Company description
The Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF) advances sustainable agriculture through education, advocacy, and promotion of organic and biological growing practices that prioritize soil health, ecological balance, and the production of healthy food. We foster a diverse community of farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, researchers, educators, and supporters of local food systems through collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and networking events. Learn more at: vabf.org.
Job description
The Executive Director (ED) for VABF serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the organization. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED advances the mission, ensures financial sustainability, builds strong community partnerships, and oversees and executes daily operations.
This role requires a visionary leader who is equally comfortable in the field, in the community, and in front of funders—someone passionate about grassroots agriculture, Virginia’s food systems, and collaborative leadership.
Key Skills and Responsibilities
Financial Ingenuity: We are looking for a leader who brings a resourceful, mission-first approach to financing the work of sustainable agriculture advocacy, someone skilled at stretching resources, securing in-kind support, and diversifying revenue streams to ensure VABF's long-term financial health.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Our executive director should be a self-starter who thrives in the ambiguity of a growing organization. We are looking for someone who can spot opportunities to advance VABF's mission, bring energy and creativity to building programs and partnerships, and isn't afraid to propose new approaches to expand the reach of biological farming in Virginia.
Communication & Storytelling: A compelling communicator who can translate the importance of biological farming into language that moves donors, engages the public, and rallies partners. Confident in speaking to large groups and external organizations, and skilled at crafting written materials that inspire action and build VABF's credibility and visibility.
Network Building: Adept at rapidly cultivating meaningful relationships with farmers, donors, community leaders, partner organizations, and prospective board members — able to open doors and build trust on behalf of VABF even without an existing platform to lean on.
Leadership & Organizational Management: An experienced leader who can hire, mentor, and retain a motivated team — including staff and volunteers — while building a culture rooted in the values of sustainable agriculture. Bring sound financial management practices and organizational discipline to help VABF grow with intention.
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s or advanced degree preferred.
● Ability to express direct examples of having developed strategies and moving an organization to the next stage of growth.
● Knowledge of best management practices in biological farming (i.e., organic, regenerative, Certified Naturally Grown, etc.) and in creating healthy food systems
● Experience in organizational leadership and supervising employees.
● Administrative functions such as labor law, payroll, budgeting, and strategic planning.
● Experience educating lawmakers through political advocacy.
● Building collaborations with other like-minded organizations.
● Past success with working with a board of directors and cultivating existing relationships.
● Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people and individually to move projects forward
● Passionate, integrity, and self-driven.
Competencies
● Public speaking
● Budgeting
● Team building
● Passionate commitment to biological farming and stewardship
● Fundraising and grant writing
● Conference organizing
● Engaging
● Ability to turn vision into action
Role specifics
- This is a remote position within the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Travel within the Commonwealth will be necessary to meet with partners, members, farmers, and attend conferences and workshops. Regional travel, to attend partner conferences, will also be expected.
- The salary for this position is between $65,000 - $80,000 depending on experience and qualifications. A benefits package is to be individually negotiated
To see the full job description, go to https://vabf.org/work-with-us/.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $65,000.00 - $80,000.00
Application instructions
this job's deadline has passed
Deadline
April 15, 2026