Job Details

Please note: Application review will begin on March 31, 2026, and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

We kindly ask that you hold any inquiries regarding application status until after this date. Thank you

JOB SUMMARY: The Executive Director of the National Council for Agricultural Education (The Council) serves as the organization's chief executive and strategic leader. This 12-month, year-round, full-time position is responsible for advancing The Council's mission through strong governance support, strategic planning, financial stewardship, program oversight, partnership development, fundraising, and national representation. The Executive Director reports to the Council's Executive Committee to ensure organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and impact across the agricultural education system. The Executive Director is responsible for supervising staff, contractors, and interns supporting Council initiatives, such as CASE4Learning.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Governance & Board Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of The Council.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, conflict-of-interest standards, and governance best practices.
• Support effective governance by preparing agendas, materials, and reports.
• Support board recruitment, onboarding, training, and annual self-evaluation.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year board calendar and governance work plan.

2. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of the strategic plan.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting dashboards.

3. Financial Stewardship & Risk Management

• Oversee budgeting and financial compliance.
• Ensure timely submission of tax-related documents on behalf of The Council

4. Fundraising & Resource Development

• Collaborate with National FFA Foundation staff for fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and stakeholders to steward existing partnerships and cultivate new opportunities for funding and support
• Lead grant and funding proposal development
• Collaborate with the National FFA Foundation.

5. Program & Initiative Oversight

• Provide executive oversight for CASE and major initiatives.
• Maintain advanced working knowledge of and provide direction for major initiatives and strategic plans developed within The Council's stakeholder initiatives. (i.e., SAE for All, CASE, etc.)

6. Policy, Advocacy & External Affairs

• Facilitate policy alignment and advocacy efforts for the agricultural education profession.
• Advocate for agricultural education priorities and serve as the point of contact for legislative priorities.

7. Communications & Brand Stewardship

• Serve as primary spokesperson and oversee communications.
• Ensure management of The Council's website, The Council Connect communication medium, and social media accounts.
• Develop and maintain positive, trust-based relationships with board members, partner organizations, and business partners.

8. Talent & Organizational Leadership

• Lead and supervise staff, contractors, and interns, such as CASE4Learning.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that values teamwork, growth-focus, and collaboration.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to staff, empowering them to excel in their roles and contribute to the organization's success.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Preferred Education:

• Advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Education Leadership, Agricultural Education, or Agricultural Leadership.

Required Professional Experience:

• 7-10 years of leadership experience in agricultural education, nonprofit management, education systems, or a related mission-driven field.
• Demonstrated experience working with or supporting a governing board or executive committee.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder organizations or initiatives.
• Experience overseeing organizational operations, including finance, contracts, programs, and people.
• Strong relationship-based leadership skills with partners, sponsors, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Professional Experience:

• Experience serving in a senior leadership or executive role (e.g., Director, Managing Director, Executive Director).
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, resource development, or revenue diversification.
• Knowledge of the agricultural education ecosystem, including National FFA, CASE, and related organizations.
• Experience with nonprofit financial oversight, including budgets, audits, and compliance.
• Familiarity with policy, advocacy, or legislative engagement related to education or workforce development.

Core Competencies:

• Transformational leadership approach
• Strategic and systems thinking
• Financial acumen and fiscal stewardship
• Governance and nonprofit compliance knowledge
• Fundraising and donor engagement capability
• Executive communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to lead through influence and collaboration
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and complexity
• High degree of professionalism, judgment, and integrity

Travel Expectations:

• Willingness to travel approximately 15% of work time to represent the organization nationally.