OABA Hiring Director of Nutrient Management and Agricultural Policy

Applications due by May 31

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is adding a new staff member to the team. The association is seeking a strong, qualified candidate to fill the position of Director of Nutrient Management and Agricultural Policy. This individual will serve as the Executive Director of the Nutrient Stewardship Council (70 – 75% of the position) and oversee OABA’s water quality, nutrient management, and sustainability efforts (25 – 30% of the position).

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serve as the executive director and oversee all activities of the Ohio Nutrient Stewardship Council’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program. (This encompasses 70 – 75% of the position and includes the responsibilities below.)
  • Identify and recruit nutrient service providers for participation in the Ohio program.
  • Interact with agricultural retailers, nutrient service providers and other certified professionals throughout the supply chain to educate and encourage implementation of 4R practices.
  • Assist program participants with program applications, audit preparation and post audit corrective action plans.
  • Oversee the ongoing development, training, and use of the proprietary 4R project management software for the benefit of program participants, auditors, and the Nutrient Stewardship Council
  • Provide information on the certification status of the participants' facilities, notify program participants of certification, and distribute certification signage.
  • Work with the OABA Director of Communications and Member Experience on press releases and other promotion efforts for certified facilities.
  • Coordinate program application fee and audit fee invoices with the OABA Accountant.
  • Plan meetings of the Nutrient Stewardship Council (quarterly meetings) and 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program Advisory Committee (bi-annual meetings) and produce meeting packets coordinating with the executive committees of these groups.
  • Periodically develop 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program outreach events; including in-person training, educational webinars, etc.
  • Develop educational resources for program participants.
  • Where appropriate, coordinate with other programs that have similar goals to share information and magnify the impact of nutrient stewardship practices to reduce nutrient losses.
  • Attend 4R related seminars and educational events, which may include speaking engagements on behalf of the Nutrient Stewardship Council.
  • Identify grant opportunities and apply as necessary.
  • Develop annual program budget for the Nutrient Stewardship Council.
  • Manage the 4rcertified.org website, working with third-party host and designer as well as the OABA Director of Communications and Member Experience.
• Oversee the Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s water quality, nutrient management, and sustainability activities. (25 – 30% of the position and includes the responsibilities below.)
• Monitor and analyze state legislation and regulation for impact on the agribusiness industry.
• Assist in the development of OABA policy positions, legislative and administrative hearing testimony, position letters and regulatory comments.
• Participate in relevant meetings, task force and stakeholder groups on behalf of OABA.
• Identify and perform as an integral member of the OABA team, supporting and leading efforts as appropriate or identified by the CEO.
• Coordinate and oversee the completion of special projects and performs other related duties as needed.

Minimum Skill Qualifications:

• 3 - 5 years related experience.
• Detail oriented.
• Dependable, punctual, and team player.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to analyze information and deal with complexity.
• Proficient skills with e-mail communications and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Skill Qualifications:

• 5+ years related experience.
• Experience in ag retail and/or practical knowledge of the commercial fertilizer industry.
• Certified Crop Advisor Designation or equivalent.
• Capacity to interface with senior-level business professionals and elected/appointed leaders.
• Proven ability to successfully navigate complexity in the workplace.
• Prior experience with project management.
• Prior experience with credential or certification programs.
• Creative and assertive leader possessing strong interpersonal and organization skills.
• Ability and confidence to apply knowledge and judgment to lead and help achieve a strategic plan and goals.
• A strong understanding of the history and purpose of associations.

Preferred Educational Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, communications, public policy, environmental science, business or public administration from a four-year college or university.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with education and experience
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401k with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (vacation/sick time)
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Work Environment

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume before May 31st to Chris Henney at chenney@oaba.net with the subject line: OABA Nutrient Management Position

About OABA

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is the leading advocate for Ohio agribusiness by creating a sustainable business climate through collaborative policy leadership, continuous education and effective communication. OABA is a membership-based state trade association which includes the manufacturers and wholesale/retail suppliers of plant nutrient and protection materials, the grain warehousing and marketing industry, the feed and seed industry, as well as companies providing equipment, financing, insurance, consulting, and other products and services for the agribusiness industry. OABA is also the administrator of the Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Program, 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program and Ohio Agricultural Council. For more information, visit oaba.net.

About 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is governed and guided by the Nutrient Stewardship Council, a diverse set of stakeholders from business, government, university, and non-governmental sectors with a common goal of maintaining agricultural productivity while also improving the quality of Lake Erie and its contributing watersheds. The program is administered by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association. For more information, visit 4Rcertified.org.