recognized 501(c)(4) nonprofit, seeks an experienced executive to expand its
legal defense, advocacy and other programs in support of America’s independent
farmers and their customers. The Executive Director is responsible for
overseeing FTCLDF’s day-to-day work, including administration, programs, legal
services, and strategic planning, and primary near-term goals of maintaining
and growing a broad base of financial support and a legal network supporting
member services nationwide. Candidates should have solid nonprofit management
and fundraising experience, a strong legal background, and a passion for
facilitating and defending the rights of farmers and consumers to produce,
buy, and sell farm-fresh foods.
Position Responsibilities:
Governance
- Work closely with members of the board of directors to set and meet
organizational goals; and
- Lead in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s ongoing
mission.
Operations
- Works closely with the board and staff to ensure programs, services,
strategic planning, and public outreach align at all times with FTCLDF’s
mission;
- Maintains consistent and productive communication with the organization’s
members and other financial supporters;
- Monitors federal and state policy developments, and coordinates federal,
state, and local policy and legal activities; and
-Hires and retains competent, qualified staff and contractors, and oversees
their work.
Legal Services
- Provides direct legal services to and conducts legal research for FTCLDF
members and clients;
-Uses her/his broad understanding of the regulatory environment affecting
independent farmers to provide input to litigator(s) pursuing member cases;
-Secures and supervises local counsel retained to assist FTCLDF contract
attorneys; and
- Maintains and reviews time records, work summaries, invoices, and expense
reimbursement requests for all contract attorneys and outside counsel.
Fundraising
- Works closely with development staff, members, and others to raise funds to
support organizational goals and mission; and
- Engages in sound fiscal management practices.
Marketing and Communications
- Develops and implements communications and brand recognition strategies with
a focus on increasing public awareness of FTCLDF’s work, mission, programs,
and services;
- Serves as national advocate and spokesperson for FTCLDF, assuring the
highest level of external communications/marketing to increase support for
FTCLDF and its mission;
- Maintains regular and consistent communications with staff, membership, and
donors on important legal and policy developments; and
- Leverages in-person appearances, mass outreach, social media, and
conventional and new media coverage to drive FTCLDF’s mission and message.
This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of position
responsibilities. The board may assign other tasks and duties where, when, and
as it deems appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from accredited law school and current U.S. state bar
membership
- Three to five years nonprofit management experience;
- Strong understanding of key federal, state, and local food issues, laws, and
regulations;
- Solid, hands-on fundraising and budget-management skills;
- Strong written and oral communications skills;
-Willingness and capacity to interface and engage with diverse members and
donors;
- Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff;
- Strong public speaking abilities; and
- Demonstrated ability to work in a distributed, virtual organization, and
ability to work from home or other personally provided work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in litigation and in transactional legal work;
-Experience managing and supervising attorneys; and
- Willingness to travel (as needed) and to speak at conferences, fundraisers,
and other events.
More Information
Pay is commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Our benefits
package includes health coverage allowance and paid time off. Position may be
based anywhere in the United States.
Send resume and cover letter to EDSearchCommittee@farmtoconsum