The United States Sweet Potato Council (USSPC) is requesting proposals for the position of CEO/Executive Secretary. The Executive Secretary is the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Sweet Potato Council. The CEO/Executive Secretary reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.
The position will be hired under contract with the USSPC, and will be considered a contractor, not an employee of the USSPC. The board of directors serves as governing authority for the USSPC and also the authority for defining the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Secretary.
Job Location: This position can be based anywhere within the contiguous US.
Overview of the USSPC
The United States Sweet Potato Council is non-profit organization for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the sweet potato industry of the United States in all aspects includes programs to increase consumption; further research and development; and provide useful and practical information to its membership, allied industries and the general public. Membership consists of individuals or companies involved in the sweet potato industry in the USA and also includes state associations and allied industries. Membership dues are voluntary.
Duties
The Executive Secretary is the Chief Executive Officer of the USSPC and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives in the areas of program development and administration; communications; budget and finance; as well as personnel whether staff or volunteers.
The Executive Secretary shall report to the Board two times annually, providing a written summary of progress made toward organizational goals and objectives, his/her general administrative activities during the period, his/her membership activities on behalf of the organization, attendance at conferences, etc. The Executive Secretary will establish a line of communication with the board of directors, various committees and will routinely work with the directors/presidents of the state associations.
Specific responsibilities:
- Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
- Provide leadership in developing programs, new policies/procedures, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board.
- Promote active and broad participation by membership/volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.
- Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
- Maintains an effective staff organization and performance to assure attainment of objectives and service to the members.
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
- Keep abreast of possible marketing opportunities that will fit within the constraints of a limited budget.
- Develop working relationships with USDA personnel, and appropriate Congressional members and staff.
In communications, the Executive Secretary will:
- See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
- Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.
- Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.
- Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
In relations with staff, the Executive Secretary will:
- Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
- Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
- See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
- Encourage staff and membership/volunteers development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
- Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.
In budget and finance, the Executive Secretary will:
- Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
- Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
- Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.
- Jointly, with the president and secretary of the board of directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.
Traits, Skills and Abilities
- Innovative and creative
- Desire to achieve and succeed
- Goal oriented
- Self‐starting
- Good business and management background
- Systems and procedures oriented
- Must be able to anticipate future problems
- Must have the ability to both motivate and lead people
- Must be politically and diplomatically astute
- Considerable overall knowledge of sweet potato production, marketing and the sweet potato industry
- Considerable knowledge of educational and promotional
Proposal Responses
It is understood that the proposer may be an individual, or a company.
- Detail your experience in providing consulting services to organization(s) in the not-for-profit sector or related groups such as farm or commodity associations.
- Provide a brief description of your company’s history.
- Discuss your independence with respect to the United States Sweet Potato Council.
- Provide your promotional & communications experience as well as grant writing and grant management experience.
- List your past/current clients with their contact information.
- List five (5) references for whom you have provided executive level management, including company name, contact name, address, phone number and email.
- Provide your contact information, website and other information related to professional experience.
- Outline your proposed annual costs and fees.
- If you are an individual, include your resume along with your proposal.
Deadline to Submit the RFP: Submission of a proposal to be delivered by Monday, December 15, 2014.
