The OFS Executive Director is an employee of, and reports directly to, the board of directors, and is hired by the board to direct the management of the organization. The executive director will execute their responsibilities as aligned by strategic priorities set forth by the board of directors. Will be responsible for all business operations, including management of the assets of the 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation; hiring, training, promoting, disciplining and terminating employees; and for establishing and maintaining the business structure that will efficiently conduct the management functions of the organization in accordance with its bylaws to optimize the fulfillment of the stated mission and vision relative to the resources of the organization.
The executive director will develop and nurture a broad coalition and grassroots network within the State of Oregon’s natural resource community to support the mission and goals of OFS. Will develop and execute strategies regarding working with the Oregon Legislature, state agencies, federal agencies and elected federal officials. Will represent OFS and the industry to external audiences and advise the board on policy matters affecting OFS members and natural resources businesses.
The executive director will register as a lobbyist with the State of Oregon. The position is responsible for coordinating face-to-face lobbying activities with legislators for the passage or defeat of legislation and regulations affecting OFS members and the business community. The position will also coordinate and oversee any additional lobbying, working directly for OFS.
The executive director is to be knowledgeable of the natural resource community, understanding the science behind pesticide, fertilizer, and biotech products used throughout the industry.
The executive director implements board policy and is authorized to establish all further policies, make all decisions, take all actions, and develop all activities, which are true to the board's policies and direction.
All board authority delegated to the OFS staff is delegated through and therefore the responsibility of the executive director.
Association leadership and management:
- Supervise and direct the staff, including the director of policy and the office manager, in the performance of their duties and evaluate their performance.
- Provide overall control of and direction for personnel, including active participation in, or approval of, personnel actions and training programs for the staff and board as needed.
- Direct preparation of budgets and routinely provide a detailed account of the finances to the Board to ensure control of these resources once approved.
- Develop and recommend to the board of directors long- and short-range plans for the development of programs and activities to meet the organization’s mission and goals.
- Oversee and direct all day-to-day financial operations, approve expenditures, and provide for the physical office and staff equipment needs.
- Recommend policies to the board and/or assist the board in the formulation of policies.
- Maintain administrative responsibility to ensure that legal and fiduciary obligations are met.
- Ensure implementation of the policies adopted by the board.
- Lead staff and board to meet the organizations’ fund-raising needs.
- Serve as the president of the Northwest Food and Forest Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with OFS.
Coalition and Grassroots:
- Maintain OFS presence in appropriate community and state activities through direct involvement and public relations programs.
- Identify and work closely with other interests to form unique and diverse coalitions for the passage or defeat of legislation and regulations that affect OFS members.
- Educate and inform the natural resource industry, other businesses and groups, and the public about OFS issues and the political process through public speaking, seminars, and written publications.
- Develop strategies for OFS, state natural resource groups and federal trade associations regarding pesticides, fertilizers, and biotechnology.
- Organize and coordinate all allied natural resource groups for increased lobbying power and effectiveness in and out of the capitol.
Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy:
- Remain knowledgeable and current on all pertinent issues of impact on pesticides, fertilizers and biotechnology within Oregon, the U.S. and globally.
- Organize and coordinate all allied natural resource groups for increased lobbying power and effectiveness in and out of the capitol.
- Establish and maintain favorable working relationships with congressional delegation, state legislators, federal officials, committee staff, agency personnel, other utilities, customer representatives and interest groups.
- Write and orally present testimony at state legislature for State and Federal rulemaking on issues of impact to OFS or allied organizations.
- Assist in finding, recruiting, and training candidates for office that understand and will positively impact our industry if elected.
- Oversee OFS’s OFS PAC and represent OFS as a trustee on AG-PAC.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possess a strong science-based knowledge of issues impacting the natural resource community.
- Experience with technology and using social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Possess extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 8+ years’ experience in a similar leadership position.
- Experience with natural resource issues.
- Experience working with a Political Action Committee.
Pay: $80,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- Family medical and dental
- Life insurance
- 401(K)
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Send resume and cover letter to:
Attention: Search Committee
Deadline to apply is Friday August 7, 2020.
Oregonians for Food & Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.