Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Dairy MAX

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Position Summary:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for providing the overall leadership of Dairy MAX’s day-to-day business operations, marketing and communication efforts, and wellness programs that demonstrate dairy’s relevance and the responsibility of the dairy community to build trust and affinity for dairy. 

Requirements

Responsibilities include the following:

1. Lead efforts to fulfill the mission of our organization: to promote the consumption and sale of dairy products produced by dairy farmers in the Dairy MAX region
2. Responsible for the overall operation, finances, administration, membership communication, and programming of the organization
3. Solid-line report to President & Chief Executive Officer – Dairy Management Inc.
4. Dotted-line report to the Board Chair – Dairy MAX Board of Directors
5. Provide strategic leadership, direction, inspiration, and support by working with the Board of Directors and staff to establish both short-term and long-range goals, strategies, plans, and programs.
6. Provide representation and build positive relationships on behalf of the organization as its Chief Executive Officer in  dealings with:

• Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI) and Dairy Checkoff state and regional organizations
• Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP)
• Dairy MAX Dairy Processors, Dairy Cooperatives, Allied Ag Industry Organizations
• Other organizations, task forces, committees, individuals, and the general public

Essential Job Functions:

• Foster an organizational culture emphasizing teamwork, flexibility, communication, and inclusion
• Plan, develop and establish strategies and tactics for the organization in accordance with Board directives and the ASPIRE strategic plan (Action, Sustainability, People, Innovation, Reputation and Exports).
• Develop organizational plans and budgets to ensure effective utilization of dairy farmer and dairy processor funding
• Communicate regularly with the Board of Directors and industry leaders.
• Coordinate programs with other national / local dairy organizations

Board Responsibilities:

• Reports regularly to the Board regarding program plans, content and results, budget and financial status of the organization, and other issues of concern to the Board.
• Identifies key issues for Board consideration.
• Attends all Board and Board Committee meetings and participates in Board and Committee meeting discussions.
• Facilitates new Board member orientation.
• Consults with the Board leadership in preparation of the agenda and materials for Board and Committee meetings.

Member, Dairy Industry and Other Communications:

• Develops relationships and maintains frequent communication with key funding sources and Board members. Represents company as a knowledgeable and trustworthy leader responsible for operating the business.
• Manages and coordinates the planning and development of Dairy MAX’s member communications program, including membership building and maintenance.
• Support and maintain regular direct relationships with state ADA’s, co-op management, out-of-area organizations and other organizations involved with and/or producing Dairy MAX income.

Accountabilities:

• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all work accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines.
• Abide by the organization's policies and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• The Dairy MAX CEO has direct supervision over the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and has executive supervision over all staff.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is required.
2. Master’s degree is preferred.
3. Work experience of at least 10 years in marketing, sales, economics, and/ or dairy/agricultural promotion with  senior level supervisory and budgetary responsibilities.
4. Deep understanding of the interest of Dairy MAX dairy farmers, Dairy MAX consumers, and industry partners.  Must also understand US Dairy Checkoff structure and unique qualities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellence in interpersonal and communication skills, including writing and making effective presentations to internal and external partners.
• Knowledge and understanding of advanced financial and management accounting principles, methods, and practices.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and present complex annual financial reports, statements, and/or projections.
• Skill in business and financial planning.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneously, while modeling flexibility as part of a goal-oriented team.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Leadership proficiency.
• Commitment to ethical conduct.
• Exceptional business and team leadership; able to instill a culture of excellence.
• Ability and/or experience in grant writing and fundraising.

Mental and Physical Requirements:

• High mental and visual attention/concentration ability in order to plan complex methods and sequences.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Equipment Used:

• Ability to operate a computer, printer, telephone, photocopier, fax machine, scanner, calculator, and paper shredder.
• Ability to drive a vehicle with a current and valid license.

Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment where there is no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work is also performed on dairy farms, agricultural tradeshows, and in other outside environments. Tolerance of odors and environmental conditions are necessary.

Work Location & Hours:

• The CEO is expected to live in Dallas / Fort Worth, TX Metroplex.
• The CEO shall also be available on an on-call basis as needed, including nights and weekends.

Travel:

• Local, multi-state, national, and international travel is frequently required, and on occasion, travel may be up to 80% or four (4) business days each week.
• There are occasional times during the year when weekend and holiday travel will be necessary.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a visionary team leader and culture builder, who remains dedicated to the mission and Dairy MAX farmers and Board of Directors. Working closely with the Board they must be committed to organizational growth through teamwork. The successful candidate will be a strategic and forward-thinking marketing executive with a track record of increasing sales and growing organizations, possessing a reputation for forming strong personal and professional relationships.

The ideal candidate must also have unquestioned integrity, professionalism and a positive work ethic. They will have strong presentation and communication skills with an outgoing, personable and inclusive management style. They must be an exceptional people leader.  This individual will be a great listener, and viewed as such, who sincerely seeks input from all stakeholders. The ideal candidate will foster a workplace culture and environment where staff look forward to coming to work. The ability to communicate with clarity and motivate people is a critical requirement. The capacity to connect with people at all levels and the humility to accept shortcomings and the thirst for ongoing growth and development is also needed.

The ideal candidate will have a command presence and be a transparent, gifted and engaging communicator, whether speaking one on one or in front of a large audience. This individual will apply applicable business acumen and possess a genuine, visible, infectious passion for advancing the reach of Dairy MAX’s impact in the market.

Benefits

Our comprehensive health and welfare plans offer employer-funded medical, dental, life, EAP and long-term disability.  We also offer generous PTO, holidays, maternity and paid paternal leave plans. We have a 401(K) with employer matching and non-matching contributions. Dairy MAX reserves the right to change or end its benefits plans or programs at any time.