Director of Agricultural Programs

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association•Guelph, ON

36d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Agricultural Programs provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization’s suite of agricultural and environmental programs. This role is responsible for guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that advance the organization’s mission and priorities. The Director ensures that all programs are designed and delivered with efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact. Working closely with senior leadership, government partners, and stakeholders, the Director drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and secures sustainable funding to support long-term program success. The position also leads a multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, professional growth, and a culture of continuous improvement within the Programs Department. This role requires a regular in-office presence and in-person engagement—up to four (4) days per week—including collaboration with internal teams and meetings across the region with funding partners, research collaborators, and other external stakeholders.

Requirements

A post-secondary degree in related fields (e.g. natural resource management, agriculture, soil science, biology, agronomy, agricultural biosecurity) is required.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in program management, policy development, and organizational leadership, including at least 8 years in a senior management or director-level role.
Proven success leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs—ideally in agriculture, agri-environmental initiatives, or sustainable resource management.
Strong background in government relations related to program funding, reporting, and compliance.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Experienced team leader and manager with a proven track record of effectively managing change in a dynamic environment.
Skilled in preparing clear, concise reports and documenting processes
Experience in coordinating workflows and analyzing team performance metrics.
In-depth knowledge of Ontario agricultural practices and rural sustainability principles.
Comprehensive understanding of program delivery processes and workflow analysis.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools an asset.
Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, with a focus on clarity, professionalism, and audience awareness.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to support effective decision making and issue resolution.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate team members to achieve individual and collective goals.
Exceptional organizational skills with the capacity to balance multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to interpret financial documentation and assess budget-related components of applications and claims.
Proven ability to work both independently and part of a dynamic, collaborative team.
Demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality, accurate work during periods of high administrative volume.
Adaptable and innovative mindset with a focus on driving continuous process improvement.
Demonstrated leadership and decision-making capabilities in high-pressure or complex situations.
Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and dynamic in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association's core values and code of conduct.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, internally and externally.
Speak, listen, and write in a precise, clear, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools.
Anticipate clients' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner, seeking to provide the highest quality service.
Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve challenges, and make decisions that enhance cross-functional cooperation.
Ability to assess and initiate tasks independently.
Assess role-based situations to determine the importance, risks, and make clear decisions in a timely manner.
Set priorities, develop a task schedule, monitor progress towards deadlines.
View problems as learning opportunities, focus on improving future results.
Value diversity and inclusivity, demonstrating an ability to work effectively with trust across various departments.
Ensuring the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.
Participates in an environment of professional development and personal growth.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in a related field is considered an asset.
A post-secondary degree in public administration, or leadership management is considered an asset.
Professional credentials – Earned from professional associations that verify specialized knowledge in leadership competence. Memberships in professional organizations, (Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Nuffield Agriculture Canada, Professional Agrologist (PAg).
Demonstrated understanding of Ontario agriculture and related topics such as environmental and economic farm sustainability, biosecurity, soil health, water quality, biodiversity, is considered an asset.
Practical farm experience considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for agricultural programs, ensuring all initiatives align with the organization’s overall mission and vision.
Align departmental objectives with the organization’s broader mission, vision, and values, ensuring that programs deliver measurable impact and sustainability across Ontario’s agricultural sector.
Conduct regular program reviews to assess alignment with evolving industry trends, environmental priorities, and policy frameworks.
Work closely with the senior leadership team to set annual and multi-year performance goals, establish benchmarks, and allocate resources effectively.
Provide strategic input into the organization’s planning and reporting processes, contributing to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
Lead the full lifecycle of program development, from initial needs assessment and stakeholder consultation to design, pilot testing (if required), implementation, and evaluation.
Establish clear program objectives, timelines, and performance indicators, ensuring that all activities adhere to funding agreements and internal policies and are realistic to achieve.
Collaborate with program managers and technical specialists to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans that support farmers and environmental stewardship.
Ensure operational excellence in daily program delivery through overseeing the development of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidance materials, and tools that promote consistency, quality and accountability
Identify opportunities to innovate and modernize program delivery using digital tools, partnerships, and adaptive management approaches
Develop comprehensive annual program budgets and long-range financial forecasts, ensuring that all expenditures comply with approved funding agreements and organizational policies.
Oversee financial reporting, cost tracking, and forecasting to maintain fiscal accountability and transparency.
In collaboration with the Director of Membership Services and Business Development, proactively identify and secure new program funding sources through grant writing, proposal development, and stakeholder relationship management.
Evaluate financial performance metrics to ensure programs deliver maximum value and sustainability within available resources.
Lead, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary team of program managers, specialists, coordinators, and analysts.
Establish clear performance goals, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to foster accountability and professional growth.
Promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration, learning, and excellence.
Identify training needs and coordinate professional development opportunities to strengthen staff skills in areas such as project management, stakeholder engagement, and data analytics.
Ensure succession planning and knowledge transfer practices are in place to maintain operational continuity.
Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, agricultural associations, and industry partners.
Serve as a key representative of the organization in program-related meetings, advisory committees, and external forums.
Collaborate with stakeholders to co-develop program initiatives that reflect provincial priorities and ensure broad participation.
Identify and relay to the Director of Membership Services and Business Development, for implementation, communication strategies that enhance transparency, showcase success stories, and highlight program achievements.
Act as an ambassador for the organization, enhancing its reputation and influence within the agricultural community.
Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data to measure program outcomes and impact.
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of data systems by developing standardized reporting templates and quality assurance protocols.
Prepare detailed performance reports for senior management, funding partners, and the Board of Directors, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
Use data analytics to identify trends, inform strategic decision-making, and optimize future program design and delivery.
Promote a culture of evidence-based management and continuous evaluation across all programs.
Represent the organization externally to government bodies, funding agencies, and sector partners to convey producers’ insights that inform and influence future agricultural and environmental policy development. Advocate for program priorities and policy positions that support sustainable and competitive farming practices across Ontario.
Ensure that all programs operate in compliance with relevant legislation, funding conditions, and industry standards.
Participate in consultations, roundtables, and advocacy campaigns that align with the organization’s mission and enhance its visibility as a trusted leader in agricultural programming.
Provide policy analysis and recommendations to the Leadership Council and Board to inform organizational strategy.
Identify, assess, and mitigate potential operational, financial, reputational, and compliance risks associated with program activities.
Develop and implement risk management frameworks, contingency plans, and internal controls to protect program integrity.
Ensure that all team members are trained in relevant risk prevention and crisis management procedures.
Regularly review and update risk mitigation strategies in consultation with leadership and external partners.
Maintain a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving that ensures program continuity and stakeholder confidence.