ABOUT US:\r\nVeal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) is a farmer-run organization representing the interests of Ontario veal and dairy calf farmers. We provide leadership to promote industry development through collaboration and effective communication.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nGuided by our vision of proactive and engaged leadership for Ontario’s dairy calf and veal cattle farmers, VFO is dedicated to supporting a strong, sustainable forward-thinking industry. Our mission is to provide leadership that promotes growth and development through collaboration and communication, ensuring the continued success of our farmers and the sector as a whole. \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJOB SUMMARY:\r\nWe are excited to announce an opportunity for a forward-thinking and strategic Executive Director to lead and strengthen our farmer-driven organization in Guelph. This is a key role within the agriculture sector. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will oversee all operations, implement strategic priorities, and provide visionary leadership to a small, dedicated team.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Executive Director ensures operational excellence across the organization and remains ultimately accountable for the performance and success of all activities – ready to step in wherever needed, no task too big or small!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nKEY RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tOrganizational Leadership\r\n\t\r\n\t\tOversee all VFO’s operations to ensure efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.\r\n\t\tImplement Board policies and strategic directives.\r\n\t\tDevelop, review and enforce organizational policies and procedures.\r\n\t\tPrepare regular operational and regulatory reports.\r\n\t\tNegotiate contracts, agreements, and leases, review insurance requirements annually. \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tFinancial Management\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrepare monthly and annual financial statements with bookkeeper/accountant and auditor.\r\n\t\tManage license fee collections, accounts payable/receivables, and regulatory compliance.\r\n\t\tDevelop annual budgets and monitor performance against forecasts.\r\n\t\tOversee VFO’s expenditures, revenues, and investments. \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tGovernance and Board Support\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPresent management reports, financial statements, and industry updates to the Board.\r\n\t\tImplement board strategic priorities and business plans.\r\n\t\tAdvise on staffing, regulatory, legal or other key issues.\r\n\t\tParticipate in regulatory hearing, coordinate Board Meetings, and manage Annual General Meetings.\r\n\t\tAssist with Director onboarding and orientation.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tHuman Resources\r\n\t\r\n\t\tHire, manage, and evaluate staff; establish performance objectives and compensation.\r\n\t\tAssign responsibilities, oversee training and manage terminations in compliance with regulations.\r\n\t\tEnsure adherence to employment legislation. \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tCommunication and Stakeholder Relations\r\n\t\r\n\t\tServes as spokesperson with the Chair for routine operational matters.\r\n\t\tRespond to producer inquiries and maintain member communication.\r\n\t\tRepresent VFO on industry, government, and committee platforms.\r\n\t\tOversee communications products and promote the VFO’s image.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tPlanning and Strategic Initiatives \r\n\t\r\n\t\tSupport and facilitate the Board’s strategic planning process.\r\n\t\tIdentify industry trends, risks, and opportunities; recommend strategic adjustments.\r\n\t\tSeek grant opportunities aligned with strategic priorities and monitor project implementation. \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tAdditional Responsibilities\r\n\t\r\n\t\tManage financial operations, payroll, HST filings, and audits.\r\n\t\tSupport marketing, funding proposals, promotions, and industry relations. \r\n\t\tRepresent VFO at events and support government and association relations. \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQUALIFICATIONS:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tPost-secondary education in agriculture, business management, or a related field. \r\n\t10+ years of senior leadership experience; non-profit management experience an asset. \r\n\tExperience in the livestock sector preferred.\r\n\tProven experience in financial planning, budgeting, and administrative management.\r\n\tStrong background in government and media relations, with an emphasis on municipal and intergovernmental engagement.\r\n\tExceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and advocacy.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tKnowledge of the Canadian and Ontario veal industry and agricultural sector an asset.\r\n\tProficient in Microsoft Office 365, QuickBooks Online; skilled in financial reporting, accounting functions, and audit preparation.\r\n\tStrong human resource management skills and experience building and leading high-performing teams.\r\n\tExceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to delegate effectively and make sound, independent decisions within defined parameters. \r\n\tAnalytical thinking to assess opportunities aligned with organizational strategy, while identifying potential distractions or misalignments.\r\n\tCollaborative mindset with flexibility and humility to support various functions within a small team environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWORKING CONDITIONS:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tHybrid position based out of the VFO office in Guelph, Ontario.\r\n\tOvertime, weekend work, and travel will be required to support special VFO events, such as the Annual General Meeting, seminars, or conferences. \r\n\tA valid driver’s licence and access to a personal vehicle is required.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tCompensation to commensurate with experience.\r\n\tComprehensive health coverage benefits.\r\n\tEmployer-matched RRSP contributions.\r\n\tExpense reimbursement for work-related expenses.\r\n\tGenerous paid time-off and vacation entitlement. \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAPPLICATION PROCESS:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tQualified applicants may submit their resume, cover letter, and salary range expectations by clicking on the 'APPLY TO THIS POSITION' icon by Friday, November 28th, 2025. \r\n\tInclude “Executive Director Position” in the subject line.\r\n\tWhile we appreciate all applications, only individuals being considered for the next phase of the review process will be contacted.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nVeal Farmers of Ontario is an equal opportunity employer, committed to meeting the needs of all individuals in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). As such, the organization will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process, please email info@culturedhr.com.\r\n
