Executive Director

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) seeks a dynamic, experienced, mission-led and people-focused Executive Director. Celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, MFAI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization primarily funded through state and federal grants with a $1M+ annual operating budget. MFAI is headquartered in East Troy, Wisconsin with staff located in southern WI and northern IL.

MFAI’s History

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute was founded in 1984 by Christopher and Martina Mann. The Manns agricultural journey began in England and later in Germany and Switzerland. Christopher and Martina were concerned about the problems of modern production agriculture. In 1979 the Manns were drawn to America. After visiting several states, they settled on purchasing a farm near East Troy, Wisconsin. They were confident they “could find young farmers that would join their endeavor.” The name, Michael Fields, sprang from a housing community Christopher started near Michael Hall Waldorf School where he and his parents had labored in England. The first event hosted by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute was a sustainable agricultural conference in 1984.

Mission

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute fosters agricultural systems that are environmentally, economically, and socially healthy. Our policy, research, and education programs empower farmers and communities throughout Wisconsin and beyond to achieve these goals. Vision Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is guided by a vision of agriculture that prioritizes people and promotes human and ecosystem health, food sovereignty, and justice.

Equity Statement: MFAI recognizes the harm that systemic social, racial, and economic injustice has played in our agricultural systems. We are committed to policies, structures, and practices that foster food and farming systems that are just and equitable

Building on its rich history and innovative programming, MFAI has opportunities in the near-term to:

• Take advantage of this leadership transition to articulate a clear trajectory for the institute drawn from MFAI’s mission and vision
• Build on the strengths of the dynamic, talented, and high-performing staff to advance innovative programming
• Capitalize on the federal funds that currently support work in MFAI’s key areas, such as food systems and urban agriculture
• Develop a long-term vision for the institute’s 210+ acres of certified organic farmland in southeast Wisconsin, including opportunities to train and advance land access for beginning and BIPOC farmers
• Leverage the long history of success in research, education, and policy to create strategic synergies
• Anticipate programming and funding relevant to climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Develop a mission-focused fundraising strategy to expand programs and enhance organizational capacity

MFAI faces the challenges of

• Managing administrative overhead costs and securing unrestricted funding sources
• Ensuring space and equipment needs are maintained for a competitive, high impact Research Program
• Continuing to expand an integrated Education Program that serves MFAI’s stakeholders
• Operating multiple programs while ensuring overall organizational cohesion

The priorities for the next Executive Director will be to

• Articulate MFAI’s unique attributes, how it differs from other agricultural non-profit organizations, and the strategic resources it can offer regional stakeholders
• Evaluate and streamline MFAI’s programmatic work based on what distinguishes MFAI
• Build out a robust donor network and funding strategy
• Strategically and judiciously manage overhead expenses
• Provide intentional leadership in equity and justice work

Primary Responsibilities

The Executive Director is key to carrying out the mission and goals for MFAI and ensuring it has the human talent and financial resources needed to achieve its vision. The Executive Director role is divided between three primary responsibilities:

(1) Organizational Management and Staff Support

• Articulate and advance a cohesive vision for MFAI’s continued growth and development as an equitable and inclusive organization.
• Lead the organization’s long-term strategy, including overseeing strategic planning and implementation of a strategic plan.
• Oversee communications including distilling and creatively communicating MFAI's story
• Be accountable for MFAI’s financial performance and work in partnership with the financial officer to oversee finances, develop and monitor an annual budget, and provide strategic communications to the board and staff.
• Prioritize technology enhancements to create and maintain an effective and efficient operational infrastructure.
• Manage staff recruitment, onboarding, and support.
• Foster an equitable and just work environment that attracts, motivates, cultivates, and keeps quality employees.
• Facilitate staff development and assist program staff in professional advancement.
• Ensure that an effective management team is in place with frequent communication and consultation.
• Develop programmatic work in partnership with staff that aligns the mission, strategy, and financial needs of MFAI.
• Work collaboratively with the board of directors to ensure the organization’s health and wellbeing through frequent and constructive communication.

2) Community and Partner Engagement

• Guide racial equity efforts, both for internal learning and development and stakeholder-facing programs.
• Cultivate strong relationships regionally and beyond, working closely with staff and the board of directors.
• Engage with current partners and develop new partnerships that advance MFAI’s mission.
• Serve as the spokesperson for MFAI and be a champion and advocate by actively engaging in the community and at partner events.

(3) Fundraising and Donor Development

• Develop a fundraising strategy, drive fund development, and create annual fundraising goals.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations and other potential donors.
• Develop unrestricted funds to support long term organizational capacity.
• Manage the grant pipeline process in collaboration with the financial officer.
• Work closely with staff to submit grant applications and reports to federal, state, and local agencies.

Core Competencies

• A strategic thinker who listens actively and excels at problem-solving, decision-making, and developing realistic action plans to achieve specific goals.
• Highly collaborative with a proven record of connecting and supporting staff to work collaboratively on creative solutions to challenges, including hybrid and remote teams.
• A team leader who can build an environment of inclusivity and belonging.
• An excellent communicator who has proven success developing and delivering multi-mode communications, and implementing strategies that convey a clear message while promoting the mission of the organization.
• A seasoned writer who can craft a well-written compelling message concisely and transparently.
• An experienced fundraiser with proven success in developing a fundraising strategy, cultivating donors, and reaching financial targets.
• Financially adept with a keen understanding of key financial indicators and standards of fiscal accounting, controls, and best practices to make astute business decisions.

Qualifications

• Committed to strengthening regenerative food systems, farmers, and the communities they support
• Experience overseeing long-term capital plans including deferred maintenance
• Experience managing a diverse team
• Relationship building skills to cultivate and maintain engagement with partner organizations and donors
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity
• Strategic and financial management experience
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated experience with technology including virtual communication, digital media, donor relationship management, and project management
• A track record of 5 years of effective fundraising leadership, including grant management
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership and/or management roles within the not-for-profit sector
• An undergraduate degree is required, a graduate degree in a related field is preferred.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $90,000 to $110,000 with a competitive benefits package including up to $400/month towards the employee’s single or family monthly premium for health insurance, paid time off, and a SIMPLE IRA with a 3% match. This is a hybrid full-time position, based in the Upper Midwest (WI, MN, IA, IL).

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

MFAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MFAI is committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or other basis protected by law. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of needs at the time of application.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested parties are encouraged to apply early. Please click "Apply" below to send the following with only MFAI SEARCH and YOUR NAME in the subject line:

• a cover letter that speaks to the applicant’s core competencies and qualifications outlined above
• a current résumé

Note: MFAI has contracted with Greystone Global LLC to manage the search process. All questions and inquiries can be sent to Kathryn Scanland.