POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Executive Director, Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS)
MIFFS is searching for a full-time executive director with experience,
creative energy and commitment to nurturing, developing and managing this
new nonprofit organization.
OFFICE LOCATION: Flexible (within Michigan); to be determined by MIFFS
Council and successful candidate.
STARTING DATE: Between June 15 and August 1, 1998
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 15, 1998 or until a suitable candidate is
identified
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please send your resume accompanied by a one to two
page letter that describes your interest in the position and the
personal/professional attributes and experiences that would make you an
outstanding choice as executive director. Send this information to:
Christine Lietzau, MIFFS Search Committee, c/o MDA Office of Agriculture
Development, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909.
COMPENSATION: $40,000 - $50,000, based on experience and qualifications,
with performance-based increases; vacation, holiday, health leave;
insurance and retirement stipends.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: MIFFS is a nonprofit organization created by and
for individuals and public/private groups working to increase the long-term
economic and social well-being of Michiganders who grow and eat food, and
the long-term ecological well-being of Michigan's natural resources. MIFFS
began in 1994 as a collaborative effort of the Michigan Agricultural
Stewardship Association and Michigan State University Extension to promote
more sustainable agriculture in Michigan. Since then, membership has grown
to include 12 organizations and 75 individuals. Major funding through the
W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Integrated Farming Systems initiative supported
the first four years of MIFFS. MIFFS is now in transition to become a
nonprofit corporation. MIFFS web page is located at
http://pilot.msu.edu/~miffs/
DESCRIPTION/RELATIONSHIPS: The MIFFS Executive Director is the
organization's primary paid staff member. This is a full time position.
She/he is responsible to the MIFFS Council, a group of 7 to 11 people
selected by MIFFS members to govern the organization on their behalf. The
position requires considerable in-state travel.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The MIFFS Executive Director is responsible to:
* Provide visionary and motivational leadership to develop, support,
implement and evaluate programs guided by MIFFS's purpose and principles.
* Facilitate collaborative efforts and entrepreneurial ventures in Michigan
agriculture.
* Organize and maintain MIFFS operations and office(s).
* Oversee and coordinate work of other MIFFS staff members.
* Develop and maintain communications within and beyond MIFFS.
* Work closely with the MIFFS Council and carry out their directions.
* Act as MIFFS spokesperson.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:
* Establish an environment that promotes teamwork and coordinated efforts
among MIFFS membership, innovation projects, and council.
* Initiate and facilitate the development and annual review/revisions of
MIFFS strategic plan.
* Manage and provide guidance to other MIFFS paid and volunteer staff and
to MIFFS innovation projects.
* Facilitate effective internal and external communication through
appropriate use of newsletter, listserv, telephone and other communication
technologies.
* Generate agricultural and mainstream media attention to and for MIFFS,
its activities, and sustainable agriculture issues.
* Identify private and public funders, write grant proposals and ensure
accountability to funders.
* Provide leadership for budget development and fiscal accountability.
Actively seek and coordinate resource development.
* Maintain and enhance relationships with innovation projects, members, and
with supporters.
* Develop and implement member recruitment strategies.
* Provide information to public officials and other agriculture and natural
resources leaders on sustainable food and agriculture issues.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Belief in and commitment to MIFFS's purpose and principles.
* Appreciation for and demonstrated commitment to sustainable agriculture.
* High degree of self-motivation and gift for motivating others.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Demonstrated interpersonal skills including ability to work effectively
and professionally with diverse individuals and groups, build teams, and
work in collaborative partnerships.
* Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and evaluating programs.
* Demonstrated success in attracting resources and implementing funded
projects.
* At least five years of successful experience in a relevant position.
* Demonstrated leadership ability and administrative experience.
* Commitment to collaborative efforts.
* Ability to respect and deal equitably with diverse cultures, backgrounds,
economic classes and viewpoints.
If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to
contact:
Christine Lietzau or Susan Smalley
lietzauc@state.mi.us smalley@msue.msu.edu
517-373-9800 517-432-0049
MIFFS employment is open to all eligible/qualified persons without regard
to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion
or disability.
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