Job purpose

The primary responsibility of the Director of Biofuels and Research is to direct and coordinate the activities and programs of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and the Illinois Corn Growers Association. Programs relate to the development and commercialization of new technologies and products which will increase the industrial utilization of corn and corn products that will increase the profitability of the Illinois corn producer. This position is responsible for identifying areas of research, development, policy and programs for funding that will lead to an increase in industrial corn utilization and demand. This position coordinates projects and activities under the direction of the Executive Director.

Duties and responsibilities

Work with the corn processing industry and related partners to expand new products from corn to increase corn utilization both domestically and internationally.

• Work with research centers such as NCERC, industry and universities to accelerate the commercialization of new fuels, chemicals, bioproducts produced from corn into the marketplace
• Work closely with the ethanol industry in Illinois to expand and grow by helping them with research and market development programs and state policy initiatives.
• Assist the Association Board in developing federal and state ethanol policy that grows the ethanol market and increases corn grind.
• Initiate, develop, and manage research efforts funded by the Marketing Board to develop new technologies, processes, and products related to ethanol, new uses, and other fuels and chemicals made from corn.
• Increase the competitiveness of corn-based fuels and other corn-based products in low carbon markets through sound science, research, publications, analysis, and demonstrations of the life cycle analysis and carbon scores of corn-based products for both the domestic and international markets.
• Coordinate efforts with the Nutrient Loss Reduction Manger to integrate work on the life cycle of corn production.
• Work with all partners and stakeholders in the liquid fuels market including refineries, terminals, wholesalers, marketers and retailers to increase ethanol blends sold in the market.
• Work with Director of Exports and Logistics to coordinate work on equipment compatibility and ethanol product logistics to enable smooth market flow from ethanol plants to terminals to retailers of higher blends of ethanol.
• Work closely with the automobile industry and other stakeholders to increase the minimum octane standards for gasoline which allows higher blends of ethanol.
• Work to identify and address legislative and regulatory barriers in Illinois and nationally which limits the growth of corn-based ethanol in the domestic and international markets.
• Conduct or manage economic impact studies and technical assessments which support increased ethanol demand, new uses from corn and overall increase in corn utilization.
• Solicit and evaluate research proposals conforming to the goals of ICMB.
• Work closely with peers in other state corn grower associations, NCGA, USGC, and other related agriculture associations.
• Provide information and updates on a regular basis to both ICMB and ICGA on activities, project status, issues impacting corn, and future challenges, opportunities and direction. Report to the Boards on activities underway on their behalf.
• Accept speaking engagements and provide informational updates as requested.
• Serve as technology expert to ICGA and ICMB.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with both federal and state agencies along with other stakeholders and environmental groups that impact corn utilization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science with an agricultural emphasis
• Minimum 5 years' experience in renewable energy industry, with an emphasis on corn-based ethanol and/or corn industrial utilization
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to meet deadlines

Physical requirements

This position is in an office/desk environment and requires long periods of time in a sitting position.

*Benefits include multiple options for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) with employer match; generous paid time off policy; employer sponsored short and long term disability insurance.