Vice President Strategic Development

Grain Farmers of Ontario; Guelph; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) represents over 28,000 farmer-members and more than six million acres of grain production across Ontario. The Vice President, Strategic Development leads research, agronomy, market development and sustainability, with a focus on collaboration and advancing Ontario's grain sector.

Reporting to the CEO, you will guide departments, build high-performing teams, and develop strategies that deliver value to farmer-members while managing budgets and partnerships

Qualifications

• 11+ years of progressive experience in agriculture, agri-food, government, industry associations, research, or related sectors.
• 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and developing organizational strategies.
• Budget management and oversight of complex programs and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of Ontario and Canadian agriculture and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership across five departments, aligning strategy with operating plans and budgets.
• Lead and develop directors and managers, driving accountability and collaboration.
• Guide research, innovation, and agronomy strategies to support productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
• Advance domestic and international market development and strengthen partnerships.
• Oversee communications and member relations to maintain trust and consistent messaging.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Facilitation

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, science, public policy, or communications

Graduate education is an asset

Job description

The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) represents over 28,000 farmer-members and more than six million acres of grain production across Ontario. This member-driven organization advances research, innovation, market opportunities, and industry partnerships that strengthen Ontario's grain sector. The Vice President, Strategic Development is an executive leadership position overseeing research and innovation, agronomy, market development and sustainability, communications, and member relations. GFO is seeking a collaborative, strategic leader who can develop people, align organizational priorities, and build relationships that advance the interests of Ontario grain farmers.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Provide executive leadership across five departments, aligning organizational strategy with annual operating plans, budgets, performance objectives, and initiatives that deliver value to farmer-members.
• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of directors and managers, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and a collaborative approach to achieving organizational goals.
• Guide research, innovation, and agronomy strategies, ensuring investments and partnerships support agricultural productivity, sustainability, profitability, and the long-term competitiveness of Ontario's grain sector.
• Advance domestic and international market development strategies, identifying opportunities to strengthen market access, expand industry partnerships, and increase the value of Ontario grain production.
• Oversee communications, public trust, and member relations strategies that strengthen GFO's reputation, engage farmer-members, and promote consistent messaging across industry, government and public audiences.
• Advise the CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership team on strategic investments, emerging industry issues, organizational priorities, and opportunities, preparing recommendations and supporting informed decision-making.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government, industry associations, research institutions, and value-chain partners to facilitate collaboration, build consensus, and advance shared industry objectives.
• Establish departmental priorities, manage financial resources, and evaluate major programs, partnerships, and investments to ensure responsible allocation of farmer-member funds and measurable organizational outcomes.
• Represent GFO at industry boards, advisory committees, conferences, and farmer-member meetings to communicate organizational priorities, gather stakeholder perspectives, and influence sector-wide initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and responses to emerging challenges, bringing together internal teams and external stakeholders to address complex issues, manage risks and advance GFO's strategic objectives.

Your background includes:

• A bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, science, public policy, communications, or a related field; graduate education is an asset.
• 11+ years of progressive experience in agriculture, agri-food, government, industry associations, research, or related sectors, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, developing organizational strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing complex programs and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of Ontario and Canadian agriculture, with experience connecting industry priorities, stakeholder interests and organizational objectives.
• Experience working with executive leadership, boards of directors, and external stakeholders to develop strategies, influence decisions and advance collaborative initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to build consensus, navigate competing interests, and engage authentically with farmer-members and industry partners.
• Sound financial and business judgment, organizational discipline, and the ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

This position involves travel throughout Ontario, across Canada, and internationally to support industry partnerships, farmer engagement, and organizational initiatives.

Litherland & Co. is dedicated to fair and equal opportunities for all applicants. Candidates are selected upon the highest level of equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization and throughout its hiring process. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodations, arrangements will be made for your convenience throughout the recruitment.