POSITION DESCRIPTION

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, AND MARKETING

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Job Class and Title: 9745S2 - Education Program Specialist 2
Working Title: Executive Director of MN FFA
Position Number: 339545
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Family: V - Education-General
Appointment: 12-month, 100%, continuing appointment
Supervisor: Head of Division of Applied Economics and Agricultural Education,

Communications and Marketing

PROGRAM / UNIT DESCRIPTION
The State of Minnesota FFA administrative home is located in the Agricultural Education, Communications, and Marketing (AECM) program within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota (UMN). UMN contracts with the Minnesota FFA Association to serve as a support base for statewide leadership positions and the related services and outreach they generate. The FFA is a non-profit organization with a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. This mission is met through developing and delivering programs for students in secondary and post-secondary programs, and their teachers.

The Executive Director will report to the Head of AECM and the Chair of the Adult Board of Directors (BOD) of the FFA Association. The Executive Director will be responsible for managing staff, finances, and operations of the FFA Association and implementing the mission under the director of the BOD and in collaboration with stakeholders. The position will involve regular in-state and occasional out-of-state travel. The University of Minnesota values the work-life balance and provides flexible work arrangements in schedule and work location for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration (70%)
* Supervise staff members who manage the leadership and career development programs, regional and state leadership teams, and award programs. Identify, recruit, develop, support,
and retain top-quality staff members. Establish, review, and revise staff job descriptions. Evaluate staff performance and inspire them to pursue and achieve the expectations in the job
descriptions and be engaged in the work and mission of the Association.
* Work with the Board of Directors to support agriculture, food, and natural resource (AFNR) educators and ensure they have the necessary resources to support student success.
* Prepare annual budgets for the Association in collaboration with the Board and with input from staff. Manage the implementation of the budget and ensure fiscal responsibility, long-term
sustainability, and management of restricted and unrestricted funds, including any funds appropriated to Minnesota FFA by the State of Minnesota. Maintain income and expense
records of the Association and file appropriate documents to maintain its 501C3 status.
* Oversee the website and management of membership database, Association archives, and Association reports.

Strategic Leadership (30%)
* Engage in strategic planning with the FFA Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders to pursue the vision and mission of the Association. Set short- and long-term goals that align with the strategic plans. Perform periodic reviews and update to the mission and goals.
* Serve as the primary liaison between the Association, Foundation, Alumni and Supporters of FFA, and post-secondary partners including the University of Minnesota
* Represent Minnesota FFA to other organizations, government agencies, elected officials, and the general public while strengthening its brand and public profile.
* Work with the Board of Directors to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Ensure compliance with laws and regulations relating to non-profit organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications
* Advanced degree in Agricultural Education, Education, Agriculture, or other relevant fields and at least four years of relevant work experience to include supervisory experience OR BA/BS in relevant field with at least six years of relevant post degree experience.
* Demonstrated professional experience in secondary agricultural education, youth leadership development, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications
* Management experience, including 5+ years of leadership and/or management responsibility as an agriculture, food, and natural resources education teacher and FFA advisor.
* Extensive experience working with agricultural and educational stakeholders.
* Experience managing budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability, and management of restricted and unrestricted funds, while ensuring compliance with laws and
regulations relating to nonprofit organizations.
* Experience with accounting software such as Quickbooks.
* Knowledge of and appreciation for agriculture and an understanding of FFA history, culture, values, programs, and supporters.
* High proficiency in training, developing, leading, and retaining skilled and committed team members.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and adults.
* Demonstrated experience in planning educational events for secondary education students and teachers, including management of logistics and budgets.
* Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
* Evidence of strong commitment to the FFA Association and the University's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity.

Desired Characteristics

* A strong, effective executive presence and leadership style that reflects confidence and integrity and inspires trust, respect, and engagement from stakeholders at all levels.
* An innovative and entrepreneurial self-starter who can lead an organization to meet strong growth goals.
* A creative thinker who can develop, communicate, and implement a vision and strategy for Minnesota FFA.
* A leader who is a team player and consensus builder and makes effective use of the diverse talents and experience of volunteer board members.
* A strong relationship builder with donors.
* A collaborative leader with demonstrated experience working with volunteer boards of directors to achieve consensus and utilize the talents and connections of board members to broaden the reach and impact of Minnesota FFA.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The University of Minnesota provides a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing employees to invest in the future of their careers and in life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

* Competitive salary, paid holidays, and generous time off
* Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
* Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
* Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
* University HSA contributions
* Disability and employer-paid life insurance
* Employee wellbeing program
* Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
* Financial counseling services
* Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024 and continue until finalists are identified.

Applications must be submitted online. Click the Apply button and follow the instructions. The following items are required to be uploaded to the application in PDF format:
Current professional resume
Cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience to the position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call
612-624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.