The Ohio Soybean organizations seek applications for the position of Executive Director.  The organizations are the Ohio Soybean Association, Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Soybean Council Foundation, and Ohio Soybean LLC.  The candidate selected for this job will play an important role in the success of our mission- driven organizations. We offer a competitive salary and a wide array of benefits including, employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, a 401k program, and paid time off.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for this position until May 15, 2026. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: hiring@soyohio.org

Opportunity: Lead one of Ohio’s most influential commodity organizations and help shape the future of Ohio agriculture. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Ohio Soybean organizations, driving strategy, advocacy, and innovation to deliver value for farmers across the state.  Develop agriculture policy and investments through statewide and national networks and shape the future direction of the soybean industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

• Provide leadership and direction to the organizations, ensuring programs and projects are aligned with OSA and OSC’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Oversee the overall operations of the organizations, including budget administration and program implementation.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate the staff, providing leadership, coaching and mentoring to staff members.
• Foster a positive organizational culture and ensure effective communication within the staff team and between board members and staff.
• Represent OSA and OSC with state and national organizations and other industry stakeholders.

Governance and Board Relations

• Work closely with the Boards to ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead efforts to ensure active engagement of current Board members, and coordinate initiatives to identify, recruit and retain new Board members.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Boards, providing updates on organizational performance and key initiatives.
• Develop measurement tools to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of internal and external programs and projects.

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Collaborate with the OSA and OSC Boards and staff team to develop and execute the organizational strategic plans, on a three-year planning cycle.
• Identify industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, and lead the Ohio Soybean organizations to address and capitalize on these trends.
• Manage the development of strategic advocacy and checkoff initiatives and programs that drive value to Ohio farmers.

Financial and Operational Oversight

• Develop and oversee organizational budgets, ensuring financial stability and transparency.
• Ensure the organizations maintain financial compliance with checkoff rules and other financial requirements.
• Develop effective measures of financial performance and monitor and report on those measures to the Boards.
• Ensure OSA and OSC funds are effectively and securely invested and determine needs and opportunities for future growth.

Farmer and Stakeholder Engagement

• Enhance farmer satisfaction by overseeing the development and delivery of valuable advocacy and checkoff programs, services, and resources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Ohio farmers and industry stakeholders, and work to understand their needs and potential solutions.

Communication and Marketing

• Serve as a spokesperson for OSA and OSC, representing the organizations with Ohio farmers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
• Oversee the development and implementation of communication strategies, including marketing, public relations, and member communications.
• Ensure that OSA and OSC brand and messaging are consistent and effective across all communication platforms.

Reports to: Ohio Soybean LLC Management Team (OSA President and Vice President; OSC Chair and Vice Chair)

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, including 10+ years of experience in association management and development, and public policy
• Experience leading board members and staff toward successful outcomes
• Experience working in a member-based organization
• Strong budgeting skills and experience in managing financial aspects of organizations
• Strong understanding of state, federal, and local government structure and process
• Familiarity with current and future agricultural opportunities and challenges at state, national and international levels
• Excellent relationship-building skills with a proven ability both to collaborate as part of a team and work independently
• Ability to analyze issues, develop a path toward problem-solving, and manage the process to completion
• Ability to think strategically while also focusing on the details of implementation
• Ability to communicate decisions to internal and external stakeholders with tact and professionalism
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects with multiple deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel in-state and nationally as needed to implement OSA and OSC initiatives

About Ohio Soybean Association/Council

Ohio Soybean Association: OSA is a member-driven grassroots organization established in 1966 and dedicated to improving the business climate for Ohio soybean producers. OSA’s mission is to advocate through member engagement to influence policy, regulation, and legislation that benefit Ohio soybean farmers and industry. OSA is a 501c5 governed by a board of Ohio soybean producers and soybean industry partners, with assets of $1.6 million and annual budget approximately $500,000. Ohio Soybean Council: OSC is the Qualified State Soybean Board for Ohio, established in 1991. OSC’s mission is to invest Ohio soybean checkoff funds to maximize the value of soybeans and increase profit opportunities for Ohio farmers. OSC is at 501c5 governed by a board of Ohio soybean producers, with assets of $10 million and annual budget of approximately $8 million.

Connections working at Ohio Soybean Association/Council