Family Business Facilitator

AgWest Farm Credit•Spokane, WA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture. AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West. We are in search of a Senior Family Business Facilitator to join our Learning and Research department in Spokane, Washington (Headquarters). This full-time position reports to the VP, BMC and Advising and serves as a facilitator for family-owned businesses, providing guidance on strategic and succession planning, governance, and conflict resolution to support long-term business continuity. It also oversees facilitation program operations to ensure strategic alignment, drive improvements, and deliver solutions that meet evolving customer and business needs. Within the next decade, nearly half of AgWest’s customers will transition their business to the next generation—and they’re looking to us for help. This is a unique, high‑impact role where you will serve as a trusted resource and facilitator during one of the most critical, complex and sensitive chapters in a family business’s journey. In this role, you’ll work one‑on‑one with families in facilitated planning sessions, develop practical resources that support all customers and deliver Business Management Center programs. The work is deeply relational and strategic—helping families align around people, business, and ownership decisions—while directly advancing AgWest’s Purpose and Promise: to help our customers thrive and succeed. If you’re willing to travel, have a passion for business strategy and family enterprises, and are energized by work that makes a lasting difference, we encourage you to apply or reach out to Carl Sohn to learn more about this impactful opportunity. To learn more about AgWest's Family Business Planning, please follow the link below. Family Business Planning After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend. Employees are expected to continue working from their office location a minimum of 50% or 60% of the time depending on location.

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.