Company description

Mission: Food Alliance champions farmers, ranchers, and makers creating a more resilient and sustainable food system, with practical, science-based certification standards and a shared goal of continually improving social and environmental outcomes.

Food Alliance is a non-profit that provides a comprehensive, whole system certification for farmers, ranchers, and the food and beverage industries that addresses safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of livestock, and environmental stewardship. Farms, ranches, and food/beverage businesses in North America that meet Food Alliance standards, as determined by a third-party site inspection, can use Food Alliance certification to differentiate their products, strengthen their brands, and create transparency for social and environmental responsibility.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director is responsible for the leadership and management of Food Alliance. In collaboration with the Board and Staff, the Executive Director develops and leads implementation of Food Alliance strategic and annual plans, and is accountable for related organizational and program development goals, and ongoing evaluation of progress.
 

The Executive Director is responsible for: administering budgets and any contracts for goods/services; delivering accurate financial reports and projections; supervising and supporting staff, including providing necessary training, resources, systems, tools and infrastructure; representing Food Alliance in negotiations with clients, partner organizations, and outside stakeholders; and proactively communicating the value and benefits of Food Alliance certification to support the continued growth and impact of the program.
 

Finally, the Executive Director must ensure the credibility and integrity of the Food Alliance certification program, that policies set by the Board and procedures established for the organization and the certification program are followed, and that the organization meets all legal requirements, the highest professional standards, and all commitments to clients, partners, donors, and stakeholders.
 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have some combination of:
 

Education:

BA/BS or higher in a field related to agriculture, environmental science, social science, and/or business or non-profit management.
 

Professional Experience with:

• Agriculture and the food/beverage industry.
• Non-profit management and engagement with a board of directors.
• Organizational development, planning, prioritization, and risk management.
• Program planning, development, evaluation, and management.
• Certification standards, audit procedures, and related documentation.

Understanding of:

Issues in sustainable agriculture -

• Safe and Fair Working Conditions
• Humane Treatment of Livestock
• Pest Management and Chemical Hazard Reduction
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Wildlife Habitat Protection and Restoration

Issues in the food industry -

• Supply Chains and Risk Management
• Product Differentiation and Values Added Product Development
• Identity Preservation - Processing, Distribution, and Chain of Custody
• Value Chain Development and Management
• Branding and Marketing

Skills:

• Human resources management, mentoring, and team building.
• Fiscal management, bookkeeping and accounting procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, tact, and diplomacy.
• Excellent writing skills, and ability to adjust for purpose and audience.
• Marketing, communications, and storytelling.
• Meeting planning and facilitation.
• Public speaking, presentation, and media relations.
• Fundraising and grant management.
• Practical experience advancing social justice, anti-racism, and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Practical experience advancing sustainability, environmental conservation, and restoration/regeneration.
• Bilingual English-Spanish desirable.
• Proficient with Gmail and other Google Apps, Dropbox, Zoom, Salesforce, Microsoft Office, etc.

Character:

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and fulfill commitments.
• Detail oriented, with the ability to achieve short, medium and long-term goals.
• Able to make connections, develop working relationships, and collaborate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Proactively pursues information and continuing education opportunities out of real interest in food, agriculture and sustainability.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Board Liaison    ~10%

Assists the Board Chair and Secretary in recruiting, orienting, updating and engaging an active and effective board of directors. 

Staff/Program Management and Support   ~10%                                               

Supervises, supports and advises the Certification Director on implementation of the Food Alliance certification program and questions related to policy, strategy, goal setting, standards development, investment of resources, quality assurance, partnership, dispute resolution and other concerns. 

Planning and Evaluation  ~10%                                                                           

Provides strategic vision and leadership to ensure Food Alliance has annual and 3- to 5-year strategic plans for organizational and program development. Plays a lead role in evaluating and reporting progress toward established goals, and making any necessary course corrections.

Organization’s Agent  ~10%                                                                      

Partnerships and Collaborations: Negotiates and/or approves the terms of any joint ventures, strategic partnerships, grant sub-contracts, or consulting opportunities.

Spokesperson: Represents Food Alliance to the media, and through public speaking engagements at meetings, trade shows, conferences, etc.

Public Face: Nurtures and strengthens Food Alliance’s relationships with a network of stakeholders including influential individuals, organizations, and businesses. Responds to public inquiries about  certification and certified businesses.

Budgeting and Fiscal Management ~10%                                                            

Ensures Food Alliance’s financial health and ability to fulfill its mission and build capacity over time. Oversees development of annual budgets, and monitors income and expenses to ensure Food Alliance meets financial targets. 

Administration >5%                                                                                       

Ensures compliance with all legal requirements and the availability of needed tools, services and infrastructure. 

Marketing and Client Acquisition/Retention  ~45%                                                   

Proactively communicates the value and benefits of certification to producer and commercial buyer audiences. Maintains communication and positive relationships with current clients. 

Compensation

this position is: salaried, more than 100k

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

August 31, 2024