California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (The Foundation) is a non-profit educational foundation dedicated to providing free agricultural literacy materials, including curriculum and teacher resources for PreK-12 grade(s). Our mission is to increase awareness and understanding of agriculture among California's educators and students. Our vision is an appreciation of agriculture by all.
SUMMARY:
The Executive Director will be responsible for advancing the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals. The Executive Director will provide leadership, direction, and coordination for all activities of the organization, ensuring programmatic and operational success, financial stability, and sustained impact within the education space.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Leadership • Administers and directs activities of the Foundation. • Implements the strategic plan set forth by the Board of Directors. • Develops and oversees the annual budget of the Foundation. • Serves as state contact for National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization, participates in national
programs and acts as liaison to other state AITC programs. • Develops, coordinates, enforces systems, policies, procedures, and productivity standards. • Exercises professional leadership by keeping abreast of current issues, trends, developments, technology and
opportunities within field of responsibility. • Manages and mentors staff by communicating job expectations; continuously plans, monitors, and appraises
job outputs. • Delegates tasks effectively while ensuring accountability, providing ongoing support to team members to meet
program objectives. • Leads cross-functional teams, ensuring that all team members are aligned with goals and timelines for program
execution.
Board Relations and Governance • Serves as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting their responsibilities. • Keeps Board members updated on Foundation strategic plan, activities, and projects and is responsible for
managing the Foundation board regular and annual meetings. • Assist in the recruitment, development, and training of new Board members.
Fundraising and Development • Creates and manages fundraising strategies and activities to achieve financial goals of the Foundation. • Provides professional representation of the Foundation internally and externally. • Develops and maintains strong relationships with funders, donors, and sponsors. • Fosters a culture of philanthropy with staff.
Program Management • Creates partnerships and develops relationships within the agriculture, education, and Farm Bureau
communities to expand impact and educator reach. • Oversees development of appropriate and credible materials to be used by teachers and students. • Promotes growth and innovation to meet evolving educator and student needs. • Ensures the effective implementation of programs and services working closely with the Program Director.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: • Passion for ag literacy and education. • Creative and strategic thinking to assist with the expansion of CFAITC reach and impact. • General knowledge of the agriculture industry and education process in California. • Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of competence. • Strong leadership skills, including the ability to develop and motivate staff. • Prior experience working with a non-profit organization and board of directors. • Prior experience with fundraising and proposal creation. • Prior experience preparing annual budgets; high business acumen. • Proven ability to convey information in an engaging and effective manner to an audience in the form of public
speaking and in written communications using proper grammar and terminology. • Serve as a highly professional representative of CFAITC. • Ability to work with a diverse workforce and audience. • Minimum of five years of past supervisory experience required. • Intermediate or higher proficiency in Microsoft Suite required. • Ability to travel within California (some overnight) up to 3-5 days per month. • Manage special projects as assigned. • Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time, lift 30 lbs., and set up and tear down exhibits. • Bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, communication or education-related field required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with NEON
Experience in farming or ranching
California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is an Equal Opportunity Employer.