Executive Director, National Council Agricultural Education

Application review will begin on March 31, 2026, and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected. We kindly ask that you hold any inquiries regarding application status until after this date. Thank you.

The Executive Director of the National Council for Agricultural Education (The Council) serves as the organization's chief executive and strategic leader. This 12‑month, year‑round, full‑time position is responsible for advancing The Council's mission through strong governance support, strategic planning, financial stewardship, program oversight, partnership development, fundraising, and national representation. The Executive Director reports to the Council's Executive Committee to ensure organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and impact across the agricultural education system and supervises staff, contractors, and interns supporting Council initiatives such as CASE4

Learning.

• Governance & Board Leadership
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of The Council.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, conflict‑of‑interest standards, and governance best practices.
• Support effective governance by preparing agendas, materials, and reports.
• Support board recruitment, onboarding, training, and annual self‑evaluation.
• Develop and maintain a multi‑year board calendar and governance work plan.
• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Planning
• Lead the development and implementation of the strategic plan.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting dashboards.
• Financial Stewardship & Risk Management
• Oversee budgeting and financial compliance.
• Ensure timely submission of tax‑related documents on behalf of The Council.
• Fundraising & Resource Development
• Collaborate with National FFA Foundation staff for fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and stakeholders to steward existing partnerships and cultivate new opportunities for funding and support.
• Lead grant and funding proposal development.
• Collaborate with the National FFA Foundation.
• Program & Initiative Oversight
• Provide executive oversight for CASE and major initiatives.
• Maintain advanced working knowledge of and provide direction for major initiatives and strategic plans developed within The Council’s stakeholder initiatives (e.g., SAE for All, CASE, etc.).
• Policy, Advocacy & External Affairs
• Facilitate policy alignment and advocacy efforts for the agricultural education profession.
• Advocate for agricultural education priorities and serve as the point of contact for legislative priorities.
• Communications & Brand Stewardship
• Serve as primary spokesperson and oversee communications.
• Ensure management of The Council’s website, The Council Connect communication medium, and social media accounts.
• Develop and maintain positive, trust‑based relationships with board members, partner organizations, and business partners.
• Talent & Organizational Leadership
• Lead and supervise staff, contractors, and interns, such as CASE4
  
  Learning.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that values teamwork, growth‑focus, and collaboration.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to staff, empowering them to excel in their roles and contribute to the organization’s success.

• Required
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a closely related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Preferred Education:
  
  Advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Education Leadership, Agricultural Education, or Agricultural Leadership.

• Required Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  7–10 years of leadership experience in agricultural education, nonprofit management, education systems, or a related mission‑driven field; demonstrated experience working with or supporting a governing board or executive committee; experience leading complex, multi‑stakeholder organizations or initiatives; experience overseeing organizational…