Family Business Facilitator

AgWest Farm Credit•Spokane, WA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is seeking a Senior Family Business Facilitator to join its Learning and Research department in Spokane, Washington. This full-time role is crucial for supporting family-owned businesses by providing guidance on strategic and succession planning, governance, and conflict resolution to ensure long-term business continuity. The position also involves overseeing the facilitation program operations to align with strategic goals, drive improvements, and deliver solutions that meet evolving customer and business needs. This role is highly impactful, serving as a trusted resource during critical and sensitive transitions for family businesses. Responsibilities include working one-on-one with families in facilitated planning sessions, developing practical resources for all customers, and delivering Business Management Center programs. The work is relational and strategic, focusing on aligning families around people, business, and ownership decisions, thereby advancing AgWest's purpose of helping customers thrive and succeed. Travel is required, and a passion for business strategy and family enterprises is essential.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, organizational development, agriculture economics or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Generally requires five to seven years' experience in business development, agricultural finance or relationship management, with exposure to strategic business planning, succession planning, or advising family-owned businesses
Strong relationship management and consultative skills with experience guiding customers through complex, high-stakes decisions
Strong knowledge of agricultural operations, industry production cycles, and multiple commodities throughout the AgWest territory
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
Ability 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
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight travel throughout the AgWest territory

Nice To Haves

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

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.
Ensure annual priorities and budget are aligned with strategic goals.
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.
Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Other duties as assigned.