THIS POSITION HAS CLOSED AS OF 02/23/2022.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF envisions a future where organic farming is the leading form of agriculture. Since our founding in 1990, OFRF has sponsored organic farming research, education, and outreach to support organic and transitioning farmers across North America. This work is complemented by efforts to share our findings with policy makers, agricultural institutions, and federal agencies to support broader change and advance the organic sector.

POSITION OVERVIEW

OFRF is seeking an experienced and self-motivated Deputy Director. The Deputy Director reports to the Executive Director (ED) and will provide day-to-day oversight of internal operations including program implementation, human resources, and finance. The Deputy Director will provide strategic and tactical leadership in all aspects of the organization.

The Deputy Director will work closely with OFRF’s small but dynamic staff. We are looking for someone with a demonstrated ability to show initiative, achieve goals, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. Our primary office is in Santa Cruz, CA but this position can be fully remote.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General/Program Management

  • Communicate organization goals and operational plans to all levels of the organization.
  • Assist the Executive Director with strategic planning.
  • Ensure coordination among staff and programs.
  • Oversee implementation of programs, contracts, and grants including tracking budget and deliverables, staff time allocations, billing reimbursable grants, and handling all financial and program reporting.
  • Spearhead developing and submitting federal grants and contracts, including creating program/project budgets, shaping narratives, coordinating partners and staff, and submitting proposals.
  • Explore and help develop new fee-for-service opportunities.
  • With the Executive Director and other organizational leadership, regularly evaluate the programmatic and policy activities to ensure alignment with the mission and programmatic goals and objectives and that all work is of the highest quality and integrity.
  • Manage the organization in the absence of the Executive Director.

Operations/Administration

  • Provide direction and day-to-day management of internal operations, administration, and human resources.
  • Oversee compliance of all organizational policies and procedures.
  • Review insurance policies (e.g. liability, state charity registrations, and workers’ compensation) as needed and serve as liaison with outside agents; request and maintain certificates of insurance as needed.
  • Work with benefits coordinator to administer employee benefit plans.
  • Process/oversee bi-weekly payroll.
  • Work with the Executive Director and senior management to implement an annual performance management process and identify opportunities to improve staff professional development opportunities individually and as an organization.
  • Work with HR contractors, ensuring that all human resource-related matters are handled appropriately and in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws.
  • Develop and maintain job postings and descriptions and oversee the hiring process.
  • Implement recruitment and retention strategies.
  • Oversee all major purchases, vendor relations, and contractors.

Financial/Accounting

  • Implement, ensure compliance with, and document accounting policies and procedures and internal control systems.
  • Track financial performance of programs and policies to ensure alignment with organizational and grant budgets.
  • Conduct monthly review of finances, coordinate quarterly finance meetings for Board and senior staff.
  • Oversee Accounts Payable and support invoicing for reimbursable grants
  • Oversee preparation of monthly Financial Statements including analyses of budget variance and updated annual forecasts; prepare G/L account reconciliation, and month-end, quarter-end and year-end close.
  • Monitor and maintain bank accounts.
  • Create and spearhead the annual budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, department managers, and the finance committee for adoption by the Board.
  • Liaise with annual auditors, providing necessary documentation and schedules.
  • Oversee accounting contractor for general ledger management 

QUALIFICATIONS

 Skills

  • Experience with nonprofit program management including managing contractors, grants, and restricted funds.
  • Significant experience with human resources administration and benefits.
  • Knowledge of general ledger accounting and preparation/presentation of financial statements.
  • Proficiency in Quickbooks and Excel.
  • Comfort using online tools like Google’s G-Suite.
  • Excellent supervision and people-management skills and a proven ability to mentor, motivate, and support through inclusive leadership practices and collaborative problem solving; able to maintain professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with or passion for organic and sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Qualities

  • A thoughtful, analytical, detail-oriented, and collaborative manager.
  • A clear communicator, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to present complex financial information in a way that is easily understood.
  • The ability to maintain discretion, confidentiality, and sensitivity.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing efficiencies, and guiding investment in people, systems, and technology.
  • Experience as a strategic thought partner with the ability to engage in creative, entrepreneurial thinking, and to execute to operationalize strategies and new initiatives.
  • Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills to translate nonprofit financial information and data into insights and strategic recommendations aligned with organizational vision.
  • High degree of integrity and dependability, with a strong attention to detail.
  • Minimum of 3+ years of direct work experience in nonprofit administration, finance, and budget management.

Preferred

  • Strong commitment to the mission, vision and values of OFRF.
  • Ability to measure nonprofit performance and impact.
  • Advanced knowledge and skills in nonprofit finance and accounting and direct experience working with Windows/Office Suite, and QuickBooks Online, Minute 7, and PayChex.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

OFRF offers competitive salaries, a full range of benefits, and a great work environment. We look for co-workers who can have fun while working as hard as we do for a cause we love.

TO APPLY

Submit your complete packet with “OFRF Deputy Director” in subject line via email to jobs@ofrf.org. All qualified applicants should submit:

  • A cover letter stating your interest and qualifications.
  • A resume outlining your skills and experience.
  • Salary requirements.

Please visit www.ofrf.org to learn more about the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

This position will remain open until filled.

Organic Farming Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Just as in the natural world where diversity creates resilience and strength, we believe a diverse workplace is crucial to the success of our organization and our efforts to support organic farmers. We strive to create a safe and supportive office culture and workplace that encourages racial and social equity. OFRF has a zero tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind, and we encourage all qualified applicants to apply no matter their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran or disability status.