Description

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.

Heifer USA Profile: Heifer USA is the domestic programming arm of Heifer International, an international development non-profit founded in 1944, dedicated to locally-led development and helping families achieve sustainable living incomes. Our mission is to eradicate hunger and poverty, and care for the Earth. At Heifer USA, we strive to foster partnerships to support and empower diverse smallholder farmers.

Function: The Program Director for Heifer USA is a pivotal leadership role, driving our mission’s impact in U.S. food and farming systems. With a focus on regenerative livestock value chains, this role collaborates to harness market demand, develop innovative infrastructure solutions, and provide support for farmers. The Director leads Heifer USA’s program and partnership strategy, manages a multidisciplinary team, and oversees projects and accountability to mission.

Key Responsibilities:

A. Strategic Program Leadership:

• Cultivate and lead multi stakeholder coalitions, including farmers, nonprofits, universities, funders and values-aligned businesses.
• Facilitate collaboration by building shared visions, goals and plans that align with Heifer’s mission and results framework, and the broader objectives of creating a more just and regenerative food system.
• Lead Heifer USA’s program strategy in co-designing initiatives that harness market demand and technological advancements to benefit farmers and food system workers.
• Oversee integration and alignment of all aspects of Heifer USA programming.

B. Impactful Project Management:

• Oversee program and project planning, execution, and evaluation, emphasizing the achievement of collective goals and community-driven impacts.

C. Trust-Focused Partnerships:

• Foster an environment of trust and inclusivity internally and externally, enabling open communication, idea-sharing, collaboration and mutual accountability.
• Develop strong and sustainable partnerships based on shared vision and values.

D. Resource Mobilization and Advocacy:

• Develop resource mobilization strategies in coordination with Heifer USA leadership and Heifer International fundraisers.
• Collaborate with partners to identify and secure funding opportunities.
• Foster strategic partnerships with USDA and other funders.
• Leverage Heifer funds to secure co-funding.
• Support identification of opportunities for impact investment.
• Advocate for the interests of coalitions and farmer groups.

E. Cross-Learning and Best Practices:

• Promote cross-learning among funders, food system actors and Global Heifer.
• Encourage the adoption of best practices to enhance effectiveness and impact.

F. Program Impact

• Support building efficient and profitable value chains.
• Engage diverse farmers in high-need communities.
• Ensure impact on environment as well as livelihoods of farmers and food workers.

G. Program Leadership and Management

• Develop strategic and operational plans, in coordination with Heifer USA Leadership.
• Oversee program quality and impact, creating inclusive, just food systems.
• Prioritize geographical areas and partnerships for efficient value chain development.
• Ensure compliance with program guidelines, standards, and reporting needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field
• Ten years of relevant experience, with at least five years in a supervisory capacity
• Successful management of a large-scale community economic development projects
• Proven experience in building a multistakeholder coalition for collective impact
• Working knowledge of and experience in climate smart agriculture and value chain development

Critical Proficiencies:

• Strong project management skills, including recruiting, organizing and leading a project team
• Passion for regenerative farming, community development, and social justice
• Strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Proficiency in English and preferably Spanish
• Servant leadership qualities and proven leadership in a multicultural environment
• Understanding of rural poverty root causes and US food system
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams and Google Docs

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Self-motivated with ability to work remotely with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills and integrity
• Excellent communication skills, including written, face-to-face, telephone, and video conferences
• Flexibility in work schedule and willingness to travel extensively–both locally and internationally
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

Salary Information:

• The expected base salary range for this position is $123,333 to $142,773 annually. Placement within the range will be based on the experience and competency level of the candidate.

What we offer:

• Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match +3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection
• And more!