Job description

NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC, a USDA-accredited organic certification agency, is seeking a dynamic Certification Director to lead the organization into the next decade. NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC is a subsidiary of NOFA-NY, Inc. — the premier statewide organization growing a strong organic and sustainable agriculture movement in New York State. NOFA-NY has been certifying local organic farms for the past 30 years and NOFA-NY, LLC has been accredited by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) since April 29, 2002. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to organic agriculture as well as experience in organic certification and staff management. The Certification Director oversees a high integrity certification agency that provides organic certification services to more than 650 organic farmers and handlers throughout New York State and surrounding areas. This position is based in NOFA-NY, LLC’s Binghamton, NY office, in the beautiful Southern Tier of NY. 

Position Overview:
The Certification Director will work collaboratively with the Management Committee and Staff in the following areas:

• Organizational Management – Oversee and support a certification staff of 9, as well as staff and contract inspectors.  Report to Management Committee.  Work collaboratively with the NOFA- NY, Inc. Executive Director and educational staff.
  
• Quality System Management – Oversee compliance requirements for NOP Accreditation and ISO 65, including periodic reporting, audit management, monitoring regulatory changes. Establish and oversee proper implementation of internal policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and improve efficiency of the certification process.
  
• Financial Management – Lead and work with Financial Coordinator and Management Committee to develop an organizational budget to maintain and strengthen NOFA-NY, LLC’s financial stability while keeping organic certification as affordable as possible for our independent farmers.
  
• Organic Certification – Work with staff to improve and refine the organic certification process and procedures so that they are in compliance with the NOP and meet the needs of our organic farmers and handlers.
  
• Networking – Expand and strengthen NOFA-NY, LLC’s role as a leader in regional organic agriculture by building relationships with state and national organizations. 

Education and Experience:

• Education: Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field; Advanced degree preferred (i.e. Master’s, MBA, JD)
  
• Desired Experience: 5 or more years of experience at senior management-level position overseeing program or departmental operations    

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of third-party certification systems/program and experience working in organic certification
  
• Proven financial management record-keeping including experience managing an annual budget over $600,000
  
• Practical experience in senior management and proven ability to manage a professional staff
  
• Extensive experience with non-profit/small business administration
  
• Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with database systems
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
• Flexibility for some nationwide travel to represent organization Preferred
  

Qualifications

• Experience working in quality system management, including ISO 17011 and 17065
  
• Knowledge of organic/sustainable agriculture and food systems, regulatory and administrative law
  
• Ability to build bridges among diverse communities, stakeholders and networks
  
• Vision of New York State as a leader in the certified organic farming movement
  
• Appreciation of New York’s rich agricultural history, culture and diversity
  
• Engaging and positive personality 

Compensation:

• Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and comparable to those of organizations of similar type, size, and location. 
  
• NOFA-NY, LLC’s benefits package includes employer-paid medical insurance, dental insurance,  and a 403(b) retirement plan. 
  
• Vacation, personal, and compensatory time policies are generous.Some nationwide travel will be part of the job. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and comparable to those of organizations of similar type, size, and location. NOFA-NY, LLC’s benefits package includes employer-paid medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation, personal, and compensatory time policies are generous.

Compensation

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