Position/Title:  President & CEO, National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE)

Reports to: Elected Chair of NCAE, NCAE Executive Committee, and the NCAE Board of Directors, respectively.

Location: OFFICE - 1550 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209 

NCAE is a Washington, DC based association.  

Primary Duties: 

• Represent agricultural employers before appropriate federal government entities, the public, media, allied groups and other stakeholders in Washington, DC. As the primary face and voice of the association, the President & CEO must be well versed in the needs and issues of labor-intensive agriculture and positioned to speak, write, and network effectively on behalf of NCAE's members. 
• Proactively identify potential issues and opportunities for agricultural employers and provide leadership in responding to such issues and opportunities. 
• Direct development of advocacy strategies and industry positions on legislation,  regulation, litigation, and any governmental activity that might impact agricultural employers. 
• Manage communication strategies, outreach, media contacts and writing for trade or other publications. Maintain significant and regular communications with NCAE Members, allies, potential Members, and others via multiple outlets including but not limited to weekly News Briefs, social media, regular public speaking, and publication of articles for trade media. 
• Manage NCAE staff, contractors, and overall business & financial processes including reporting and compliance documentation. 
• Coordinate communications with Association Members and with other trade associations, regulators, legislators and the public to assure and manage positioning of NCAE in the agricultural employer field. 
• Cultivate relationships with other trade associations, elected Federal Government Officials and Federal Government Agencies and the public to maintain visibility and image of the association consistent with the interest and mission of the NCAE.

Specific Duties:  

Staff Management  

• Manage the Association's staff, including hiring, terminating, and employee salary and benefits management.
• Perform annual performance review for each employee.

Financial Management  

• Coordinate and manage the organization's budgeting process and bottom-line financial results. 
• Manage dues collection process. 
• Approve all expenditures. 
• Prepare annual budgets for NCAE Board approval and maintain regular transparent financial communication with leadership and Members. 
• Overall financial stewardship includes fundraising for litigation, other special projects and the NCAE PAC. Constant financial leadership to maintain the solvency of the NCAE and timely filings of the annual IRS Form 990 and any other required filings.

Administrative

• Oversight and performance accountability for all office and contractor performance.
• Coordinate occupancy and maintenance of the NCAE office in the Washington, DC area. 
• Coordinate with the Association's meeting planning for the NCAE Annual Meeting, in-person Executive Committee/Board meetings, Congressional Fly-Ins, Labor Forums, and any other meetings of the organization. 
• Manage setting the agenda and securing speakers for the NCAE Annual Meeting and Labor Forums. 
• Responsible for leading the Board and Membership in both long- and short-term business, meetings, governance, and strategic planning for the organization. Responsible for proper and timely execution of all leases, contracts, and other agreements and compliance documentation required for the proper management of a national association. 
• Experience in Association Management and working with an engaged Board of Directors. 

Education and Other

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree a plus. Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or other relevant subject required, along with 10 years relevant experience.
• Possess excellent cultural sensitivity skills, a commitment to excellence in customer service, and a willingness to learn and accept feedback for continuous growth.
• Excellent decision-making and communication skills.
• Preferred: Juris Doctorate, MBA, or other advanced degree.
• Knowledge of the agricultural industry and regulations.
• Knowledge of the H-2A visa and similar guest worker programs along with experience working with agricultural employers.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate will be a highly capable, results oriented, effective leader who remains dedicated to the critical mission of NCAE.
• Working closely with the Executive Committee, they must be a visible, positive presence and be committed to organizational growth through teamwork.
• The successful candidate will be an action-oriented, responsive, strategic, consensus-building, and forward-thinking executive with a track record of forming strong personal and professional relationships in customer service-oriented cultures.
• This individual should have an impeccable reputation for honesty and reliability.
• The ideal candidate must be naturally collaborative, possessing unquestioned personal integrity, professionalism, and a positive work ethic.
• He/She will have strong presentation and communication skills with an inclusive management style.
• This individual should be assertive yet also possess patience and the ability to accept criticism whether warranted or not.
• The CEO will be an active listener who patiently and sincerely hears input from all sources.
• The ideal candidate will help foster a workplace culture and environment where all team members look forward to coming to work.
• The capacity to connect with people at all levels, the humility to accept shortcomings, and the thirst for ongoing growth and development are also needed.
• The ideal candidate will have solid executive presence and be a transparent, charismatic, gifted, and engaging communicator, whether speaking individually or in front of a large group, as well as via virtual meeting platforms.
• The CEO must have strong business acumen, and possess a genuine, visible, and infectious passion for advancing the growth and positive impact of NCAE.

The President & CEO must be available for travel and for participation in meeting/events both in DC and offsite, including some evenings and weekends.  

Please respond with resume and salary expectations by March 31, 2025.

About National Council of Agricultural Employers

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is the national trade association focusing exclusively on Agricultural Labor issues from the Agricultural Employer’s viewpoint. NCAE's mission is to advocate, promote, educate, and report on legislative and regulatory, policy, and legal issues of importance to Agricultural Employers and their critical allies and others whose business interests revolve around labor intensive agriculture.

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