Company description

Philo Ridge Farm (PRF) is a certified organic 500-acre farm located in Charlotte, Vermont, a rich agricultural community in the Champlain Valley, just south of Burlington.

Job description

BACKGROUND

Philo Ridge Farm (PRF) is a certified organic 500-acre farm located in Charlotte, Vermont, a rich agricultural community in the Champlain Valley, just south of Burlington. PRF is a diversified farm in its tenth year of production. Its livestock program grazes over 300 acres of perennial pasture and includes ewes, lambs, pigs, chickens, and 100 Belted Galloway cattle. PRF grows two acres of organic produce and flowers using farming practices that build soil health, produce a variety of nutrient-dense foods, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and support the local agricultural community. Everything harvested is processed at PRF and sold in the dining facilities and Market (retail and farm stand), which are inspired by a closed-loop nutrient system. PRF also serves as a yearround gathering place in the community.

PRF aims to create a new diversified model for small scale farmers, one that will allow both the land and the farmer to prosper while also serving the community. PRF works with the University of Vermont, the Vermont Land Trust, and others to help monitor and evaluate its impacts on soil health, crop and pasture productivity, water quality, carbon sequestration, and wildlife populations in order to inspire others who are interested in understanding and supporting regenerative agriculture.

After a decade of learning the land, growing with the community, and envisioning the future of farming, the founders are excited to create a nonprofit so that PRF continues to operate as a community asset for generations to come. PRF believes a key part of this future is to keep working lands working, which is why it will always remain a working farm. The design and development of this new nonprofit is in the final stages of completion. Creating and sharing good food has always been a part of PRF’s work and spirit, as established by the founders Peter Swift and Diana McCargo, who bought the property with the dream of preserving the farm’s agricultural legacy. Today, PRF is driven to restore the connection between humans and land, valuing curiosity, empathy, honesty, humility, and difficult conversations.

POSITION

The executive director will be the top senior leadership position on the farm, which operates year-round with a high season from May to October, and will oversee all aspects of day-to-day operations. This person will be an enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, creative, and hands-on leader of all parts of this diverse and innovative farm, including land-based agriculture teams, the Market and events space, food service and hospitality teams, and the produce and meat processing facility. The executive director will oversee all business operations, financial tracking and management, leadership development, internal communication, outward-facing marketing, human resources, and administration. In addition, this person will be the key ambassador for PRF’s core values, mission, and story to the local community as well as to the broader food and agriculture community.

The executive director must share PRF’s passion for land conservation, growing produce, raising animals, and how they intersect with food and hospitality. They will provide operational excellence through inspiring leadership, strategic thinking, team development, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and participate in the hands-on work of the farm when needed, all while providing experienced financial and operational management of the business. Strong candidates will be equally comfortable managing Excel spreadsheets as they are hosing off their muck boots, all while creating a welcoming, community atmosphere across all aspects of the farm. In this role, the executive director will be a facilitator, an active listener, a clear communicator, a mentor, a coach, a mediator, and a source of positive inspiration for the entire team at PRF – someone who can motivate and hold staff members accountable.

COMPENSATION

• Anticipated salary range $140K-$175K; commensurate with experience
• Ability to support a relocation
• Employment benefits include contributions toward healthcare premiums; staff meals; discounts on meals, groceries, and other items for sale in the Market; and generous PTO

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, PRF encourages you to apply. PRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, PRF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

See full job description here for responsibilities and requirements: https://www.pbrsearch.com/wps/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PRF-ED.pdf

Compensation

this position is: salaried, more than 100k

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Deadline

no deadline