Family Business Facilitator

AgWest Farm Credit•Spokane, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is seeking a Family Business Facilitator II or III to join their Learning and Research department in Spokane, Washington. This full-time role is crucial for supporting the transition of businesses to the next generation, a significant challenge for nearly half of AgWest's customers within the next decade. The position involves acting as a trusted resource and facilitator for family-owned businesses, providing guidance on strategic and succession planning, governance, and conflict resolution to ensure long-term business continuity. The role also includes building and managing client engagements and continuously developing programs, tools, and educational offerings. This is a deeply relational and strategic position focused on helping families align their people, business, and ownership decisions, directly contributing to AgWest's mission of helping customers thrive and succeed. The role requires travel and a passion for business strategy and family enterprises.

Requirements

Generally, requires five to seven years' experience advising family-owned businesses in areas such as strategic business planning, business development, and leadership development, ideally within agriculture, agribusiness or other commodity-driven industries.
Strong consultative skills with experience guiding customers through complex, high-stakes decisions
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
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and/or training in business administration, organizational development, agriculture economics or related field
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, including 45% 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
Strong knowledge of agricultural operations and industry production cycles gained through practical or professional experience

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.
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.