Farm and Ranch Business Advisor

Core Accountabilities

• Business Advising: Provide direct technical assistance to individuals and groups (e.g., families) that have a stake in agricultural businesses and land in Oregon. The Advisor will help clients develop a pathway toward business vitality, including business planning, financial management, profitability and cash flow analysis, and capital access.
• Succession Facilitation and Mediation: The Advisor will facilitate family conversations regarding needs, goals, vision, timelines, and related matters. As required and depending on the Advisor’s skill set, they will also provide clients with mediation and conflict resolution services. This may include facilitation of similarly situated producers (e.g., beginning farmers and ranchers) to provide group training and peer-to-peer support on communications and removing roadblocks to success.

Secondary Accountabilities

• Fundraising: As needed, support development staff and supervisor on invoicing clients, seeking corporate sponsorships, and writing/reporting on grant funding for the program.
• Networking: Initiate and build relationships with organizations/individuals engaged in:
  • -Related business services to encourage referrals and learn about best practices
  • -Ag production, purchasing, distribution, and value-added services to facilitate programmatic outreach and potential corporate sponsorship opportunities
• Professional Development: Continued professional development is highly encouraged. OAT budgets $1,500 per employee per year for professional development, but additional funds can be made available, including a $5,000 tuition stipend.

Desired Experience, Skills & Attributes

• Direct experience working with farmers, ranchers, and/or agricultural landowners
• Personal or professional experience with business succession, financial analysis, and/or business planning, especially with agricultural businesses
• Experience in business or interpersonal counseling, facilitation, or mediation
• Case management experience
• Established relationships within the Oregon agricultural industry
• Able to cultivate client relationships with follow-through and professionalism
• Being organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently to meet deadlines
• Discretion and attention to confidentiality
• Able to serve people from all backgrounds and identities without judgment
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in both internal and external contexts
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle, and live in Oregon

Benefits

• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance: Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Platinum Health and Vision Plan and Ameritas Dental Plan with orthodontic coverage. Employees receive 100% coverage for themselves, and employees pay no more than 50% of additional costs for: partner and child (max $400/mo) or partner or child (max $200/mo).
• 401K: Up to 5% employer match
• Life Insurance: $50,000 policy
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Health FSA and Dependent FSA: Available for employee contribution
• PTO and Office-Closures: Starting at 20 days PTO per year and increasing to 30 days by year 6 with OAT. 16-17 days of office closure / holidays with flexibility for employee religious holidays. Plus other types of leave, including bereavement, medical & family, and a 6-week paid sabbatical after 7 years of employment.
• Stipends: $100/monthly for home office and $50/month for personal phone if no work phone. A $5,000 tuition stipend is also available to applicants who meet the criteria.

Application

Open until filled. Résumés reviewed on a rolling basis. First interviews likely to begin late July. Apply early for best consideration. Submit résumé and cover letter in one pdf to Nellie McAdams, Executive Director, via email at jobs@oregonagtrust.org. Questions by email only. No phone calls, please. Prior to an offer, the applicant must complete a background check to OAT’s satisfaction. OAT is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or age.