Food System 6 exists to build an agricultural finance system that makes regenerative agriculture economically possible, not just environmentally desirable. Producers face mounting financial distress as high interest rates, rising input costs, and climate shocks converge, echoing the 1980s farm crisis, when hundreds of thousands of farms were lost. Meanwhile, the agricultural finance system remains optimized for large-scale, commodity-based operations backed by a multi-billion-dollar federal safety net, while regenerative farmers, ranchers, and food businesses are largely excluded from comparable protections. Farmers can’t farm for the future if they can’t survive the present.
We believe the transition to regenerative agriculture will not be achieved through better farming practices alone. It also requires better financial systems. Food System 6 designs, tests, and scales innovative financing models that reduce risk for producers, unlock private and philanthropic capital, and demonstrate new approaches to financing regenerative agriculture. Our programs are designed to accomplish three objectives simultaneously: deliver capital to producers today, generate the data needed to evaluate what works, and catalyze broader adoption of successful financing models across the agricultural finance system.
Our goal is not to finance every farm ourselves. Our goal is to change how regenerative agriculture is financed.
Position Summary
Food System 6 (FS6) seeks an experienced, highly analytical, and mission-driven Director of Programs to oversee its national EQIP Bridge Loan Program while supporting the continued growth of its innovative agricultural finance initiatives.
The Director of Programs will have primary responsibility for managing FS6’s EQIP Bridge Loan Program, which provides short-term bridge financing to farmers and ranchers awaiting reimbursement through USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This position is responsible for the operational management, financial stewardship, and continued evolution of one of the nation’s leading philanthropic agricultural bridge loan programs. As the primary manager of a 0% bridge loan program currently totaling approximately $1 million and continuing to grow, the Director will exercise sound financial judgment, safeguard the integrity of the fund, and ensure capital is deployed responsibly and efficiently.
This position offers significant autonomy and ownership. The Director will independently manage the day-to-day operations of the EQIP Bridge Loan Program, proactively identify opportunities to improve systems and processes, and bring thoughtful recommendations and solutions to leadership.
In addition to overseeing the EQIP Bridge Loan Program, the Director will support FS6’s Guarantees for Regenerative Agriculture (GRA) initiative through financial analysis, portfolio reporting, underwriting support, and advanced Excel modeling. The ideal candidate combines deep nonprofit program management experience with exceptional financial and analytical skills. They are equally comfortable working directly with farmers and ranchers, interpreting financial information, building sophisticated Excel models, and collaborating with lenders, funders, and external partners. Experience in agriculture or working directly with agricultural producers is strongly preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $95,000–$105,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Location: Fully remote within the United States.
Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, employer-sponsored retirement benefits, and a flexible paid time off policy.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day management and administration of FS6’s national EQIP Bridge Loan Program with a high degree of ownership and independent decision-making.
Serve as the primary point of contact for farmers, ranchers, USDA NRCS staff, lending partners, agricultural service providers, and technical assistance organizations.
Manage the full loan lifecycle, including application intake, eligibility review, financial analysis, documentation, closing coordination, loan disbursement, and repayment tracking.
Exercise responsible stewardship of the EQIP Bridge Loan Fund by ensuring prudent deployment of capital, maintaining strong internal controls, and protecting the financial integrity of the program.
Own program data management, reporting, and performance tracking, maintaining accurate records and developing dashboards and analyses that measure loan activity, repayment performance, geographic reach, producer participation, conservation outcomes, and overall program impact.
Prepare reports and analyses for leadership, funders, and external partners that demonstrate program performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.
Continuously improve program operations, systems, workflows, and participant experience while ensuring compliance with internal policies, grant requirements, and program procedures.
Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to support program growth and the successful delivery of financial assistance to producers.
Financial Analysis & Organizational Support
Support the Guarantees for Regenerative Agriculture (GRA) program through financial analysis, underwriting support, portfolio reporting, and advanced Excel modeling.
Build and maintain sophisticated Excel models, dashboards, and financial tracking tools.
Analyze loan portfolios, guarantee exposure, reserve requirements, and other program performance metrics.
Prepare reports, presentations, and analyses for leadership, funders, board members, and external partners.
Develop and improve operational systems, documentation, and reporting processes across FS6’s finance initiatives.
Manage consultants and external contractors supporting program implementation.
Represent Food System 6 professionally in meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of nonprofit program management experience, including responsibility for administering complex programs or financial initiatives.
Exceptional financial analysis skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, complex formulas, cashflow modeling and data analysis.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, grants, and financial reporting.
Experience working with agricultural lenders, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), foundations, or other mission-driven finance organizations.
Oversight of lending programs, and/or similar financial initiatives.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and project management abilities.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems proactively, and build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional experience in agriculture, agricultural finance, conservation, rural economic development, regenerative agriculture, or closely related fields.
Direct experience working with farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, or producer-serving organizations.
Familiarity with USDA conservation programs, including EQIP, or other federal agricultural programs.
Experience reviewing financial statements, loan packages, or underwriting materials.
Experience with portfolio management, impact measurement, or program evaluation.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly analytical, systems-oriented self-starter who thrives with significant ownership and autonomy. They take initiative without waiting for direction, anticipate challenges before they arise, and exercise sound judgment in managing complex programs and financial resources. They are equally comfortable working directly with producers and financial data, enjoy building efficient systems, and continuously seek opportunities to improve operations and program impact. Above all, they are passionate about expanding access to capital for regenerative agriculture and helping farmers and ranchers succeed.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience to hr@foodsystem6.org by August 28th.
We recognize that exceptional candidates rarely meet every qualification listed above. If you bring strong experience in agricultural finance, lending, nonprofit program management, or working directly with producers and are excited about our mission, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every requirement.
Food System 6 is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about advancing regenerative agriculture and expanding equitable access to capital.
Location: Remote (U.S.)
Reports To: Executive Director
Organization: Food System 6
Link to job posting: https://www.foodsystem6.org/careers
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