Manager - Farmer Relations

Location: Twin Falls, ID

Exempt Position

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director - Industry Relations, the Manager – Farmer Relations implements the global vision and partner strategy across the dairy industry and advances regional interests through the development and management of Dairy West’s farmer relations initiatives. This position serves as the primary liaison in communicating the value and resources of dairy checkoff to, and deepening engagement with, dairy producers and allied industry partners. This role supports Dairy West’s mission and core values by identifying dairy stories and supporting organization-wide events related to dairy farming and agriculture education.

The Manager – Farmer Relations exhibits behaviors that are expected of all Dairy West employees, including the highest levels of job performance and professional conduct. Additionally, the Farmer Relations Manager embraces diverse responsibilities, is open to regular feedback, and adapts to change with ease and enthusiasm.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides support to execute the strategic plan as directed by the Director - Industry Relations
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with dairy producers and allied industry partners
• Supports the Dairy West team through collaborative planning and contribution to a variety of communications
• Maintains a farmer and allied industry database that streamlines communications, programs, and internal processes
• Assists in identifying, documenting, and promoting success stories from within the industry, including those centered around animal care, sustainability, product quality, and community support
• Supports and leverages relevant farmer training opportunities
• Serves as the primary point of contact for dairy producers in providing materials, resources, and other means of support for ongoing activities
• Champions the organization’s initiatives by actively sharing our work and insights while gathering and disseminating relevant industry information to keep our dairy producers and team informed and engaged
• Engages dairy producers and industry leaders to support consumer confidence in dairy through media and crisis training, messaging, social media, speaker engagements, and event participation
• Assists with managing and monitoring the budget to ensure effective stewardship of financial resources
• Works with affiliated agricultural organizations and agencies to create and retain dairy advocates and achieve mutually beneficial goals of advancing a positive farmer image
• Participates in promotional and educational events as determined by the Dairy West strategic plan
• Identifies areas to maximize resources and efforts for the greatest impact
• Represents Dairy West at relevant industry events to build the understanding and value of the dairy checkoff
• Collaborates with colleagues to integrate initiatives that promote the industry
• Balances competing priorities to ensure key stakeholders, partners, and organizational needs are met
• Completes projects utilizing resources from multiple functional areas when necessary
• Monitors performance criteria and collects data to report and evaluate program results
• Develops solutions to meet organizational needs in innovative ways
• Adapts project plans and work schedules to meet changing priorities
• Stays current on industry-wide developments, trends, and success stories to support communications engagement
• Manages memorandums of understanding, letters of agreement, and appropriate contracts related to farmer and allied industry relations
• Performs other duties as necessary

EXPECTATIONS:

• Reflects the behaviors associated with Dairy West’s core values of trust, action and stewardship
• Works collaboratively to achieve success 
• Demonstrates a mindset of service and helpfulness to others 
• Shows a propensity to be action-oriented and appreciates a fast-paced, variable work environment 
• Shows respect for others and has caring, direct conversations
• Builds trusting relationships both within and outside of the Dairy West organization 
• Clearly communicates the value of checkoff and our programming 
• Executes all job functions with a commitment to excellence 
• Proactively offers solution-oriented innovation 
• Prioritizes and manages workload effectively 
• Keeps the farmer investment top of mind, always 
• Takes risk in pursuit of excellence 
• Demonstrates a high level of curiosity and willingness to pursue professional development 
• Takes ownership for individual success within the organization

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience in a field that supports the responsibilities of the position, or any equivalent combination of education and experience; or 10 years of experience in a field that supports the responsibilities of the position
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking
• Confident and self-aware; exhibits strong soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, listening skills, and stress management
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft 365, Zoom, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce
• Spanish language proficiency preferred
• Knowledge of local, regional, and national dairy checkoff goals and organizations preferred
• Experience with agricultural contacts and building relationships