Company description

Vermont Specialty Food Association is the premier non-profit organization dedicated to the growth, strengthening, and promotion of specialty food industry within and outside of Vermont. Through innovative initiatives and impactful programs, we foster the development of emerging and established specialty food producers. Our Annual Meeting has become a renowned industry event, uniting producers and industry supporters for best practice education, networking, and collaboration.

Job description

Position Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead our organization in its mission. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role and will be responsible in developing, coordinating, and implementing all aspects of VSFA’s membership and development, event planning, and fundraising operations. The successful candidate will have a passion for the specialty food industry, excellent leadership skills, experience in grant writing, and a proven track record in non-profit management.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Association Management

• Exhibit excellence in fiscal management, the ability to oversee a realistic budget, and use timely financial statements to guide and oversee organizational performance
• Expertise in communication with the clear vision to support and nurture communication internally, with the Board of Directors, members, and partners, as well as externally with prospective members, donors, media, and regulators.
• Possess a track record of building successful partnerships and consumer engagement campaigns
• Provide visionary leadership, setting strategic goals and objectives in alignment with the organization's mission
• Collaborate effectively with the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and aligning organizational strategies with the Board's vision

Fundraising Operations

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to support the organization’s initiatives and programs.
• Identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and secure sponsorships for events and initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding agencies to sustain and enhance organizational funding.

Member Management and Development

• Develop and implement strategies to attract, engage, and retain members, both within and outside Vermont.
• Provide exceptional member services, addressing member needs and concerns promptly and effectively
• Foster an inclusive and supportive member community, encouraging active participation and collaboration.

Event Planning and Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the Annual Meeting, webinars, and subsequent meetings, ensuring seamless execution and maximum participant engagement.
• Identify venues, negotiate contracts, and coordinate speakers and presenters for industry conventions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and partners to organize networking events, workshops, and educational seminars.
• Work with members and partners to plan, promote, and execute Vermont pavilion at Summer Fancy Food Show each year

Industry Advocacy and Promotion

• Become expert on varying subject matters pertinent to specialty food manufacturers
• Work with Vermont Retail & Grocers Association and partners to execute annual Legislative Tasting in Montpelier
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support specialty food producers, both regionally and nationally.
• Raise awareness about the specialty food industry, promoting the organization’s mission and values.
• Represent the organization in industry events, conferences, and collaborative partnerships

Qualifications

Experience in identifying and developing proposals and application packages for new funding opportunities for program appropriateness, mission alignment, and eligibility. These include but are not limited to corporate, private, federal, state, and municipal funding opportunities

Proven leadership experience in a non-profit organization, with a focus on member management, event planning, and fundraising operations.

Passion for and deep understanding of the specialty food industry, including its challenges and opportunities.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Strong organizational acumen, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage complex projects effectively.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline