Executive Director, Regenerative Farm & Community

Philo Ridge Farm; Charlotte (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Philo Ridge Farm seeks an accomplished Executive Director to lead its year-round operations, farm teams, market activities, and processing facilities. You will report to the Foundation Board, live locally, and drive strategic planning, budgeting, and staff development across multiple departments.

The role requires entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership and the ability to model PRF’s mission and values while maintaining strong community connections in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in nonprofit organizations of similar scale, scope and budget.
• Experience working in a relevant place-based organization that welcomes members of the public.
• Experience working in agricultural and/or hospitality experience a plus, but not required.
• Experience with recognizing and capitalizing on strategic business opportunities.
• Strong business, financial, and entrepreneurial abilities in a business or nonprofit leadership role.
• Proven ability to forge productive, trusting relationships with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Outstanding capabilities for being a public-facing leader of PRF locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, as well as project management and presentation skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop actionable responses to business financial statements.
• Strong computer literacy, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher academic attainment preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of annual strategic goals and a five-year strategic plan in collaboration with the Board
• Adapt and align organizational structures and ways of working as needed to ensure that PRF’s departments, staffing, and budget are aligned with the strategic goals
• Lead the development, implementation, and continual refinement of organizational metrics
• Maintain regular communication with the Board regarding farm operations and performance
• Serve as a steward and model of the farm’s mission, vision, and values
• Provide strategic leadership for current and future entities under the PRF Foundation’s umbrella, including Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing
• Effectively recruit, train, coach, and develop managers and staff across departments
• Create a positive, inspired team-oriented culture rooted in communication and collaboration
• Ensure accountability by actively demonstrating and teaching exceptional professionalism
• Support individual managers to facilitate staff learning and development
• Hold individual managers accountable to address staff incidents and interpersonal issues
• Support Board in the development and implementation of new business units and teams
• Oversee all aspects of PRF’s day-to-day operations and property management
• Lead daily coordination between all PRF managers, teams, owners, vendors, and providers
• Ensure cross-department integration based on established budgets, priorities, and timelines
• Ensure HR policies are administered consistently and terminate employees when necessary
• Maintain all permits, licenses, insurance policies, and other annual administrative requirements
• Own all aspects of creating, managing, and reporting farm financials on annual and monthly basis
• Develop and deliver the annual operating and capital expense budget
• Coordinate annual planning for each business unit and coach business unit managers to deliver goals
• Prepare quarterly reports on business unit operations, progress toward goals, and budget variances
• Balance operating and capital expense management with research and education objectives
• Liaise with third party legal, accounting, and HR resources to ensure compliance and manage risk
• Cultivate PRF’s regional and national reputation and engagement in food and farming issues
• Represent and share PRF’s mission and story in the Vermont community and broader region
• Expand PRF’s role in relevant circles around Vermont and the nation
• Partner with the Board on the content and structure of Board meetings and maintain regular communications
• Track budget to actual performance and report financial information to the Board on a monthly and quarterly basis
• Prepare operational data for presentation to the Board to facilitate efficient, effective decision making
• Establish strong practices to ensure that founding Board members are contributing to PRF’s growth

Skills

Executive leadership

Nonprofit leadership

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Financial management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Philo Ridge Farm seeks an accomplished Executive Director to lead its year-round operations, farm teams, market activities, and processing facilities. You will report to the Foundation Board, live locally, and drive strategic planning, budgeting, and staff development across multiple departments.

The role requires entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership and the ability to model PRF’s mission and values while maintaining strong community connections in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.