Executive Director

Grain Growers of Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural association in Ottawa is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead its operations. The successful candidate will manage advocacy strategies, oversee financial and human resources, and engage with government and media on behalf of grain farmers across Canada. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in association management and government relations, alongside excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. The role offers a chance to significantly impact Canada’s grain sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead GGC through member management and advocacy.
• Develop strategic direction with the Board of Directors.
• Oversee advocacy strategies and government engagement.
• Manage communication of advocacy information to members.
• Provide executive support on organizational governance.

Skills

Organizational skills

Financial acumen

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Research skills

Travel willingness

Bilingualism

Education

Degree from a post-secondary institution

Experience in association management

Experience in government relations

Experience in agriculture policy

7 to 10 years experience

Job description

Grain Growers of Canada is seeking an experienced and talented individual to lead the association in Ottawa as its next Executive Director. The individual will ideally have a background in association management, government relations, and agriculture policy and will have held a comparable role for a similar organization.

As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 70,000 producers through our 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 110 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead GGC through Board of Directors and Member management, government relations, policy development, communications, budgeting, finance, and administration
• Work with the Board of Directors and Members to develop priorities and strategic direction
• Oversee a proactive year-round advocacy calendar and issue specific advocacy strategies, including constant government relations engagement with parliamentarians and government officials
• Provide expertise in idea generation and executive of the advocacy strategies, including senior level support on networking, consensus building, and lobbying
• Build consensus among Members on GGC policy positions and advocacy strategies, both directly and in the management of staff
• Ensure GGC policy is coordinated by leveraging member positions and expertise and to develop a plan to fill gaps in expertise where they may exist on priority topics
• Ensure GGC conducts information gathering with officials and political staff making the GGC the best source of information for Members on the government activity relayed to priority topics
• Act as the lead national spokesperson for growers with government and media on a day-to-day basis
• Collaborate extensively with other key grains sector organizations, especially on topics where GGC is playing a supporting role
• Build and cultivate relationships with all external stakeholders including other agriculture sector colleagues and organizations, the media, and the farmer community at large
• Manage timely communication of advocacy information to Members, as well as development of plans and materials in demonstrating the value of the organization to all growers
• Provide executive advice to the Board of Directors on organizational priorities, structure, and governance
• Oversee all financial and human resource matters of the organization.

Qualifications/Skills

• Organized and able to take on multiple tasks at the same time
• Posseses a strong financial acumen
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and objectives
• Able to work effectively in a team setting
• Possesses strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Reliable, punctual and efficient
• Available to work occasionally outside normal working hours
• A skilled writer
• Ability to locate and reference relevant legislation and regulations
• Willingness to travel
• Eligible to be registered as a federal lobbyist
• Bilingualism is an asset

Education and Experience

• Holds a degree from a post-secondary institution
• Experience in association management, government relations, or agriculture policy
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years experience required

Potential candidates should include their resume in their application and should apply no later than December 19, 2025. Applicants must reside or be willing to relocate to Ottawa to work from GGC's office.

To learn more about GGC, please visit www.graingrowers.ca.