The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California is recruiting for a new President to lead and grow the organization. With the impending retirement of its longest-serving 7th president, Mr. Jim Bogart, the Association is seeking a remarkable leader for the challenges facing our members and the agriculture industry today and into the future.
Grower-Shipper Association of Central California
Founded in 1930 and now in its 89th year, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California has been a leader in local and regional issues affecting production agriculture in four Central Coast counties (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara). The Association has been at the forefront of many challenging issues, from labor availability and labor law compliance, to water, land use, air quality, pesticide issues, environmental mitigation, trade practices, transportation, housing, and much more.
Association members range from independent growers, to grower-shippers, to shipper-distributors, and to allied industry (vendor, supplier, service provider) companies. Board chairs over the years include many of the pioneer families and companies in the industry.
Overview of the Position:
The President is the executive in charge of all aspects of the operation of the Association and is responsible for its successful day-to-day management, future growth, and long-term sustainability. The president is the lead public spokesperson for the Association, as well as a spokesperson for the local industry, as the situation requires. The planning, organization, direction and control of the business activities, programs, services, and employees of the Association fall under the authority and purview of the president, who is supported by a staff of three other full-time employees, plus a limited number of contracted service providers.
With a regularly changing board of directors, and a new chair every two years, the President is expected to be the “constant” in the Association’s formula for success, and the keeper of the culture. The president sets the tone and ensures the retention of the Association’s values.
-
Appear before city, county, state, and federal regulatory agencies, boards, and commissions to represent and advocate for the membership.
-
Interface with the media, speak publicly on behalf of the Association, and manage public relations activities of the Association.
-
Plan, strategize and lead implementation of proactive, regular member and community communications and education initiatives.
-
Execute the strategy articulated by the Board of Directors, and participate in its creation.
-
Administer all business of the Board of Directors, including implementing efficient and accurate systems that support optimum decision-making and reporting.
-
Foster professional relationships with other industry associations, businesses, academic institutions, political leaders, service providers, public and governmental agencies.
-
Manage member services and member recruitment.
-
Conduct workshops for members on a variety of topics.
-
Manage the financial integrity of the Association.
-
Recruit, motivate, manage and retain the staff necessary to support and achieve the Association’s goals. Administer staff personnel policies and employment benefits.
-
Manage and maintain the Salinas office complex.
-
Work closely with the Grower-Shipper Foundation on its purposes and programs.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a position that demonstrates understanding of public policy, organizational behavior, demanding work, and goal accountability.
- Demonstrated motivation while working with minimal supervision in a highly collaborative and consultative environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills (written and verbal).
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people of different business, demographic and cultural backgrounds.
- Experience with project, program, and/or policy management, including strong organizational, evaluative, and time-management skills.
- A track record of fiscal responsibility and excellent budget management skills.
- Ability to travel extensively statewide, nationally, and internationally (if required) and to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends and evenings.
Compensation and Additional Information:
- Compensation will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and professional experience.
- Benefits available include: paid vacation, health/dental/vision/life insurance and 401k.
- While the Association’s office is in Salinas, the president may reside in any of the four counties served by the Association.
- The Grower-Shipper Association is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, age, religion or veteran status.
