Position Summary

The Executive Director of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association and the Chief Executive Officer of the Southeast Pork Alliance provides strategic, operational, financial, and policy leadership on behalf of Kentucky's pork producers. Working in partnership with the farmer-led Board of Directors, the Executive Director advances the organization's mission through effective advocacy, sound fiscal management, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of programs that create measurable value for producers.

As the leading representative of the Kentucky's pork industry, the Executive Director serves as a trusted voice with producers, policymakers, agricultural organizations, industry partners, and national pork leadership. The Executive Director also contributes to the success of the Southeast Pork Alliance by serving as their Chief Executive Officer helping coordinate regional initiatives, shared resources, and collaborative efforts that strengthen the pork industry throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities, annual goals, and long-term organizational objectives.

• Lead implementation of strategic initiatives and regularly evaluate progress against established goals.

• Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and industry trends that may impact pork producers.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors and support effective governance practices.

• Provide timely information, recommendations, and analysis to support Board decision-making.

• Ensure implementation of Board policies, directives, and strategic priorities.

• Support committee activities and leadership development within the organization.

Financial & Organizational Management

• Provide strategic oversight of all financial and business operations of the Association.

• Lead the annual budgeting process and financial planning efforts in partnership with staff and the Board of Directors.

• Review financial statements, budget reports, and organizational performance metrics to ensure sound decision-making and fiscal accountability.

• Delegate and oversee day-to-day administrative, accounting, reporting, and recordkeeping functions while maintaining overall responsibility for organizational performance.

• Ensure compliance with contractual, grant, checkoff, regulatory, and fiduciary requirements.

• Promote efficient operations, strong internal controls, and responsible stewardship of all Association resources.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, develop, lead, and retain a high-performing professional team.

• Establish performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional development opportunities.

• Promote a collaborative and mission-focused organizational culture.

Producer Relations & Membership Growth

• Cultivate strong relationships with pork producers across Kentucky.

• Foster producer engagement through outreach, leadership development, educational programming, and membership initiatives.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen membership value and increase producer participation.

Public Policy & Advocacy

• Collaborate with producer leaders to develop state and federal policy priorities.

• Represent Kentucky and Southeast pork producers before legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and allied agricultural organizations.

• Monitor policy developments and communicate their impact to producers and stakeholders.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials and policymakers.

Industry Leadership & External Relations

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and public representative for Kentucky and the Southeastern pork industry.

• Represent Kentucky and the Southeast Pork Alliance at state, regional, and national meetings, conferences, committees, and coalitions.

• Strengthen relationships with industry partners, universities, agribusinesses, and commodity organizations.

• Promote the positive contributions of pork producers to consumers, communities, and the agricultural economy.

Animal Health & Industry Preparedness

• Maintain strong working relationships with state and federal animal health officials.

• Coordinate with industry partners to safeguard animal health and continuity of business.

Southeast Pork Alliance Leadership

• Support regional collaboration among participating state pork organizations.

• Assist in developing shared programs, staffing, resources, communications, and advocacy efforts.

Communications & Public Engagement

• Oversee strategic communications, media relations, marketing, and producer outreach efforts.

• Serve as a visible and trusted leader within Kentucky agriculture.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, business administration, public policy, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in agriculture, association management, nonprofit leadership, government affairs, agribusiness, or a related field.

• Experience managing budgets, personnel, organizational operations, and strategic initiatives.

• Demonstrated success working with boards, committees, or volunteer leadership structures.

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills.

·       Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and managing staff,

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the pork industry, livestock production, or agricultural policy.

• Experience in advocacy, government relations, or legislative affairs.

• Experience leading fundraising, sponsorship, grant, or membership development efforts.

• Experience serving as the primary executive leader of an organization, business unit, or association.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking and long-term vision

• Strong financial and business acumen

• Political awareness and advocacy skills

• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement

• Organizational leadership and team development

• Integrity, accountability, and sound judgment

• Adaptability and problem-solving ability

• Excellence in communication and public representation

Position Accountability

The Executive Director/CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for advancing the organization's mission, protecting and promoting the interests of Kentucky pork producers, as well as, Southeastern pork producers, and ensuring the effective stewardship of the Association's financial, human, and organizational resources.

To Apply

To apply, please send the following to jobs@kypork.org

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• 2-3 References

Job listing closes midnight on October 6th.