Lead the charge as the President & CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest and shape the future of our organization! Set the course for success by crafting innovative strategies and policies that drive our mission forward. With a budget of $10M annually, you'll have the resources to make a significant impact. Be the face of our industry, engaging with growers, government officials, and media to advocate for our cause. Your leadership will guide our volunteer-based board through complex challenges, ensuring alignment with our vision of enhancing pear grower returns and expanding consumer awareness. From marketing initiatives to regulatory compliance, you'll oversee it all with professionalism and finesse. Join us in championing the growth and profitability of fresh pears worldwide!
This position also includes managing the Fresh Pear Committee under Federal Marketing Order 927, overseeing all Committee activities in compliance with regulations. Acting as the primary spokesperson, engaging with stakeholders and media.
About Pear Bureau Northwest:
The Pear Bureau Northwest, established in 1931, is a non-profit organization dedicated to marketing fresh pears from Washington and Oregon. Representing over 700 grower families, our mission is to increase global fresh pear consumption while keeping growers competitive. We proudly produce 84% of US fresh pears, with a focus on quality and variety. Under the USA Pears logo, we promote our pears through a robust marketing campaign, including social media, consumer outreach, and public relations. Our efforts extend to online platforms, retail activations, and international markets. With Federal Marketing Order 927, we ensure quality regulations and support research programs vital to pear production. Through consumer research and industry engagement, we continually innovate to drive pear awareness and demand worldwide. Join us in shaping the future of the pear industry!
Reporting Relationships:
This position reports directly to the Pear Bureau Board of Directors.
The President & CEO is responsible for five direct reports including the Director of Merchandising, Communications Manager, Office/Human Resources Manager, Director of International Marketing and Manager of Marketing Support and MIS. Additionally, the role is responsible for a total staff of 12 and at least three contractors including Accountant, Canadian Regional Marketing Manager and Pear Conditioning Contractor.
Duties & Key Responsibilities:
Strategic and Operational Leadership:
- Drive strategic goal development in collaboration with the Board and Committees
- Facilitate board meetings to gather input on promotional activities, budgeting direction, and crop priorities
- Maintain a strong image of Bureau through engagement with stakeholders and industry
Financial Stewardship:
- Manage a $10 million budget, adjusting for industry priorities and crop changes
- Monitor budget expenditures for policy and federal compliance, providing regular financial reports.
Staff Direction:
- Recruit, motivate, and manage staff, overseeing projects and determining compensation.
- Review and approve benefit packages and serve as an administrator for the 401K plan.
Relationship Management:
- Foster inclusive relationships with Board, staff, industry, & government, emphasizing transparency & open dialogue
- Engage in communications with shippers, sales desks, growers, legislators & other stakeholders to align Bureau programs with industry goals
Program Execution:
- Provide visionary direction for promotion and advertising to enhance pear consumption
- Develop, implement, & assess advertising plans to boost sales domestically & internationally.
- Analyze pear research to identify market trends and enhance program effectiveness
- Select and evaluate advertising agencies to optimize exposure and ROI
Education & Specific Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g., business administration, marketing, finance)
- Minimum 10 years of senior management experience with P&L responsibility
- Understanding of agribusiness and non-profit entities, including board leadership
- Strong leadership and administrative skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities
- Charismatic public spokesperson with industry credibility
- Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences and engaging with the press
- Direct experience in marketing and public relations
- International business experience preferred
- Knowledgeable in retail, food service, and consumer marketing
- Background in social media marketing and advertising
- Experience in grant writing and proposal development
Desired Qualities:
- Integrity: Impeccably honest, discreet with confidential information
- Strategic Thinker: Visionary, adept at implementing strategies
- Consensus Builder: Diplomatic, unites diverse groups effectively
- Strategic Agility: Balances long-term vision with daily decisions
- Inspiring Leadership: Passionate motivator, drives industry change
- Initiative: Self-starter, achieves goals independently and within budget
- Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiator, adept at influencing and gaining support
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel regularly
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon
Compensation: Based on experience & tenure
Benefits:
- 401K plan with employer match at $.50 per $1.00 (50%) up to a maximum of 5% of salary
- Employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance
- Employer paid term life, AD&D & long-term disability Insurance for Employee
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick Leave
- Education reimbursement
- Flexible working schedules
If interested please email your resume, portfolio, and pertinent information illustrating your history and qualifications to careers@usapears.com.
Pear Bureau Northwest provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, or any other basis. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Pear Bureau at (503) 652-9720.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at USDA AD 3027-Program Discrimination Complaint Form and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. Additional information on program discrimination complaints can be found at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/
