Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors, WWAA

Western Washington Agricultural Association (WWAA) works on behalf of those who farm the fertile soils of the land west of the Cascade Mountains and Washington’s greater agricultural to help agriculture flourish and community prosperity rise.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Executive Director (ED) is tasked with efficiently and effectively managing the WWAA to fulfill its mission of supporting growers and industry members by representing their interests at federal, state, and local levels. Additionally, the ED is responsible for developing and executing an outreach program to sustain and grow the organization through membership and contributions.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, salaried, management level with supervisory responsibilities.

REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary agricultural advocate in Skagit County, addressing issues such as the Critical Area Ordinance, Shoreline Management Plan, Growth Management Plan, and Endangered Species concerns.
• Represent Western Washington agriculture in Olympia by building strong relationships with elected state officials to positively influence legislative and agency decisions affecting agriculture.
• Engage in land use, zoning, and farmland protection matters to ensure the sustainability of agriculture.
• Develop and implement an outreach program to maintain and expand WWAA membership.
• Lead efforts to generate new revenue streams aligned with the mission statement, including grants, fundraising, and contract work.
• Supervise WWAA staff, including planning, assigning, and directing work, and recommending personnel actions in coordination with the Board of Directors. Focus on maintaining optimal staffing levels for peak efficiency and continuity in key positions.
• Publish a quarterly newsletter to keep members informed about WWAA's accomplishments, activities, and issues.
• Represent WWAA and the agricultural sector at seminars, meetings, and other events that require a presence in all aspects of production agriculture.
• Collaborate with similar organizations, such as WSU NWREC, Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, and Save Family Farming.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership and Management: Proven experience in leading and managing teams, departments, or entire organizations.
• Strategic Planning: Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans that align with the organization's mission and goals.
• Financial Management: Strong background in budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, government officials, and community leaders.
• Fundraising and Development: Demonstrated success in fundraising, securing grants, and developing revenue streams.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Knowledge of regulatory requirements and experience in managing organizational risks.
• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to be proactive, innovative and self-motivated.
• Decision-Making: Skilled in making informed and timely decisions, often under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey the organization's vision and goals.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work well with others, fostering a cooperative and productive environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances and new challenges.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated aptitude for identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of financial management and budgeting to ensure the organization's fiscal health.
• Integrity: Commitment to ethical practices and maintaining trustworthiness.
• Empowerment: Skilled in delegating tasks and empowering team members to take ownership of their work.
• Vision: Demonstrated ability to foresee future trends and opportunities, and to steer the organization accordingly.
• Resilience: Demonstrated capacity to remain composed and effective in the face of adversity.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• At least 3 years of experience in leadership roles within non-profit organizations; Executive Director non-profit experience preferred.
• Experience in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and/or natural resources preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree such as an MPA, MBA, Master’s in Non-Profit Leadership, Public Policy, or a JD is preferred. Previous lived experience and work experience which demonstrates how a candidate will be successful in this role may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Working knowledge of the Skagit County agriculture industry preferred. General agriculture, policy, and/or government relations experience required.
• Knowledge of occupational safety rules and practices required.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for document creation, data analysis, presentations, and communication.
• Experience with accounting and financial management software such as QuickBooks. Proficiency in using email platforms, video conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This job requires the routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, AV equipment, and filing cabinets. The ability to lift up to 30 lbs., sit, stand, and walk for extended periods and work both indoors (office environment) and outdoors in inclement weather and across uneven terrain (field conditions) is required, with or without accommodation. This job requires the ability to frequently communicate and exchange accurate information. Visual, verbal and audio acuity are required, with or without accommodation. The position requires the ability to travel within and occasionally outside of Washington state. The ability to operate motor vehicle is required, with or without accommodation.

Starting Salary Range (DOE): $92,500 - $106,000

Western Washington Agricultural Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $92,500.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Salary : $92,500 - $106,000