc.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience planning and conducting applied research or demonstration projects on soil, agriculture, horticulture, biochar, or a related field.

3. Mindset & Skills

Required: Excellent Oral Communicator: Able to confidently lead discussions with diverse audiences, from agronomists to researchers to purchasing agents at major corporations.

Required: Bias Toward Action: A focus on delivering results and moving the ball forward, even at the expense of occasional mistakes.

Required: Self-Starter: Capable of identifying a need, building a plan, and executing with minimal direction.

Required: Entrepreneurial and Flexible: Thrive in a startup environment without rigid structures. Love “doing it all.”

Required: Relationship-Maker: Skilled at forging productive partnerships—whether with corporate executives, farmers, or local co-ops.

4. Not a Fit If…

Your preference is for structured, predictable environments rather than fast-paced, evolving work.

You don’t operate well managing multiple priorities and juggling competing tasks.

Public speaking or representing an organization in external settings is uncomfortable and not enjoyable.

You are not willing to operate in a contractual position and are only open to working as a W-2 employee.

Job Details

Compensation: $140,000-$180,000 annually as 1099 contractor. Higher compensation may be considered for exceptional candidates. Note that, as an independent contractor, you will be responsible for your own taxes and benefits.

Employment: Full-time; initially 1099 contractor position. Position may be converted to W-2 position in 2026 or 2027.

Location: Fully remote, based in continental USA with expectation to be available M-F from 8 am to 2 pm Pacific. Candidates must have legal right to live and work in the United States.

Travel: Regular, likely on a monthly basis. Up to 25% but greater during certain times of the year.

Work Schedule and Time Off: You will have flexibility to set your own schedule and determine how and when tasks are completed, as long as deliverables and project deadlines are met. We are comfortable with contractors taking up to four weeks of personal time off throughout the year, as well as holiday breaks, provided these are planned in coordination with USBI to ensure uninterrupted progress on key projects.

Why Join USBI?

Real Impact: Shape a fast-emerging market within the U.S. agricultural sector and drive meaningful climate benefits.

Leadership Opportunity: Become one of the top voices in the biochar space, building and guiding industry conversations.

Entrepreneurial Environment: Work with a nimble team that values innovation, quick decision-making, and decisive action.

Professional Growth: Hone leadership skills while expanding your professional network in agriculture, biochar, climate, and beyond.

Application Instructions

Submit your resume and optional cover letter to jobs@biochar-us.org

US Biochar Initiative

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Director of Agricultural Markets