The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) seeks an Executive Director.
About OCM: The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) is a national, membership-based public policy research and advocacy organization headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Founded in 1998, OCM is the only national think tank focusing strictly on antitrust and trade policy in agriculture. OCM represents America’s family farmers and ranchers fighting consolidation and corporate control of the food system.
OCM provides objective, hard-hitting information to the public, the media, and policy makers on market competition. It works with federal and state lawmakers and enforcement agencies to make change through legislation, litigation, and education. OCM hosts informative conferences and meetings and takes action through collaborative efforts to influence agricultural policy.
The Position
OCM seeks an Executive Director: The executive director is OCM’s chief executive officer, answerable to the board of directors through its president for the overall performance of the organization. The executive director is specifically charged with implementing the organization’s mission; overseeing program development, implementation, and evaluation; directing efforts of employees and contractors; coordinating with the president for the public representation of OCM; managing the organization’s finances; and seeing to the overall work of the organization, its public outreach, and membership development within policies established by the board of directors.
Duties
Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Stay current on issues relevant to the OCM mission;
- Develop programs and strategies to advance the mission.
Staff Management
- Hire, guide, and evaluate staff and contractors according to OCM’s personnel policies and guidelines;
- Encourage development of staff skills and talents;
- Lead staff by example in work habits and professionalism.
Financial Management
- Maintain sound financial practices and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations;
- Coordinate efforts to raise funds sufficient to meet the approved budget, including grants and donations.
- See that regular financial statements are prepared and distributed to the board for review and evaluation;
Board Relations
- Carry out plans and policies authorized by the board of directors;
- Report regularly to the board on all aspects of organization function and status;
- Participate in all board meetings.
Public Outreach
- Facilitate a productive relationship with affiliated organizations;
- Prepare and deliver remarks on OCM’s behalf at press conferences, conventions, hearings, and other events.
Desired skills, professional qualifications, and background experience:
- Bachelor’s degree, master’s or higher preferred;
- Previous experience and proven success in a leadership role or management position;
- Familiarity with and prior experience in agricultural-market issues;
- Commitment to addressing challenges facing independent family agriculture;
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategic plans;
- In-depth knowledge of best-management practices for 501(c)(3) organizations;
- Understanding of financial strategies and finance-related performance metrics;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Effective relationship-building skills and a proven record in creating partnerships;
- Fundraising experience and donor-relations expertise;
- Ability to travel;
- Strong work ethic and high degree of energy, creativity, and moral standards.
Compensation, Hours, and Location
OCM’s executive director is a full-time position, paying $67,000-73,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Work is to be performed from a remote site, but residence in a midwestern, southern, or western state is preferred.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to info@competitivemarkets.com with the subject line “Executive Director.” Email materials in Word or PDF format only. All communications will be treated confidentially. Review of applicants will begin May 15, 2020.
OCM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from groups that have been historically underrepresented, including but not limited to women and people of color. OCM makes hiring decisions without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
