ResponsibleAg seeks program manager

ResponsibleAg is seeking a program manager to help the organization promote accountability and transparency within the fertilizer industry.

ResponsibleAg is a national initiative undertaken by the Agricultural Retailers Association and The Fertilizer Institute to assist fertilizer retailers in meeting federal safety and security requirements associated with the storage and handling of fertilizer products. This initiative will help promote accountability and transparency to interested stakeholders and the public.

The program manager is the senior manager employed by ResponsibleAg Inc. and will report to a nine-member board of directors, composed of five representatives of ARA and four representatives of TFI. The program manager is expected to provide professional leadership and organizational management to meet the board’s objectives and directives. The position is intended as a contracted part-time role, though likely will require a higher level of activity than half-time in the first year.

The program manager will be responsible for:

• Managing the affairs of the board of directors and committees it creates in accordance with the procedures and policies adopted by the board and committee;
• Developing and managing the annual budget and policies;
• Promoting and managing, in cooperation with ARA, TFI and other stakeholders, the recruitment, registration and retention of an estimated 9,000 agriculture retailers, fertilizer manufacturers and distributors;
• Establishing and managing procedures for appeals and dispute resolution ensuring transparency and fairness for program participants;
• Managing and coordinating the operations of the ResponsibleAg platform with the Asmark Institute, an independent third party that provides technical assistance, including training services regarding the applicable federal rules for the storage and handling of fertilizer products;
• Managing the development and launch of the ResponsibleAg initiative, including an interactive website and database;
• Coordinating the recruitment, training and certification of auditors to effectively implement the initiative;
• Establishing and monitoring an effective Quality Assurance program designed to ensure the success of the initiative;
• Promoting ResponsibleAg through various public relations programs, including representing the organization with the media and other stakeholders;
• Managing program relationships with federal and state regulatory agencies in accordance with board policies and directives;
• Providing summary information to and coordinate with ARA and TFI on federal policy issues related to the mission of ResponsibleAg;
• Preparing various reports regarding the progress and status of program operations as required by the board;
• Advising the board on opportunities to improve the program.

The skills, experience and knowledge beneficial for this position include:

• Five to 10 years of experience in developing and managing regulatory compliance assessment programs, preferably those involving trade associations;
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States;
• Familiarity with environmental, safety and health regulatory requirements and procedures at the federal and/or state level;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, creative, motivated, organized, adaptive management skills, outgoing personality, team player;
• Proven ability to build consensus;
• Managerial experience with environmental or safety stewardship initiatives is beneficial;
• An understanding of and appreciation for agriculture;
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office software;
• Four-year degree required with advanced degree desirable.

Compensation will be commensurate with talent and experience. The initial contract period will be for three years. Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience in PDF format to responsibleag@aradc.org by May 31 to be considered. To learn more about ResponsibleAg, visit http://www.responsibleag.org/.