Executive Director - Florida Dairy Farmers

Location: Altamonte Springs, FL (just north of Orlando) -- working a hybrid schedule; with regional and national travel.

Organizational Overview

Florida Dairy Farmers is an organization funded by dairy farm families in the state of Florida. We work diligently with dairy farmers, foodservice, schools, health professionals, local organization, state leaders, the media and consumers to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry to increase sales.

Mission

Our mission is to educate Floridians about the state’s dairy farming industry and promote dairy foods an as important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Our mission is to enhance the dairy farming industry’s image and increase milk and dairy product sales statewide via education and public relations outreach.

We are passionate about representing Florida’s dairy farm families, and through teamwork and effective communication, we have a shared responsibility to deliver excellence, while maintaining the highest level of integrity.

 Position Overview

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operation, finances, administration, membership communication and programming for the Association which includes Florida Dairy Farmers and our sister organization, Dairy and Food Nutrition Council a 501(c) 3. Reporting to the Board of Directors, they are responsible for implementing policies approved by the Board. The Executive Director oversees three direct reports – VP Communications, VP Youth Wellness and VP Finance & Administration – and is responsible for 12 employees and a $5.5 million budget.

Position Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership, Planning & Supervision

·         Provides strategic direction for the Association’s leadership team.

·         Works with Staff Leadership Team and staff to develop and implement strategic plans, operational plans and results management for the organization.

·         Develops a staffing structure that supports the efficient delivery of programs and services, accomplishment of goals and effective management.

·         Oversees all human resource-related processes, including selection, evaluation, compensation and termination of all employees to ensure staff meets the organization's objectives.

·         Provides leadership, guidance and empowerment to staff members for support and development of their goals.

·         Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, as approved by the Board of Directors, and applicable laws.

·         Participates in selected professional development and training seminars.

·         If licensed or certified in an area related to the position, maintain credentials related to the position.

Program Responsibilities

·         Oversees the planning, development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of all Florida Dairy Farmers’ programs to ensure overall fulfillment of the organization’s mission.

·         Serves as the chief spokesperson for Florida Dairy Farmers and is responsible for all public and media relations.

·         Represents the organization as its chief executive officer in dealings with Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI), National Dairy Board (NDB), United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) and other organizations, task forces, committees, individuals and the public.

·         Serves on DMI Committees, as appropriate, to represent Florida Dairy Farmers.

Management of Administrative Responsibilities

·         Responsible for the overall financial security of the Association, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, responsible for the maintenance and securing of funding.

·         Ensures the financial affairs of Florida Dairy Farmers are conducted in accordance with policies and guidelines established by the Board and generally accepted accounting principles.

·         Establishes operating procedures (in conjunction with applicable laws) and determines matters of administrative and supervisory detail in connection with the operation and maintenance of the organization.

·         Manages the appropriate use of Florida Dairy Farmers financial, material and personnel resources and ensures the maintenance of all necessary records.

·         Provides regular financial statements to the Board.

·         Directs the preparation of the annual budget and program plan and submits them to the Board for approval.

·         Approves expenditures within the limits of the Board-approved budget.

·         Ensures that sound risk management policies are in place. 

Board Responsibilities

·         Reports regularly to the Board regarding program plans, content and results; budget and financial status of the organization; personnel issues; and other issues of concern to the Board.

·         Identifies key issues for Board consideration.

·         Initiates development of policies for Board approval and ensures the implementation of all Board policies and actions.

·         Regularly provides the Board with adequate information to help the Board reach sound decisions and establish policies.

·         Attends all Board and Board Committee meetings and participates in Board and Committee meeting discussions.

·         Facilitates new Board member orientation.

·         Consults with the Board leadership in preparation of the agenda and materials for Board and committee meetings.

Member, Dairy Industry and Other Communications

·         Develops relationships and maintains frequent communication with key funding sources and Board members. Represents company as a knowledgeable and trustworthy leader responsible for operating the business.

·         Manages and coordinates the planning and development of Florida Dairy Farmers’ member communications program, including membership building and maintenance.

·         Support and maintain regular direct relationships with state ADA’s, co-op management, out-of-area organizations and other organizations involved with and/or producing Florida Dairy Farmers income.

Key Priorities

·         Make a concerted effort to be highly visible, establish genuine rapport and form positive working relationships with key stakeholders (Dairy Farmers, Staff, Dairy Management, Inc., peer State and Regional Executive Directors/CEO’s and other allied dairy organizations).

·         Perform an organizational assessment and make recommendations to build infrastructure and enhance operational effectiveness.

·         Ensure that current programs have a solid return on investment and are effectively promoting and selling more dairy products.

·         Continue to foster existing external relationships and seek additional industry partners to further the organization’s impact.

·         Seek ways to enhance the image and reach of the organization.

·         In collaboration with the Board, establish key metrics to track organizational progress.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a visionary team leader and culture builder, who remains dedicated to the mission and Florida Dairy Farmers’ Board of Directors. Working closely with the Board they must be committed to organizational growth through teamwork. The successful candidate will be a strategic and forward-thinking marketing executive with a track record of increasing sales and growing organizations, possessing a reputation for forming strong personal and professional relationships.

 The ideal candidate must also have unquestioned integrity, professionalism and a positive work ethic. They will have strong presentation and communication skills with an outgoing, personable and inclusive management style. This individual will be a great listener, and viewed as such, who patiently and sincerely seeks input from all stakeholders. The ideal candidate will foster a workplace culture and environment where staff look forward to coming to work. The ability to communicate with clarity and motivate people is a critical requirement. The capacity to connect with people at all levels and the humility to accept shortcomings and the thirst for ongoing growth and development is also needed. 

 The ideal candidate will have a command presence and be a transparent, gifted and engaging communicator, whether speaking one on one or in front of a large audience. This individual will apply applicable business acumen and possess a genuine, visible, infectious passion for advancing the reach of Florida Dairy Farmers’ impact in the market.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, management, agriculture science, food, nutrition or related field from an accredited college or university is required. A minimum of 10 years of experience in management is also required. Experience in management of an association is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 ·         Ability to make timely and appropriate decisions in line with strategic goals; understand business implications of decisions. Ability to align activities with Organization, Mission, Vision, Values, Strategic Objectives and Policy Manual.

·         Ability to lead and delegate work assignments: monitor activities; provide recognition for results; provide performance evaluations and feedback; and develop subordinates’ skills and encourages growth

·         Ability to commit to long hours of work when necessary to achieve goals.

·         Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication and customer service skills; demonstrated team-building ability.

·         Good organizational skills; ability to manage time effectively, prioritize and handle multiple tasks/projects and meet deadlines.

·         Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and similar programs.

·         Ability to travel extensively, primarily within Florida as well as to other parts of the country for national meetings, etc.

Benefits

We know that in order to meet our goal of growing dairy demand, we need the best people. Our culture is highly collaborative, and we appreciate unique perspectives and diversity of style and thought. FDF’s office is conveniently located in Altamonte Springs, FL, just north of Orlando. 

Our comprehensive health and welfare plans offer employer-funded medical, dental, life, EAP and long-term disability.  We also offer generous PTO, holidays, maternity and paid paternal leave plans. We have a 401(K) with a Safe Harbor Contribution, employer matching and non-matching contributions. Florida Dairy Farmers reserves the right to change or end its benefits plans or programs at any time.

We regret it is not possible to communicate with candidates except those who most closely match our requirements. Thank you.