Company description

The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund protects the rights of farmers and consumers to engage in direct commerce; it protects the rights of farmers to sell the products of the farm and the rights of consumers to access the foods of their choice from the source of their choice. FTCLDF is a true grassroots organization and receives no government funding and little or no corporate funding.

Job description

Who We’re Looking For

FTCLDF seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) to expand its legal defense, advocacy and other programs in support of America’s independent farmers, ranchers, food producers and their customers. The ED is responsible for overseeing FTCLDF’s day-to-day work, including operations, development, strategic planning, communications, education, and legal consultations. The ED is also charged with maintaining and growing a broad base of financial support and legal resources to support member services nationwide. Candidates should have nonprofit management and fundraising experience, and a passion for facilitating and defending the rights of farmers and consumers to produce, buy, and sell farm-fresh foods. The ED position is intended to be full-time and performed remotely.

Responsibilities

Governance

• Lead FTCLDF’s staff and board in implementing the organization’s strategic plan, financial objectives, mission, vision, and goals
• Continuously evaluate the organization’s operations, effectiveness, and results, and keep staff, board, and stakeholders informed of the strategies, policies, and plans that guide the organization
• Lead annual budget process, long-term financial planning, and tracking and management of contracts, grants, and restricted funds.

Operations

• Work closely with staff and vendors to ensure programs, services, and public outreach all meet the organization’s standards
• Maintain consistent and productive communication with the organization’s members and other financial supporters
• Monitor related federal and state policy developments, and coordinate federal, state, and local policy and legal activities accordingly
• Hire, oversee, and evaluate the work of competent, qualified staff and contractors

Legal Services

• Support the provision of direct legal services to and conduct legal research for FTCLDF members and clients, and oversee staff and contractors providing these services
• Leverage a broad understanding of the regulatory environment affecting independent farmers to provide input to litigators pursuing member cases
• Secure and supervise local counsel retained to assist FTCLDF contract attorneys
• Maintain and review time records, work summaries, invoices, and expense reimbursement requests for all contract attorneys and outside counsel.

Fundraising

• Work closely with staff, members, board members and others to raise funds to support organizational goals and mission
• Spearhead pursuit of grant and institutional opportunities through grant applications, development outreach, major gifts strategy, and more.

Marketing and Communications

• Works with the FTCLDF Communications specialist to implement communications and brand recognition strategies with a focus on increasing public awareness of FTCLDF’s work
• Serve as the organization’s public face to media, businesses, and institutions in collaboration with communications and development staff
• Maintains consistent communications with staff, members, and donors on legal and policy developments
• Leverage in-person appearances, mass outreach, social media, and conventional and new media coverage to drive FTCLDF’s mission and message.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of position responsibilities. The board may assign other tasks and duties where, when, and as it deems appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Three to five years’ nonprofit management experience in the food, agriculture, or policy sectors
• Preference for candidate with experience in or exposure to relevant legal and policy work
• Experience in working within the sustainable or regenerative food movement
• Strong understanding of key federal, state, and local food issues, laws, and regulations
• Experience with fundraising campaigns and budget-management skills
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Willingness and capacity to interface and engage with diverse members and donors
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff
  Strong public speaking abilities
• Demonstrated ability and comfort in working in a secure virtual environment
• Willingness to travel (as needed) and to speak at conferences, fundraisers, and other events

Compensation

The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $90,000-$100,000. The Executive Director will receive two weeks of paid vacation and may take additional time off as needed without pay and as approved by the Board of Directors. As a small non-profit, FTCLDF is not currently able to provide any additional forms of compensation such as health benefits, pension or access to a 401k plan.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $90,000.00 - $100,000.00

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

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Deadline

November 15, 2026