Chief Agriculture & Food Policy Officer

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Disability coverage

Life and AD&D Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Holidays and Leave

Job summary

The Colorado Department of Agriculture seeks a Commissioner of Agriculture to serve as CEO of the department and a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. The role oversees programs, staffing, budgeting, and regulatory activities to strengthen Colorado agriculture, protect consumers, and ensure a safe food supply.

Responsibilities include directing divisions, coordinating with state and federal partners, and advising the Governor and General Assembly on agricultural needs and policy.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree in agriculture, natural resources, public administration, business, law, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience leading or managing agricultural, food safety, commodity, or producer programs.
• Five or more years of professional executive management experience, including establishing goals and objectives and developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Experience building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders with varying perspectives and interests.
• A track record of building and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the department’s operations and direct the implementation of its services, policies, and programs in alignment with department goals, the Governor’s initiatives, and the expectations of stakeholders.
• Direct the department’s budget with fiscal management that operates within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains a positive financial position.
• Build and cultivate a high-performing team through effective leadership focused on recruiting and retaining top talent and providing guidance, coaching, and development to direct reports.
• Direct the divisions of administrative services, plant industry, animal health, animal welfare, markets, and inspection and consumer services.
• Provide budgeting, purchasing, and planning support for the Colorado State Fair Authority and the brand inspection division.
• Run programs to support local food systems and coordinate statewide food security with state, local, and federal agencies, Tribes, nonprofits, and research institutions.
• Administer the Colorado agricultural workforce services program.
• Ensure efficient and effective regulation of animal health, plant industry, and inspection and consumer services.
• Serve as the state’s principal voice on agricultural policy, drought, and resilience and advise the Governor and the General Assembly on the needs of Colorado agriculture.
• Collaborate with the associations and local agencies, including the Farm Bureau, livestock associations, organic and beginning farmer associations, water conservancy districts, Tribal agricultural interests, The National Western Center, and the FFA and 4-H Council.
• Brief the Governor’s Office on all relevant policy issues arising from state and federal legislative activities.
• Build a good relationship with the legislature and serve as the point person for directing the department’s response to proposed legislation that may affect its operations.

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in agriculture, natural resources, public administration, business, law, or a related field

Job description

The Colorado Department of Agriculture seeks a Commissioner of Agriculture to serve as CEO of the department and a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. The role oversees programs, staffing, budgeting, and regulatory activities to strengthen Colorado agriculture, protect consumers, and ensure a safe food supply.

Responsibilities include directing divisions, coordinating with state and federal partners, and advising the Governor and General Assembly on agricultural needs and policy.