Family Business Facilitator

About the role

The Family Business Facilitator II or III position within AgWest Farm Credit serves as a facilitator for family-owned businesses. This role supports long-term business continuity through strategic and succession planning, governance, and conflict resolution. The position works closely with the VP, BMC and Advising and serves as a trusted resource and facilitator during one of the most critical, complex, and sensitive chapters in a family business’s journey.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate multi-day family business planning sessions to address business strategy, succession, governance, family dynamics, talent development, asset allocation and conflict resolution.
• Design governance frameworks that clearly separate family, employment, and ownership decisions.
• Develop succession roadmaps and talent development plans for next-generation leaders.
• Educate families on asset transition philosophies and estate planning best practices; guide strategic decisions on growth, diversification and capital allocation.
• Deliver family business and succession planning workshops through in-person events, webinars, and live webcasts.
• Present to customer, industry, and internal audiences in both large and small group settings.
• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients through outreach, promotion and referrals from field staff.
• Conduct intake calls and stakeholder discussions to assess program fit, recommend offerings, and negotiate terms.
• Serve as primary point of contact for staff, third parties and program inquiries. Conduct client intakes and ensure smooth onboarding, including facilitator assignment.
• Oversee facilitation program operations, including systems, processes, planning and resource allocation.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying gaps and implementing enhancements to maximize program impact.
• Develop new tools, content, and offerings to meet evolving customer and business needs.

Qualifications

• Generally, requires five to seven years' experience advising family-owned businesses in areas such as strategic business planning, business development, and leadership development, ideally within agriculture, agribusiness or other commodity-driven industries.
• Strong consultative skills with experience guiding customers through complex, high-stakes decisions.
• Proven ability to facilitate complex discussions with diverse stakeholders in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Ability to quickly build trust and establish credibility with individuals and groups, including customers, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience delivering content to varied audiences.
• Able to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• High emotional intelligence, adaptability, active listening, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive family dynamics with discretion and professionalism.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and/or training in business administration, organizational development, agriculture economics or related field.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, including 45% overnight travel throughout the AgWest territory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in family business advising, succession planning, or governance (e.g., FFI Certificate or equivalent).
• Experience in program development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in succession planning, governance design, or family business consulting.
• Familiarity with estate planning concepts, governance frameworks, and talent development strategies.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural operations and industry production cycles gained through practical or professional experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company).
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer.
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

Details about insurance and retirement benefits are available at: https://www.farmcreditfoundations.com/fcfbenefits.