About the job
The Executive Director role at Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) offers the rare opportunity to lead and shape the future of an organization deeply committed to advancing ethical seed solutions. Situated at the intersection of agriculture, culture, science, and policy, the role provides a unique platform to influence and develop organic seed use in the US through strategic research, education, and advocacy programs.
As our Executive Director, you will be central to maintaining and enlivening our mission, ensuring operational and financial sustainability, building organizational capacity, and seeking new opportunities while anticipating challenges. You will also enjoy the privilege and responsibility of bringing together a diverse and skilled staff and board, whose diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to the success and vibrancy of OSA.
Our Vision
Seed grows an equitable, abundant, and resilient future of food.
Our Mission
Organic Seed Alliance puts the power of seed into the hands of growers. Our work promotes an abundant and diverse supply of organic seed, tended in perpetuity by skilled, diverse, and interconnected communities of seed stewards.
About Us
Organic Seed Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves growers working with seed across the US at any scale through participatory research, practical education, policy advocacy, and network development. We prioritize partnerships with organizations and individuals aligned with our mission, and we convene spaces where diverse viewpoints can be expressed and explored.
Role Summary
We’re seeking a professional who’s:
- Passionate about Organic Seed Alliance’s mission,
- Ready to embrace the opportunity to provide fresh leadership to an evolving organization,
- Committed to equity and accountability as an individual and an organizational leader, and
- Enthusiastic about building community around organic seed — regionally, nationally, and virtually.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) directly positions Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) as the key service organization advancing the use and development of organic seed in the U.S. through research, education and advocacy programs. The successful ED will:
- Provide strategic leadership and management to a complex set of organizational activities, including, but not limited to, maintaining and enlivening the organization’s mission, ensuring operational and financial sustainability, building organizational capacity, seeking new opportunities, and anticipating challenges.
- Bring together a staff and board drawn from diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute a range of skills and knowledge to the success of OSA.
- Directly supervise the leadership team, coordinate work-plan development for the entire staff, and support their professional development.
- Take responsibility for overall business operations, development, community relations, board relations, and HR/Staff relations and workplace culture.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent training/certification in business, education, agriculture, policy advocacy, or related field.
- 5+ years of senior-level management experience in a similar organization.
- Experience in nonprofit management under the leadership of a board of directors, as well as fundraising and/or donor relations.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills required in staff capacity management, financial management, and organizational development with an emphasis on DEI and collaborative leadership models preferred.
- Strong presentation, interpersonal, community-building, and communication skills.
- Strong computer and technology skills required; experience in Microsoft Office, Google suite and donor database systems preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
- Exempt, full-time regular employment with remote (or on-site) oversight of WA headquarters plus staff operations in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- $82,000 annual salary, with opportunities for growth.
- Eligible for paid time off (minimum of 23 days per year) plus sick leave.
- Monthly phone ($50) and health insurance ($375) stipend.
- Employer match of retirement savings (approx. $2,000/year).
Equal Employment Opportunity
OSA offers a values-based work culture, dedicated to DEI. We’re an equal opportunity employer and committed to growing the diversity and inclusivity of our staff, board, contractors, and partners. We strongly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.
To Apply
- Applications are by email only. Send your resume and a cover letter describing how you would advance OSA’s mission to [email protected], including your last name in the file name of each email attachment. Deadline is 5 p.m. Pacific Time on September 12, 2023.
- Please see full job description at https://tinyurl.com/OSAEDProfile