Program Manager
The Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI) is a national nonprofit organization working to put plant-based foods at the heart of sustainable agriculture, healthy diets, and resilient food systems. As the sister organization of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), the U.S. trade group representing the nation’s leading plant-based foods companies, PBFI is uniquely positioned to scale plant-based food production and consumption through strategic collaboration with agricultural producers, agricultural researchers and extension professionals, food manufacturers, retailers, foodservice companies, policymakers, and NGOs to build a more resilient, nutritious, and climate-friendly food system. We work across this rich ecosystem of food systems actors to champion agricultural diversification, empower farmers, and drive investment across all segments of plant-based food value chains.
Summary
PBFI is seeking a Program Manager to help grow and support the development of plant-based food value chain networks in the U.S. and internationally. This position is an ideal opportunity for a sustainable agriculture professional who is passionate about delivering technical assistance, creative storytelling, and global food systems transformation. The Program Manager will report to the PBFI Executive Director and work closely with the food systems, policy, membership, and communications teams to support a range of activities—from farmer and stakeholder engagement to communications, convenings, and toolkit development for policymakers and industry partners. The role offers broad exposure across PBFI’s programs and potential for growth.
Job Responsibilities
Program & Event Support (40%)
- Support the implementation and scaleup of PBFI’s regional plant-based value chain development work in the U.S.
- Serve as a coordinator and liaison for the Plant Based Foods Global Alliance, an international coalition representing plant-based food companies around the world.
- Manage the planning and execution of in-person events, including educational site visits, summits, and convenings linking researchers, growers, processors, food manufacturers, and decisionmakers.
- Provide content and logistical support for virtual programming (webinars, workshops, market updates).
- Support and track the timely completion of deliverables and project milestones, including the completion of reports.
Content & Resource Development (25%)
- Draft technical resources, case studies, and communications toolkits for producers, manufacturers, buyers, and policymakers.
- Draft blog posts, social media content, and briefings that demonstrate the impact of PBFI’s value chain work.
- Manage the development of a public-facing resource library to promote knowledge-sharing and best practices.
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management (20%)
- Serve as a support liaison for regional partners (farmers, food manufacturers, researchers, processors).
- Onboard stakeholders into regional value chain networks and maintain up-to-date contact and engagement records.
- Collaborate with the Director, Value Chain Development and Executive Director to respond to partner needs and requests.
Cross-Program Support (15%)
- Support ad hoc PBFI projects, such as developing industry toolkits, organizing policy briefings, and preparing communications assets.
- Help integrate value chain insights into PBFI’s broader food systems and policy initiatives, including close collaboration with PBFA.
- Ensure the consistent use of organizational stakeholder engagement tracking and project management systems and processes.
The ideal candidate is:
- Passionate about harnessing the power of the plant-based foods sector to advance lasting food systems transformation that supports farmers and consumers alike.
- A detail-oriented project manager with strong follow-through and organizational skills.
- A strong writer and communicator, comfortable distilling complex ideas for a variety of audiences.
- Able to perform well under pressure, manage competing demands, be proactive, show resourcefulness, and adapt well to changing circumstances.
- Flexible and eager to support a small, fast-paced nonprofit team in a variety of ways.
Experience and skills:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management, stakeholder engagement, and working on food systems-related issues.
- Experience in planning and supporting events or convenings (virtual and in-person) that bring together stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
- Excellent written communication skills, and the ability to develop content tailored for a range of public channels and audiences.
- High degree of both independence and a collaborative spirit.
- Deep commitment to PBFI’s mission to increase plant-based food production and consumption to help Americans eat healthier, more sustainable diets.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fluency in current food systems issues, including plant-based foods and protein innovation, sustainable agriculture, value chain development, or food systems policy.
- Proven ability to work successfully in a fully remote environment.
Salary and Summary of Benefits:
This is a full-time, exempt position funded for a two-year term, with the potential for extension based on funding availability. This is a fully remote U.S.-based position that requires occasional travel. The salary range is up to $80,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience.
Applications will be accepted through September 19, 2025. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
At PBFI we take pride in investing in a supportive remote culture that empowers our team to achieve their best. To ensure our team members are happy and healthy, in addition to a competitive salary we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
- 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary employer contributions up to 5% of gross salary each eligible benefits year
- Generous paid time off policies including 12 paid holidays (plus your birthday!), 15 sick days annually, personal/vacation time without a numerical cap, paid parental and medical leaves, and a one-week winter break to recharge for the New Year
- $100 monthly phone/internet stipend, $500 annual allowance to support remote work, as well as a generous professional development allowance.
Please note: Studies show that potential applicants from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you are enthusiastic about the opportunity and meet many qualifications and/or have experience you feel would translate well, please submit an application! Our hiring teams are trained to evaluate all candidates holistically.
PBFI is actively committed to creating a diverse environment and a culture of inclusion where all team members feel valued and can contribute their experiences and perspectives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, PBFI does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.
