Director of Operations

The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) are seeking a skilled Director of Operations (DOO) who can help maximize our operational efficiency.

In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of our organizations and ensure that our processes are well-coordinated and productive.

We are looking to hire someone experienced in creating and implementing systems and improving processes, as well as coaching and monitoring employees to ensure compliance.

Interested in learning more about this job Scroll down and find out what skills, experience and educational qualifications are needed.

The DOO will be responsible for day-to-day administrative and operational tasks, and management of the governance structure and processes of the NABC and USHBC.

The DOO will ensure that both councils are operating within the policies and procedures of both organizations, including adherence to the U.

S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) Guidelines for USHBC. In this position, the DOO will interact with a broad range of people in the blueberry industry, interface directly with stakeholders, and communicate the value of NABC and USHBC.

The DOO will serve in multiple capacities and perform such duties as the president may authorize and direct, including, but not limited to :

Management Responsibilities :

• Define, develop and implement guidelines, policies and procedures to increase our operational efficiency.
• Participate in envisioning, defining and sharing the big-picture ideas our organization needs to embrace to continue growing.

Human Resources :

• Responsible for human resources activities and policies to develop improved strategies for managing and developing staff.
• Maintain company insurance policies and renewals, including health, vision, dental, liability and D&O policies.
• Serve as the agency’s Benefits Administrator (open enrollment, health benefits, EAP, FSA and 401k).

Agency Compliance :

• Ensure USHBC compliance with all USDA statutes, regulations, policies and guidelines, and handle related record-keeping.
• Ensure USHBC's assessment database is accurate and within USDA compliance guidelines for accuracy, completeness and privacy.
• Monitor and ensure industry compliance with the Order for the USHBC check-off program.
• Ensure compliance with contracts by all council and board employees, agencies, independent contractors, consultants and other suppliers.
• Serve as the liaison to USDA on administrative compliance.
• Maintain strong, effective working relationships with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (and other USDA agencies as appropriate).
• Coordinate USDA approval of all USHBC public-facing messaging and communications.
• Coordinate with finance on a successful process for completing annual finance audits in accordance with USDA policy.
• Ensure member organization’s compliance with program requirements and provide guidance or assistance as needed.

Board Administration :

Serve as Administrative Secretary and perform duties as the council and board Secretary and President may authorize and direct, including ensuring all deadlines are met and that the tasks and activities of the organization are completed in a timely manner;

and preparing and maintaining bylaws, policies, guidelines and resolutions setting forth council and board actions and other official documents.

• Implement council and board governance policies, including nominations and elections processes, and other operations related to good governance.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of all meeting minutes.

Office Management :

• Maintain office efficiency by planning and implementing office systems and equipment procurement.
• Prepare an annual budget for office expenses, planning the expenditures, analyzing variances and carrying out necessary corrections that may arise.
• Coordinate IT services.
• Organize office operations and procedures.
• Monitor and maintain office supply inventory.
• Maintain a safe, secure and pleasant work environment.
• Delegate responses to industry inquiries.
• Act as point person for maintenance, mailing, shipping, supplies, equipment, bills and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, finance, operational management or industry-related field. Seven or more years of experience in a related leadership position, including post-graduate education or degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agribusiness-related work experience or experience working with trade associations or governmental organizations.
• Experience managing contracts or third-party resources.
• Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or HRCI Professional in Human Resources (HRCI PHR) certification.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

Required Skill Set

• Strong management, financial and organizational skills.
• Strong database management and analysis skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with individuals having varying personalities, needs and interests.
• Ability to represent the USHBC and NABC in a professional manner at all times.
• Efficient multitasking skills, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines and deliver on organizational commitments and obligations.
• Strong and diligent organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to make sound business decisions and independently carry out day-to-day management functions in support of a mission and strategic goals.
• Understanding of federal regulatory structure and government agency (USDA) processes.
• Willingness to occasionally travel and work irregular hours.
• Ability to initiate projects and solutions, and work with limited supervision.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range is $105-140k; salary will be negotiated depending upon qualifications and experience. We offer a full range of benefits, including retirement, fully paid coverage for employee medical / dental / vision, and paid vacation / sick / holiday / floating holiday leave.

For first consideration, apply by Friday, Oct. 25, 2024!

NABC / USHBC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $105,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Schedule :

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s) :

This position is for local candidates only. Are you able to work in our Folsom office full-time?

Experience :

Leadership : 7 years (Required)

Location :

Folsom, CA 95630 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel :

25% (Preferred)

Work Location : In person

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