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ASCFG Executive Director

 

 

APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSED

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is Seeking its Next Executive Director

 

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. (ASCFG) is a 501 [c][6] trade association. Our mission is to support specialty cut flower growers by creating accessible educational opportunities and research for growers at every stage in their development of financially sustainable businesses. In our 35-year history, the ASCFG has built a community through peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. Today we unite and educate nearly 3,000 members across North America and several other countries. We share an interest in environmental sustainability and the pursuit of personal and financial well-being and success. More information about the ASCFG can be found at https://www.ascfg.org/.

Executive Director Position

The ASCFG is looking to hire a new Executive Director to start in December 2023. We are seeking a full-time dynamic, collaborative, and innovative Executive Director to lead our rapidly growing Association, and to ensure ongoing success and relevance for our members. The Executive Director works closely with the ASCFG Board of Directors to lead strategy and overall operations for the ASCFG’s programs, policies, and staff, ensuring the organization operates in alignment with its vision, mission, and values. A successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in board governance, financial oversight, mission and strategy execution, organizational operations, human resources, communications, and external relations.

This position reports directly to the ASCFG Board of Directors. The Executive Director is also accountable to the Board of the ASCFG Research Foundation, a 501 [c][3] organization that supports cut flower research by funding $5,000 to $30,000 in grants each year. The Executive Director provides administrative leadership for the Research Foundation, executes the programs and general directives established by the Board, and coordinates the annual grant selection and allocation process as well as fundraising efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Board Governance – Works closely with the Board of Directors and committees, informing, assessing, and addressing issues that affect the organization.

Financial Performance and Viability – Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health and compliance of the organization.

Organization Mission and Strategy – Works with the ASCFG Board and staff to ensure that the ASCFG’s mission is fulfilled through its programs, strategic planning, members and association communications, and industry standards.

Organizational Operations – Manages risk for the organization and ensures appropriate resources are in place for overall operations.

Human Resources – Creates a healthy and safe work environment for all staff and ensures that human resource policy and practices are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Communications and External Relations – Oversees internal and external marketing and communication efforts to increase credibility, visibility, and perception of the ASCFG and its mission.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and at least seven (7) years of demonstrated success in leadership with supervisory responsibilities, ideally in a membership or non-profit organization.  A master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Experience in or knowledge of the farming and floral industry is desirable, but not required.

This position requires someone with a full range of leadership qualities:

  • Transparent and high integrity leadership.
  • Experience and skill in working with a rotating Board of Directors.
  • High level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, members, volunteers, and donors.
  • Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to members, donors, volunteers, vendors, and the overall community.
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
  • A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.
  • Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community, including grant programs.
  • Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders and partner agencies.
  • Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making, and reporting.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • High degree of confidentiality, decision-making, and creative skills.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Suite and other related technology.

Work Structure and Location

This is a full-time, exempt position with a flexible schedule, which includes some required evening and weekend meetings and events. The ASCFG home office is located in Oberlin, Ohio and the Executive Director will be required to periodically work at the home office. However, the frequency and schedule of in-person and remote work will be discussed individually with candidates to create a schedule that meets the needs of the ASCFG and the new Executive Director.

Compensation and Benefits

The ASCFG offers a dynamic, challenging work environment with ample opportunity to create lasting impact for members and the specialty cut flower industry. The total compensation and benefit package for this position is a competitive one which includes the flexibility of a remote/hybrid work environment. To express your interest in this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to Alissa Parks, our search consultant, at [email protected].  Applications must be received by August 11, 2023.

The specific compensation range for this position will be disclosed to qualified candidates at the screening phase of our process to ensure that this position is in alignment with candidate expectations and qualifications.

ASCFG Supports Diversity and Inclusion

The ASCFG is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion for all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Find the Job Description here.