Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT – CEO

Established in 2007, Iroquois Valley works with mission-driven investors to finance the future of organic agriculture in America. Iroquois Valley was founded to support farmers through land security. It is one of the first private companies in North America to offer investors direct exposure to a diversified portfolio of certified organic farmland.

As a Public Benefit Corp and B Corp, Iroquois Valley works to create public benefit by enabling healthy food production, restoring soil, and improving water quality through the establishment of secure and sustainable farmland tenure.

The company has consistently scored within the top 10% of all B Corps assessed. The company is regulated by the Security and Exchange Commission. The corporation has built a portfolio of nearly 100 farmland investments, impacting over 30,000 acres across 50 farms in 16 states and representing $80 million in assets. The current operating budget is about $2M. Product offerings include, long-term leases, mortgages and, operating lines of credit. Since offering its REIT equity shares to both non-accredited and accredited investors in 2019, Iroquois Valley’s non-accredited investors now represent 24% of the shareholder base.

Position Overview

Iroquois Valley is looking for its next leader to steer the organization as it grows. The next CEO will lean into the opportunity to evolve operations, oversee Iroquois Valley’s financial position, evaluate, and improve effectiveness, and chart Iroquois Valley’s role in a growing ecosystem of agricultural impact investment and alternative finance.  The CEO will understand climate change and the economics of agriculture/organic farming with a background in farmland real estate banking/environmental investment banking and be expert in deploying capital. Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression, self-awareness regarding personal identities and how those identities impact the work is required. 

The person we seek will put farmers first and understand the realities of organic and regenerative agriculture. The CEO will have the ability to build trust with both investors, farmers, and staff. The ideal candidate will be a systems thinker with the ability to build long-term partnerships.  A politically savvy, strong storyteller and public speaker who can help to change the perception of the value of farming beyond bushels per acre as critical to the future of the planet is required. 

Candidate Profile Summary:

• The leader will have respect for what has been created while thoughtfully moving into the future.
• They will have a comprehensive understanding of the unique business risks for organic farmers and the company. 
• An ability to understand agricultural financial statements to plan, monitor and evaluate organizational finances is required, including budget preparation, data analysis and reporting.
• A Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in finance, agriculture, business administration, or related field. 
• Ten (10) or more years of transferable professional experience including managing a team of at least 8 people, demonstrating excellence in leading, managing, and growing teams is required.

To Apply

Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search. Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to view full position description and submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Noetic Search. 

Note: For more information please see our website or the Iroquois Valley website.

Iroquois Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.  We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.