Chief Executive Officer

Oregon Tilth; Remote; EUR 169.000 - 204.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading organization in sustainable agriculture is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. This pivotal role involves unifying a mission-driven staff, enhancing certification processes, and ensuring fiscal health. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of leadership experience with a strong focus on sustainable agriculture and nonprofit management. Offering a competitive salary of $200,000-$240,000, this full-time position allows remote work flexibility across the U.S.

Leistungen

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement matching

Generous paid time off

Paid volunteer hours

Qualifikationen

• Minimum 10 years in senior executive leadership.
• Proven success in nonprofit or social enterprise management.
• Deep understanding of sustainable agriculture preferred.

Aufgaben

• Provide strategic leadership for Oregon Tilth.
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration and systems.
• Ensure quality certification and compliance.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Financial management

Strong communication

Analytical decision-making

Client-focused operations

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in relevant field

Jobbeschreibung

Please review the How to Apply section for application instructions.

The OrganizationOregon Tilth is a nationally recognized leader in advancing organic integrity, sustainable agriculture, and resilient food systems. Founded nearly 50 years ago by farmers and advocates, the organization has evolved into a trusted certifier, educator, and movement partner dedicated to ensuring that food and farming systems are both biologically sound and socially responsible. Today, Oregon Tilth certifies more than 2,700 operations across the United States and internationally, delivering rigorous, mission-driven certification services that uphold organic standards while supporting producers, processors, and emerging markets. Its education and conservation programs further strengthen the agricultural ecosystem by helping farmers transition to organic practices, access federal conservation resources, and adopt climate‑smart approaches.

With a staff of approximately 120 people working remotely across the country, Oregon Tilth combines deep subject‑matter expertise with a strong commitment to collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning. The organization partners closely with farmers, businesses, governmental agencies, and nonprofit allies to advance a healthier, more equitable food future. Oregon Tilth offers a competitive compensation and benefits package—including comprehensive health coverage, retirement matching, generous paid time off, and paid volunteer hours—alongside the opportunity to join a dedicated team working at the forefront of organic certification and sustainable agriculture. As the sector evolves, Oregon Tilth remains committed to innovation, partnership, and values‑driven leadership in service of people, planet, and a thriving organic marketplace.

Oregon Tilth Beliefs

Relationships are critical.

The starting point for dependable, quality services is a meaningful connection. We work hard to respond to and support the needs of a community of committed change makers.

Leadership is transformational.

It takes guts to be a risk‑taker. We are passionate and determined to disrupt the status quo in pursuit of equitable and sustainable food.

Principles are everything.

Integrity is earned, not bought. Everyone’s connection with our mission is different; what’s important is that we grow these connections through shared values and transparency.

Knowledge is strength.

High‑quality, trusted information drives change. We develop and distribute research and education on our own and through partnerships with respected thought leaders.

Challenges are opportunities.

Innovation flourishes in the face of big problems. We embrace collaboration and open‑mindedness to find new solutions.

The Opportunity

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Remote
Reporting Relationship: Board of Directors
Website: https://tilth.org/

Oregon Tilth stands at a pivotal and energizing moment in its evolution. With a 50‑year legacy of shaping the organic movement, the organization has expanded into a nationally recognized leader in certification, farmer education, and sustainable agriculture advocacy. As Oregon Tilth navigates growth, modernization, and a fully remote structure, the next CEO has a rare opportunity to unify a talented and deeply mission‑driven staff, strengthen internal systems, and guide the organization into a new era of strategic clarity, operational excellence, and renewed sector leadership. This is a chance to steward an organization with unparalleled credibility in organic certification while also elevating its influence in policy, public‑private partnerships, and marketplace innovation.

At the same time, Oregon Tilth is poised for fresh vision and forward momentum. With major investments in modern data systems, a highly skilled leadership team, and broad internal expertise, the next CEO will inherit strong foundations alongside meaningful opportunities for growth. This leader will help stabilize core infrastructure, expand communication and sales, diversify revenue, and champion a more connected, collaborative culture across a fully remote workforce. For a leader with strategic insight, strong communication skills, and the ability to learn quickly, this is a unique opportunity to strengthen an essential institution in sustainable agriculture—and to shape the future of organic integrity, farmer support, environmental stewardship at a critical time for the food system.

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to advance Oregon Tilth’s mission of making our food system and agriculture biologically sound and socially responsible. Building on the organization’s deep roots in the organic movement, the CEO will steward its values, culture, and long‑term direction—connecting certification, education, advocacy, and partnerships into a unified, mission‑driven strategy that supports farmers, producers, and communities nationwide. This leader will ensure organizational health through strong fiscal management, programmatic excellence, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

As Oregon Tilth enters a new era of growth and modernization, the CEO will strengthen core infrastructure, continue to build trust and connection, and champion a culture of accountability and collaboration across a remote workforce. Partnering closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO will guide strategic decision‑making, diversify revenue, and re‑energize the organization’s presence in policy and public‑private partnerships. With curiosity, clarity, and a growth mindset, the CEO will learn the certification landscape quickly while leveraging strong leadership and communication skills to unify the organization and position Oregon Tilth for its next chapter of resilience, relevance, and impact.

Key Responsibilities

The CEO will step into an exciting moment of possibility for Oregon Tilth—an established, mission‑driven organization poised for renewed alignment, innovation, and sector leadership. With a rich legacy in organic certification, farmer support, and sustainable agriculture, Oregon Tilth now has the opportunity to strengthen integration across its certification, education, and advocacy work while advancing a more modern, data‑informed, and client‑centered vision. Staff across the organization bring deep expertise, strong values, and a shared desire for clearer direction, better collaboration, and refreshed confidence in Oregon Tilth’s role as a trusted voice in the organic landscape.

At the same time, the organization is ready to build new business development capacity that can strengthen long‑term sustainability. Foundational work is already underway—including upgraded systems, improved Salesforce infrastructure, and emerging dashboard tools—creating a strong platform for the next CEO to expand customer engagement, support client retention, and drive thoughtful, mission‑aligned growth. This leader will have the unique opportunity to bring together people, data, and strategy to enhance organizational cohesion, elevate the client experience, and create a healthier and more resilient pathway forward. With strong business acumen, collaborative leadership, and a clear communication style, the CEO will help unite teams, unlock new revenue opportunities, and guide Oregon Tilth into its next chapter of relevance, innovation, and impact.

The responsibilities below reflect the broad and inspiring scope of leadership required to seize this moment.

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development, communication, and execution of Oregon Tilth’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and senior leadership team.
• Drive a clear and inspiring vision for the organization that integrates innovation and measurable impact.
• Ensure programmatic, financial, and operational alignment with mission and long‑term goals.
• Model Oregon Tilth’s values of integrity, sustainability, and collaboration in all decisions and actions.
• Foster a high‑performing, inclusive organizational culture rooted in accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee Oregon Tilth’s financial sustainability through diversified revenue generation, including certification, education, membership, and philanthropic sources.
• Leads the organization in fostering a culture of fundraising excellence and partnership development by building high impact relationships with individual donors, philanthropic foundations, corporate partners, and government entities, to position the organization as a trusted partner in the organic community.
• Ensure sound fiscal management, budgeting, and financial controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards.
• Monitor financial performance and report progress to the Board, ensuring responsible management of resources and adherence to approved budgets.

Certification & Audit

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Oregon Tilth’s organic certification functions to ensure quality, integrity, and compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
• Strengthen certification operations through effective systems, processes, and cross‑functional coordination that support transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with internal teams to enhance audit readiness, quality assurance practices, and organizational capacity to deliver consistent and credible certification outcomes.
• Uphold Oregon Tilth’s reputation as a trusted certification body by fostering strong relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory agencies and ensuring certification practices reflect the organization’s mission and values.

Programmatic and Operational Excellence

• Ensure delivery of high‑quality certification, education, and program services that reflect Oregon Tilth’s standards of excellence.
• Strengthen cross‑functional collaboration and organizational systems to support efficiency and innovation.
• Oversee administrative functions, including finance, HR, IT, marketing, and operations, ensuring they are well‑resourced and strategically aligned.
• Evaluate performance outcomes and impact metrics to guide continuous improvement and organizational learning.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, maintaining transparent communication and providing regular updates on strategic, financial, and operational matters.
• Partner with the Board to shape long‑term strategic direction, establish priorities, and monitor performance.
• Support strong governance practices and effective Board development, including recruitment, orientation, and ongoing engagement.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as Oregon Tilth’s chief spokesperson and ambassador to the public, media, and key stakeholder groups.
• Represent Oregon Tilth at conferences, policy forums, and industry events to advance the organization’s influence and partnerships.
• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with funders, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Promote Oregon Tilth’s leadership role in shaping sustainable agricultural systems regionally, nationally, and globally.

The Candidate

As Oregon Tilth enters this dynamic chapter, the organization seeks a CEO who can translate its mission, momentum, and modernizing infrastructure into sustained strategic success. This moment calls for a seasoned leader with the skills to guide a complex social enterprise—someone who brings a strong track record of organizational stewardship, revenue generation, analytical decision‑making, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will pair business acumen with values‑driven leadership, bringing the capacity to navigate diverse funding models, strengthen client‑focused operations, and build high‑performing teams. With the ability to balance vision and execution, this leader will help Oregon Tilth grow its impact, deepen its partnerships, and confidently step into its next era of innovation and relevance.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

Experience and professional qualifications required for the role.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in a senior executive or CEO role within a mission‑driven, complex, or multi‑service organization.
• Proven success in nonprofit or social enterprise management, including fiscal oversight, program development, and strategic planning.
• Deep understanding of sustainable agriculture, food systems, or environmental sectors preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of fundraising, revenue growth, and partnership cultivation.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with sound judgment and decision‑making skills under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in business, public administration, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field preferred.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to:

Details

• This is a full‑time, exempt, executive position.
• Remote work flexibility within the U.S.; regular travel required for key meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement.
• Estimated salary: $200,000‑$240,000. A competitive benefits package will be offered.

Additional information for the offer from Oregon Tilth.

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