Executive Director
Farm Rescue – Horace, ND – Full-Time
About Farm Rescue
Farm Rescue is a nonprofit organization founded by Bill Gross in North Dakota in 2005. It supports farm and ranch families facing major illness, injury, or natural disaster by providing essential, time‑sensitive services such as planting, harvesting, haying, commodity hauling, and livestock feeding free of charge. Since its inception, the organization has mobilized thousands of volunteers and delivered critical assistance to over 1,200 farm and ranch families.
Guided by a steadfast belief in community cooperation, Farm Rescue has expanded its operations across nine states, leaning on a dedicated network of volunteers, donors, and partners to preserve family farming legacies. Every dollar invested in Farm Rescue yields more than ten dollars in direct and indirect impact for rural communities. As Farm Rescue celebrates its 20th anniversary, it stands poised to grow even further, with a clear vision of ensuring that family farms continue to thrive for generations to come.
About the Opportunity
Farm Rescue is seeking a mission‑driven leader to serve as its Executive Director. This isn’t just a leadership position. It is a responsibility to stand with farm and ranch families, safeguarding their livelihoods when it matters most. The ideal candidate must bring a blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and authentic relationship‑building skills to guide this growing organization with a strong 20‑year legacy of service. With a clear vision for the future and a deep commitment to community, the Executive Director will lead Farm Rescue into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Financial and Operational Oversight: Ensure the organization has the proper oversight, internal controls, forecasting, and transparent reporting to maintain the fiscal health of the organization.
Strategic Vision and Execution: Co‑create, execute, and manage the changes associated with clear and actionable long‑term and short‑term strategy to achieve alignment, make measurable progress against strategic goals, and position the organization for continued mission impact.
Organizational Leadership: Recruit, retain and develop a passionate and talented team and ensure staff members and volunteers achieve their goals in alignment with overall performance metrics and report high levels of trust, cohesiveness, and engagement.
Fundraising and Development: Co‑create development strategies and structure, and actively fundraise to increase revenue through positive relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, funders, and community partners, leveraging the history and network of all Farm Rescue stakeholders.
Brand Advancement, Advocacy, and Strategic Partnerships: Increase brand awareness, engagement, and collaboration through effective messaging, intentional community outreach, relationship‑building, partnership collaboration, and purposeful calls to action.
Requirements of the Position
- At least eight years of progressively responsible leadership experience, ideally including service as a Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, or senior leader in a nonprofit, agricultural, or mission‑driven organization.
- Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, fiscal oversight, and ensuring transparent reporting to maintain and improve the organization’s financial health.
- Ability to co‑create and implement both long‑term and short‑term strategies that align with the mission, achieve measurable results, and adapt to changing needs.
- Evidence of securing significant funding through major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and partnerships, with the ability to engage donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
- Expertise in developing and motivating high‑performing teams, fostering trust and collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose among staff and volunteers.
- Experienced in public speaking, media relations, and community engagement to enhance brand visibility and inspire broad‑based support.
- Experience in working effectively with a governing board, leveraging its strengths, and ensuring best practices in governance.
- A passion for the agricultural community and a commitment to Farm Rescue’s mission of supporting farm and ranch families.
- Ability to travel within the service regions and nationally for events, partnerships, and donor engagement.
Total Compensation
This position offers a competitive salary, inclusive of additional compensation intended to offset healthcare and benefit costs, providing you with the flexibility to select the coverage or savings options that best meet your needs.
The Search
Sagency, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, has been retained for this Executive Director search. Sagency consultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the hiring team review a final group for consideration.
The search will be conducted in a professional manner and all potential candidates will be given consideration. Candidate conversations and information will be handled with great discretion and confidentiality. Sagency and Farm Rescue are equal‑opportunity employers.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Your Application – Complete the online application and upload your resume. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Step 2: Interview with Sagency – Qualified candidates may first be contacted for a brief phone conversation, followed by a 60‑minute video interview with a Sagency Executive Search Consultant.
Step 3: Client Interviews – Top candidates will be invited to participate in the first round of interviews with the client organization.
Thank you for your time and interest in this role.
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