Company description

Oregon Agricultural Trust (OAT) is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust that partners with farmers and ranchers to protect agricultural lands for the benefit of Oregon’s economy, communities, and landscapes. We work collaboratively with regional and statewide partners to permanently protect farm and ranch land in priority geographies within Oregon.

We also partner with regional leaders to:

• educate farmers, ranchers, service providers, and the public about protecting and passing on agricultural land;
• increase the capacity of peer organizations to protect agricultural land; and
• advocate for programs and incentives that support agricultural land protection.

Job description

Oregon Agricultural Trust (OAT) seeks an organized, compassionate, resourceful, problem solver with a passion for helping agricultural businesses thrive to serve as our Farm and Ranch Succession Advisor. Job responsibilities include: initial program development; supporting communications and programmatic staff in outreach; providing case management to clients on planning their familial or non-familial succession; mediating and facilitating depending on the candidate’s experience; relationship building with ag organizations and service providers; and program administration, fundraising, and confidential record keeping.

Position Description

Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 FTE equivalent DOE, plus generous benefits

Status: Negotiable .8 FTE to 1 FTE (exempt)

Reports to: Ag Business Support Program Director, who reports to the Executive Director

Location: OAT staff work remotely within the state of Oregon with frequent virtual meetings and periodic in-person meetings in different locations of the state. This person should be willing to travel throughout Oregon by car an average of 1-2 days per week.

OAT welcomes applications from interviewees who might not have all of the desired experiences, skills, or attributes at this time, but are interested in acquiring them. OAT is willing to provide training to otherwise ideal applicants. If you feel that you meet or can grow into most of the above qualifications, please apply!

Please note that the Advisor is not expected to be an attorney, accountant, or other licensed professional. What is required is an understanding of the big picture of farm succession and business health, a solid ability to “read the room,” the ability to problem-solve, and a knack for helping individuals understand their ultimate goals and move towards them in a methodical way.

Primary Position Goals

• • Initial Program Development: In the first 4 months, partner with supervisor to: design and undertake a customized professional development plan; design and/or curate intake and project management forms and materials; refine the programmatic funding plan; establish systems and (if needed) set up software for case management with high attention to client confidentiality; review and expand on existing referral lists to business and succession professionals; and meet with collaborator organizations and leaders.
  • Outreach: Support OAT’s communications staff in developing outreach and other materials, including social media, client handouts, press releases, and blog posts. Partner with the Land Program to connect with landowners who are in need of support services. Provide very basic support for Ag Business Support Program Director in conducting outreach and educational events around the state, primarily related to presenting on the 1:1 Advising program and following up with interested attendees.

• Client Advising and Project Management: Provide direct technical assistance to individuals and groups (e.g. families) that have a stake in agricultural businesses and land in Oregon. The Advisor will help clients develop a pathway toward business and estate planning and serve as a connector, case manager, and facilitator, instead of drafting the plan itself. Clients will have various roles and goals, be at various stages of the process, and need different levels of support.

• Facilitation and Mediation: The Advisor will facilitate family conversations about needs, goals, vision, timeline, etc. As required and depending on the Advisor’s skill set, they will also provide clients with mediation and conflict resolution services.

• Program Administration: Develop and follow a thorough system for tracking inquiries, interested parties, current clients including their stage of progress and needs, and former clients (who will receive periodic check-ins). As this is a new program at OAT and there is no universal software, iterative improvement of tracking systems is highly encouraged.

Secondary Position Goals

• Fundraising: As needed, support development staff and supervisor on invoicing clients, seeking corporate sponsorships, and writing/reporting on grant funding for the program.

• Networking: Initiate and build relationships with organizations/individuals engaged in:

• Related business services to encourage referrals and learn of best practices

• • • Ag production, purchasing, distribution, and value-added services to facilitate programmatic outreach and potential corporate sponsorship opportunities

• Professional Development: Continued professional development is highly encouraged. OAT budgets $1,500 per employee per year for professional development, but additional funds can be made available, including a $5,000 tuition stipend.

Desired Experience, Skills, & Attributes

• Direct experience working with farmers, ranchers, and/or agricultural landowners
• Case management experience
• Experience with program design and implementation
• Ability to cultivate client relationships with follow through and professionalism
• Being organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently to meet deadlines
• Discretion and attention to confidentiality
• Ability to serve people from all backgrounds and identities without judgment
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in both internal and external contexts
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Established relationships within the agricultural industry, preferably in Oregon
• Personal or professional experience with business succession, financial analysis, or business planning, especially with agricultural businesses is a plus, but not required
• Experience in business or interpersonal counseling, facilitation, or mediation is a plus, but not required
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle, and live in Oregon

Compensation

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

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

February 01, 2024