The Minnesota Agri-Growth Council (AgriGrowth) is seeking a full-time Executive Director to serve as the visionary leader and spokesperson. The Executive Director reports to and works with the Board of Directors and collaborates with approximately 160 diverse agricultural members. The Executive Director must provide direction and effective execution of the daily functions of the non-profit trade association.
AgriGrowth is a trusted and effective advocate on agriculture, food, and agribusiness issues for members representing the entire agri-food industry. As our membership is diverse and encompasses a wide spectrum of food, fuel, and fiber production across the state, the Executive Director will be expected to play a broad, collaborative, and visionary leadership role within our agricultural arena.
AgriGrowth’s Executive Director must have an aptitude for cooperation and collaboration between the members and the demeanor to work outside of the organization. Additionally, the position includes interaction with the media, policy makers, industry peers, other agriculture and business organizations, and the public at large. The Executive Director shall serve existing members and work to successfully recruit new members to maintain AgriGrowth’s diversity and strength within the ag and food sector and beyond.
Job Title
Executive Director
Position Type
Full time, salaried, exempt, employment at-will position
Pay and Benefits
Salary and benefits package commensurate with experience
Location
AgriGrowth is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and some travel throughout Minnesota and the U.S. will be required. A consistent office presence is required for this role, with a schedule of either 100% fully on-site or a hybrid model (averaging three days a week on-site).
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, specifically the Board Chair. Responsibilities include:
· Full supervisory authority, directly, or indirectly, for all employees and contractors.
· Developing and recommending an annual budget to the Board and personally accounting to the Board for results based on established expectations.
· Identifying, planning, and prioritizing all strategies of AgriGrowth, while maintaining efficient and effective internal operations.
· Listening to and understanding the needs and expectations of a diverse membership, while navigating the legislative and regulatory environment at the local, state, and national level.
· Serving as the primary public spokesperson for and representing AgriGrowth at industry meetings, public hearings, conferences, and public events.
· Coordinating the lobbying on behalf of AgriGrowth, at the Minnesota Legislature, the Governor’s office, and with Minnesota’s Congressional delegation.
· Guiding all activities, staff, and contractors.
· Overseeing, planning and execution of annual and special events, including the annual Minnesota Ag & Food Summit, member tours, legislative events, PAC fundraisers, and other AgriGrowth sponsored conferences.
· Identifying prospective new members and effectively communicating the value and benefits of AgriGrowth membership in conjunction with other staff and contractors.
· Working with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to schedule and facilitate quarterly Board, Executive Committee and other committee meetings (e.g., policy, membership, etc.). Regular travel to meetings and events is required.
· Leading the development, execution, and monitoring of the AgriGrowth strategic plan that will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
· Managing AgriGrowth’s Political Action Committee, the Independent Expenditure Committee, and all related activities including election engagement. Oversees fundraising efforts including the establishment and collection of membership dues, event sponsorship and soliciting contributions to the PAC and the IEPAC.
· Collaborating with the University of Minnesota and other state schools on their efforts to advance and advocate for the ag and food sector in Minnesota.
· Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
· A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Association Management, Finance, Marketing, Political Science, or related fields.
· A minimum of 7-10 years of business and/or government experience, preferably in an agriculturally related environment. Experience in association management is also a plus.
· Extensive experience and deep understanding of the issues, concerns, trends, and developments within the agriculture and agribusiness industries.
· Excellent networking, communication, public relations, and leadership skills.
· A solid understanding of the legislative and regulatory process.
AgriGrowth is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and your resume to Katie Klein at kklein@mnchamber.com.
