Comprehensive Profile

Organizational Overview:

Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (SPF) is a respected organization with a 35-year legacy of safeguarding agricultural interests in Skagit County.  Formed to protect farmland from development, SPF early on advocated for and informed the county’s Skagit Valley Right to Farm Ordinance.  

Skagit County is known as some of the most agriculturally productive and valuable farmland in the world. Over 80 different crops, plus livestock, are raised on more than 80,000 acres in the Skagit Valley.  SPF is supported by over 1,200 members and enjoys strong community backing and stable funding. People all over the region embrace SPF and are passionate supporters of the organization’s work. SPF is a healthy, financially stable organization with an active, engaged, supportive, multigenerational Board. 

SPF’s mission encompasses land protection, public policy advocacy, outreach, education, and event coordination, all guided by a strategic plan. The organization excels in engaging politically diverse farming community members, bridging stakeholder gaps, and hosting collaborative events to foster understanding.  SPF’s collaborative efforts with Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy Program have led to securing thousands of acres of prime farmland for future generations.

As SPF’s new Executive Director, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and ensure the organization’s future, influence public policy, and contribute to the well-being of broader community while building on the credibility SPF has established over the decades.  With a vibrant culture, active lifestyle and breathtaking surroundings in Skagit County, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of Washington State’s most desirable areas.

A more detailed history of SPF can be found here. 

You can find more information about SPF’s current priority work here. 

Vision:  

Successful farmers and protected farmland guaranteed for present and future generations. 

Mission: 

Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland exists to ensure the economic viability of Skagit County agriculture and its required infrastructure through farmland protection, advocacy, research, education, and public awareness. 

Key Values:

• Stewardship of the Land
• Strategic and Collaborative Leadership
• Being Responsive, Responsible, and Persistent
• Being Community-Based, Civic-Minded, and Visible
• Economic Viability and Quality of Life
• Being Financially Prudent

Position Overview:

SPF is seeking a dedicated and visionary Executive Director to lead its mission of farmland preservation in Skagit County, Washington. This role involves overseeing all organizational functions, including informing strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Working closely with the board, the ED will develop and implement the strategic plan and programs promoting sustainable agriculture and farmland preservation.

Key attributes in the preferred candidate include proficiency in policy, communication, PR, fundraising, and management. While local knowledge is helpful, skills and dedication to our mission take precedence. The ideal candidate can navigate complexities, prioritize short-term decisions with long-term sustainability, and foster team cohesion. SPF seeks a proactive leader adept in collaboration, policy work, and maintaining consistent branding and messaging, and with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

The Executive Director reports to SPF’s board of directors, manages an annual budget of $560,000 (FY 2024), and manages a team of one employee and multiple contractors.

Qualifications: 

• Experience serving as an Executive Director, Deputy Director, CEO, COO, CAO, or similar role(s)
• Broad understanding of running nonprofit organizations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated success in building and stewarding effective relations with government entities and community stakeholders.
• Acumen for board engagement and development.
• Demonstrated ability to create a shared vision and motivate others to join in realizing this vision.
• Commitment to evidence-based decision-making and continual improvement.

We welcome candidates with a range of life and business management expereince, personal identities, and backgrounds.

Commitment to:

• SPF’s mission, vision, and values
• Farmland preservation and continuing the legacy of farming and agriculture in the Valley.
• Serving the wide array of Skagit Valley communities

Ability to:

• Develop and execute a strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Translate high-level business priorities into actionable initiatives.
• "Connect the dots" and generate business plans for the future.
• Be a solutions-focused, collaborative, strategic thinker.
• Foster collaboration with varied constituencies.
• Communicate in an open, honest, transparent, and timely manner.
• Forge strategic partnerships.
• Steward an organization-wide culture of sustainability.
• Lead with humility, a growth mindset, and with integrity.
• Represent the organization and communicate its impact effectively.
• Maintain resilience and humor in the face of challenges and change.

Skilled in:

• Fundraising & grant writing
• Policy advocacy
• Succession planning
• Relationship development and stewardship
• Budgeting/financial management
• Board relations & board development
• Public speaking
• Community relations
• Navigating complex policy issues
• Coaching and developing a team

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, exempt position with a target starting compensation range of $100,000 - $125,000 depending on experience. SPF offers a competitive benefits package, including:  

·       Employer retirement match 

·       Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick leave, Holidays 

·       Medical Insurance

Application Process:

The position is open until filled. Candidate materials are reviewed on an ongoing basis. To be considered, follow the link below to submit a resume and a two-page (or less) cover letter addressed to Board President Kim Good Rubenstein.

Apply now to be part of our dedicated team!

Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (SPF) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SPF complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.