Executive Director: Ohio Soybean Organizations

The Ohio Soybean organizations seek applications for the position of Executive Director. The organizations are the Ohio Soybean Association, Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Soybean Council Foundation  and Ohio Soybean LLC. Lead one of Ohio’s most influential commodity organizations and help shape the future of Ohio agriculture. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Ohio Soybean organizations, driving strategy, advocacy and innovation to deliver value for farmers across the state. Develop agriculture policy and investments through statewide and national networks and shape the future direction of the soybean industry.

The candidate selected for this job will play an important role in the success of the organizations' missions. A competitive salary and a wide array of benefits are offered, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, a 401k program and paid time off.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management:

• Provide leadership and direction to the organizations, ensuring programs and projects are aligned with OSA and OSC’s mission, vision and strategic goals.
• Oversee the overall operations of the organizations, including budget administration and program implementation.
• Hire, supervise and evaluate the staff, providing leadership, coaching and mentoring to staff members.
• Foster a positive organizational culture and ensure effective communication within the staff team and between board members and staff.
• Represent OSA and OSC with state and national organizations and other industry stakeholders.

Governance and Board Relations:

• Work closely with the Boards to ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead efforts to ensure active engagement of current Board members and coordinate initiatives to identify, recruit and retain new Board members.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Boards, providing updates on organizational performance and key initiatives.
• Develop measurement tools to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of internal and external programs and projects.

Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• Collaborate with the OSA and OSC Boards and staff team to develop and execute the organizational strategic plans, on a three-year planning cycle.
• Identify industry trends, challenges, and opportunities and lead the Ohio Soybean organizations to address and capitalize on these trends.
• Manage the development of strategic advocacy and checkoff initiatives and programs that drive value to Ohio farmers.

Financial and Operational Oversight:

• Develop and oversee organizational budgets, ensuring financial stability and transparency.
• Ensure the organizations maintain financial compliance with checkoff rules and other financial requirements.
• Develop effective measures of financial performance and monitor and report on those measures to the Boards.
• Ensure OSA and OSC funds are effectively and securely invested and determine needs and opportunities for future growth.

Farmer and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Enhance farmer satisfaction by overseeing the development and delivery of valuable advocacy and checkoff programs, services and resources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Ohio farmers and industry stakeholders and work to understand their needs and potential solutions.

Communication and Marketing:

• Serve as a spokesperson for OSA and OSC, representing the organizations with Ohio farmers, industry stakeholders, policymakers and the public.
• Oversee the development and implementation of communication strategies, including marketing, public relations and member communications.
• Ensure that OSA and OSC brand and messaging are consistent and effective across all communication platforms.

Reports To

Ohio Soybean LLC Management Team (OSA President and Vice President; OSC Chair and Vice Chair)

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, including 10+ years of experience in association management and development and public policy
• Experience leading board members and staff toward successful outcomes
• Experience working in a member-based organization
• Strong budgeting skills and experience in managing financial aspects of organizations
• Strong understanding of state, federal and local government structure and process.
• Familiarity with current and future agricultural opportunities and challenges at state, national and international levels
• Excellent relationship-building skills with a proven ability both to collaborate as part of a team and work independently
• Ability to analyze issues, develop a path toward problem-solving, and manage the process to completion
• Ability to think strategically while also focusing on the details of implementation
• Ability to communicate decisions to internal and external stakeholders with tact and professionalism
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects with multiple deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel in-state and nationally as needed to implement OSA and OSC initiatives

This position will be filled on an equal opportunity and non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, age, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or military or veteran status. Employment may be conditional upon successful completion of a substance abuse screening test and background check as part of the company’s pre-employment policy.

Ohio Soybean Association

OSA is a member-driven grassroots organization established in 1966 and dedicated to improving the business climate for Ohio soybean producers. OSA’s mission is to advocate through member engagement to influence policy, regulation, and legislation that benefit Ohio soybean farmers and industry. OSA is a 501(c)5 governed by a board of Ohio soybean producers and soybean industry partners, with assets of $1.6 million and annual budget approximately $500,000.

Ohio Soybean Council

OSC is the Qualified State Soybean Board for Ohio, established in 1991. OSC’s mission is to invest Ohio soybean checkoff funds to maximize the value of soybeans and increase profit opportunities for Ohio farmers. OSC is at 501(c)5 governed by a board of Ohio soybean producers, with assets of $10 million and annual budget of approximately $8 million.

Ohio Soybean Council Foundation

OSCF is a 501(c)3 organization established by the OSC Board in 2007 to offer programs to encourage young people to consider agriculture careers, including scholarships and science fair awards. It is governed by the OSCF Board, comprised of the members of the OSC Executive Committee, with assets of $500,000 and an annual program budget of approximately $150,000.

Ohio Soybean LLC

OSLLC is owned by, and serves as the operating entity for, OSA and OSC, and is governed by the LLC Management Team, comprised of the top two elected officers from OSA and OSC. It employs the Ohio Soybean staff, owns the Ohio Soybean building and pays operational expenses, with an annual budget of approximately $1.9 million.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for this position until May 15, 2026. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: hiring@soyohio.org.