Careers

Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW

For 39 years, Oregon Farmers Market Association (OFMA) has worked for markets and the vendors who sell in them. OFMA is a 501c3 nonprofit that plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing the network of farmers markets in Oregon, benefiting local economies, farmers, and communities.

OFMA is ready to bring an Executive Director into our organization to support our current staff and board in meeting the needs of farmers markets state-wide. The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator of OFMA and is responsible for the execution and implementation of many Association services including finance, fundraising, staff and board management.

The Executive Director also acts as a key communication link between members, staff and other organizations. Internal facing responsibilities will be priority in the first few months of the role. Once solidified, the ED’s focus will shift toward externally focused responsibilities including coalition building, partnership development, and promotions of OFMA services, membership, and the value farmers markets bring to Oregon’s food system.

SUPERVISION

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises all staff, including the Program Manager, Communications and Membership Manager, and contractors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are three skills that are essential for the person in this position to have: 1) a strong commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and experience leading activities and efforts that relate to these principles. 2) Experience leading large-scale fundraising efforts in a small organization, specifically independent grant solicitation, writing, reporting and overall management. 3) Skilled in building cooperative leadership within a small, remote team. Candidates that do not have direct experience in all three of these areas are encouraged to demonstrate in their application how skills and experiences they hold would transfer to these three traits.

Cooperative Leadership and Administration

The Executive Director will build and maintain a culture of open, honest communication and psychological safety, co-designing decisions with staff and board members and supporting collaborative leadership practices across the organization.

• Hires and guides the work of staff, contractors and volunteers, providing regular support and feedback.

• Reviews contracts, work guidelines and responsibilities on a regular basis for effectiveness, sustainability, and continuity.

• Manages human resources policies, payroll and benefits.

• Maintains digital workspace systems, operational documents, minutes and compliance reports, as needed.

• Supports Board of Directors in strategic planning, committee development and work planning, and broadening representation in the Association, including co-creating monthly board meeting agendas focused on industry and organizational needs and coordinating annual meetings.

Financial Oversight and Fundraising

The Executive Director is responsible for all finance, investment, accounting and payroll completed on behalf of the Association, with support from a contract bookkeeper. They are also responsible for leading fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Fundraising Committee.

• In collaboration with Board Treasurer, develops annual budgets, prepares financial reports and oversees contracts, insurance, taxes and other business processes for a 501c3 nonprofit.

• Responsible for all grant and proposals including writing, tracking, managing and reporting.

• Designs and facilitates strategy, plans and stewardship of donation-based fundraising, including monetary, in-kind contributions and recurring support across individual, business, and foundation supporters.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

The Executive Director is OFMA’s ambassador in many situations, encouraging board, staff, and member participation to develop deeper understandings and investments in our partner organizations, media, legislators and funding partners.

• Seeks opportunities to be active and visible in Oregon’s local food system community to increase the influence, benefits and values of the organization’s work.

• In collaboration with the Board Policy Committee, develops OFMA state legislative priorities and serves as primary spokesperson at civic engagement events, forums and town halls, advocacy coalitions, and public hearings and meetings.

• Cultivates and sustains reciprocal relationships with partner organizations, media outlets and radio stations, and state and national food systems organizations and coalitions.

Skills/Eligibility:

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Experience in value-based management including supervising staff and volunteers and leading organizations or programs, especially in small or growing nonprofits.

• 3+ years financial management, including budget preparation, restricted funds management, analysis, decision-making and reporting.

• 3+ years fundraising experience, including grant writing, government funding, corporate partnerships, individual donor engagement programs.

• 3+ years experience operating a business, nonprofit, or social benefit program, particularly small businesses and organizations in the food, beverage, agriculture, accounting, legal or business consultation sectors

• Understanding of Membership-based nonprofits, coalitions, co-operatives and other collaboration-based organizations as it relates to structure, operations and administration

• Previous success in establishing remote and in-person relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including industry partners and volunteers remote and in-person.

• Willingness to advocate and educate key stakeholders about OFMA’s work and members.

• Preferred experience with workplace technology including: Google Suites, Zoom, Quickbooks, CRM databases and donation platforms.

• Experience with local food systems work.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Courage, integrity, empathy, passion and enthusiasm.

• Collaborative mindset that prioritizes shared decision making, encourages innovation and open information sharing.

• Experience leading teams through change, growth, or organizational transition

• Strong commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and experience leading and modeling activities and efforts that relate to these principles. Preference for lived experience and work in areas specific to food justice, anti-racism, and combating white supremacy in organizations and systems is highly valued.

• High-level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to translate strategy into organizational decisions and activities, staff priorities, and board alignment.

• Experienced systems builder designing structures and operating procedures in a virtual environment to be accessible and effective for staff, board, markets, and other OFMA stakeholders.

How to Apply:

Application Deadline:  March 11, 2026