Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $82,000

Executive Director, Organic Seed Alliance (OSA)

OSA is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to put the power of seed into the hands of growers. Our work promotes an abundant and diverse supply of organic seed, tended in perpetuity by skilled and diverse communities of seed stewards. To advance this mission, we serve growers working with seed across the U.S. through three program areas: 1) collaborative research on crop improvement and seed production for organic systems, 2) education on the agronomic, economic, and socio-political elements of seed work, 3) legal and cultural advocacy toward policies that support organic agriculture and farmers’ rights to save seed. We invite you to consider a role in helping us transform, evolve, and grow the impact of our work. 

Role Summary

We’re seeking a professional who’s:

  • Passionate about Organic Seed Alliance’s mission,
  • Ready to embrace the opportunity to provide fresh leadership to an evolving organization,
  • Committed to equity and accountability as an individual and an organizational leader, and
  • Enthusiastic about building community around organic seed — regionally, nationally, and virtually.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) directly positions Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) as the key service organization advancing the use and development of organic seed in the U.S. through research, education and advocacy programs. The successful ED will:

  • Provide strategic leadership and management to a complex set of organizational activities, including, but not limited to, maintaining and enlivening the organization’s mission, ensuring operational and financial sustainability, building organizational capacity, seeking new opportunities, and anticipating challenges.
  • Bring together a staff and board drawn from diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute a range of skills and knowledge to the success of OSA.
  • Directly supervise the leadership team, coordinate work-plan development for the entire staff, and support their professional development.
  • Take responsibility for overall business operations, development, community relations, board relations, and HR/Staff relations and workplace culture.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent training/certification in business, education, agriculture, policy advocacy, or related field.
  • 5+ years of senior-level management experience in a similar organization.
  • Experience in nonprofit management under the leadership of a board of directors, as well as fundraising and/or donor relations.
  • Demonstrated leadership and management skills required in staff capacity management, financial management, and organizational development with an emphasis on DEI and collaborative leadership models.
  • Strong presentation, interpersonal, community-building, and communication skills.
  • Strong computer and technology skills required; experience in Microsoft Office, Google suite and donor database systems preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Exempt, full-time regular employment with remote (or on-site) oversight of WA headquarters plus staff operations in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  • $82,000 annual salary, with opportunities for growth.
  • Eligible for paid time off (minimum of 23 days per year) plus sick leave.
  • Monthly phone ($50) and health insurance ($375) stipend. 
  • Employer match of retirement savings (approx. $2,000/year).

HOW TO APPLY

Email a cover letter describing how you would advance OSA’s mission and a resume to EDsearch@seedalliance.org including your last name in the file name of each email attachment. Deadline is 5 p.m. Pacific Time on September 12, 2023.