Executive Director - Field to Market

See original job posting here.

Field to Market seeks its first Executive Director

Posted on October 29, 2013

Executive Director Position Description

Field to Market seeks its first Executive Director to guide the organization through its transition to an independent organization, working to foster continuous environmental improvements in row crop agriculture in the US while maintaining productivity and farmers’ economic wellbeing.  Field to Market has existed as an informal alliance of organizations throughout the agriculture supply chain, conservation organizations, grower organizations, and Universities and public agencies since 2007.  It established a 501(c)3 in 2011, and is now ready to move to a staffed organization.

Position Summary: The Executive Director will work with the Field to Market Executive Committee, Field to Market Board Members, The Keystone Center staff, and other Field to Market contractors.  The Executive Director will work to collaboratively develop and implement the strategy and mission of Field to Market, provide direction and leadership to Field to Market members, coordinate with related sustainability efforts, market FTM to new members and users, and serve as a public spokesperson for the organization to promote key messages and concepts, manage the finances of the organization, and fundraise on its behalf.  The Executive Director will also be responsible for hiring and developing staff as Field to Market grows .

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. Other duties may be assigned.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.

• Internal Field to Market Leadership:
  • Participate with FTM Board of Directors in discussions of long-term strategy, structure, and budget
  • Manage staff and contractors
  • Manage budget and finances of the organization
  • Create a staffing plan and hire as appropriate
  • Work with contractors and members, providing guidance on time-sensitive and important decisions and needs of the effort
  • Oversee and manage MOUs with partnering organizations and set up licensing arrangements as needed with other organizations implementing FTM’s methodology

• Outward-Facing Activities
  • Outreach and promotion of the organization to the agricultural supply chain, thought leaders and decision-makers, media and the general public, e.g., through media contact, speaking engagements, and presence at appropriate public functions.
  • Fundraise for the organization
  • Coordination with other sustainability efforts – meet with leadership and identify opportunities for leveraging partnerships
  • Recruitment of new members (with assistance of Executive Committee members)

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

• Demonstrated skills in communications, collaboration, and partnership building and experience with public private partnerships.
• An understanding of the agricultural supply chain and sustainability initiatives.
• Non-profit management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various Board of Directors committee functions/structures.
• Clear and effective oral, written and public speaking skills necessary to represent the organization to the industry, public, media and government agencies.
• The ability to plan, formulate and implement organizational strategies.
• Creative, motivational, and proactive.
• Ability to manage budgets and maintain and increase membership.
• Knowledge of IT systems and licensing arrangements.
• Proven ability to fundraise on behalf of a non-profit organization.

Education, Work Experience and/or Licensure

• Advanced degree and ten years experience in a senior management position of a nonprofit organization, corporation, or government agency.
• Experience in fields related to agricultural sustainability and food or fiber supply chains.
• Experience overseeing development and management of a large, multi-faceted budget.
• Successful experience in working with a membership-driven organization.

Language Skills

• Must have strong command of the English language.

Work Environment

• Travel required for this position is extensive.  International travel may be required.  At times travel may be expected on short notice.  Travel and other work related assignments may include weekends.

To apply

Submit a cover letter that explains your interest in the position and a resume to ftmed@keystone.org no later than November 22, 2013.