Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for all day-to-day operations of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau public relations/membership management, building maintenance and finances. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is headquartered in Plant City, Florida and serves 3600+ member-families. It is affiliated with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest general interest agricultural organization, representing more than 136,000 member-families. Florida Farm Bureau serves to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Executive Director position is to provide to the achievement of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s (HCFB) vision and mission by carrying out the Board’s long-term goals and advocating on behalf of the HCFB in Governmental Affairs at the local, state, and federal level; pursuing new membership and focusing on educating the community on the importance of agriculture.

ENVIRONMENT:
The HCFB is a 501(c) 5 non-profit corporation with over 3600 member families. The HCFB focuses on resolving issues related to farming, member families; represents, protects, and advances the social, economic and sustainability interests of farmers and ranchers. The HCFB is very active in political issues at the local, state, and federal level. The organization provides a diverse array of benefits for its members. HCFB’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the agriculture community and strive to enhance the net income of farmers and ranchers in Hillsborough County. The following is a list of key duties and responsibilities. This is not a comprehensive list as it can be added to or deleted from at any time by the Executive Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Ensure that policies and directions set by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for HCFB and the Hillsborough County Agricultural Political Action Committee are carried out by a) participating as a key member of the Executive Committee, b) working with and taking direction from the President, c) providing information and recommendations to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and d) participating in long-range goal setting.
2. Provide for the achievement of the vision, mission and long-range plan by developing short-term goals or tactical plan to achieve results required. Report these goals to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.
3. Provide for and deliver effective research into agricultural and other issues important to HCFB members and to the economic well-being of Hillsborough County.
4. Promote the HCFB through effective marketing and public relations efforts. This includes working with programs such as Ag-Venture and Ag- Abilities, in addition to developing a relationship with the press, responding to questions from the press, managing social media accounts and working directly with other organizations to promote agriculture. This also includes networking in the community as well as building and maintaining relationships with Hillsborough County Elected Officials.
5. Provide for a strong membership by ensuring an effective membership development and retention program. Work with insurance customer service representatives in the county on membership retention and service.
6. Provide for a sound financial position and budget by proposing the annual budget for review by the Budget Committee and approval by the Executive Committee; monitor expenditures to budget; submit budget reports; ensuring effective financial controls; ensuring that dues are collected and processed timely; ensuring that all monthly, quarterly and fiscal year end accounting is processed in a timely manner for both the HCFB and the Hillsborough County Agricultural Political Action Committee.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. General office administration and reception.
2. Customer service and support for members and guests that contact HCFB.
3. Serve on other boards/committees relevant to HCFB and the membership
4. Attend other meetings (AEDC, BOCC, FFBF, UF/IFAS, etc) as requested.
5. Participate in board meetings, planning sessions.
6. Support special projects including event planning and fundraising.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:
1. Demonstrate excellent association management skills.
2. Excellent research skills with ability to develop both sides of an issue.
3. Excellent analytical skills.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Demonstrate ability to make presentations, write reports and letters.
6. Excellent understanding of the agricultural industry, specifically Hillsborough County
7. Proficient in use of current computer technology and software, including mandatory knowledge of MS Office programs and QuickBooks financial accounting software.
8. Possess a Florida driver license.
9. College degree or equivalent experience required.

PERFORMANCE BEHAVIORS:
1. Demonstrate a strong knowledge of association management, and be able to work with diverse opinions, perspectives, and facilitate cooperative leadership working with volunteer members and leaders.
2. Always demonstrate a high level of professionalism while representing HCFB.
3.Treat all people with respect.
4. Demonstrate honesty, openness and trust.
5. Able to voice opinions in a constructive manner devoid of personal or emotional influence.
6. Demonstrate integrity by doing what he/she commits to; act and speak ethically; communicate factually.
7. Recognize others’ responsibilities and provide support as needed.
8. Commit to the goals of the organization.
9. Commit to addressing concerns, issues and problems internally and refrain from gossiping or sharing confidential information.
10. Punctual attendance at the office and to events.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires someone who is mobile, able to drive to various locations to attend meetings, hearings, conferences; set up and run educational programs; who can research information in written form, on the internet; communicate in person, by phone, by email; and can make oral and written presentations to small and large groups of people. Overnight travel is required periodically.

APPLICATION:
Please submit a copy of your resume and cover letter to President Casey Runkles at caseyrunkles@gmail.com by May 6th.