JOB SUMMARY:

The Farm Director directs and oversees Mid-Ohio Farms. Including all strategic and long-range goal planning. Drives strategic initiatives and supports development of long-term growth plans and financial sustainability goals. The Farm Director will analyze emerging industry trends, expansion opportunities, sources of capital and viability of outside partnerships. Additionally, the Farm Director will analyze business performance metrics and process improvement options developing reporting and tools to communicate strategic plans and concepts to stakeholders. The Farm Director is also responsible for design, implementation and maintaining the existing and evolving ecosystem of Mid-Ohio Farm throughout MOFC's 20 county footprint. This includes strategic development for the site and programmatic outreach to drive engagement with programs.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Oversees the daily workflow of Mid-Ohio Farm and all Farm staff
• Collaborates with executives and managers to develop long-range, strategic goals for Mid-Ohio Farm
• Identifies and reviews market trends; analyzes and applies this information in development of strategies
• Monitors agricultural business climate, trends in technology and development, and government activity
• Plans ahead to prevent problems and assist in resolving emerging ones
• Leads program pilots recommending modifications and adjustments prior to full launch
• Collaborates and delegates with Mid-Ohio Farm staff to produce business and programmatic plans that are financially sustainable evaluating on a periodic basis.
• Serves as primary point of contact for key external stakeholders
• Performs other related duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Education and Certifications: High school diploma/GED required; college degree in agriculture highly preferred. Candidate must have a valid Driver's License. Knowledge of agricultural economics and community engagement.

Experience: Minimum ten years of agricultural management experience required. Strategic development experience in agriculture throughout all stages of the business life cycle is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in evolving and innovating for long term success and sustainability. Knowledge of and ability to train Mid-Ohio Farm staff on a multitude of growing practices, mediums and techniques to include: vertical towers, aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponics, aeroponics, etc. Experience in leading and managing staff and volunteers, with a variety of experience levels. Creativity and flexibility in finding and implementing solutions to challenges as they arise across the MOFC footprint. Demonstrated ability to test the boundaries of innovations and to develop new technology is required.

Skills/Competencies: Committed to the organizational mission of ending hunger. Strong organizational skills are essential. Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and in a team environment. Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills are required. Thorough understanding of business administration, management and business forecasting strategies and techniques. Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Must be able to work cross-functionally, cross-culturally and build relationships that collaborate effectively with volunteers, partner agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders. An eagerness to test innovations and build upon successes and failures will be necessary.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Working Conditions: This position will be a blend of an urban farm setting and in an office. Must have the ability to work outside in all-weather performing manual farm labor as necessary. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting required. Flexible work schedule, evenings and weekend hours may be required. Frequent local travel required. Must have reliable transportation.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to the principal and essential function of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of accountabilities, duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Any individual may be required to perform any other job-related activities or functions requested by his/her manager, subject to reasonable accommodation. Mid-Ohio Food Collective reserves the right to modify this job description to reflect changes in essential job duties made necessary by changing organizational needs.

Mid-Ohio Food Collective is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.