Program Manager

Job Classification: Full-Time; Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: Up to $100,000/year DOE

Organization Overview:

The Wisconsin Soybean Program (WSP) is comprised of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) and the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA).

• WSMB: The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board is the elected board of soybean farmers who oversee the investment of soybean checkoff dollars into new uses, new and existing markets, research, promotion and education to increase farmer profitability.
• WSA: Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) is a grassroots, farmer-led, membership organization. Since the soybean checkoff is prohibited by law from lobbying, WSA works to ensure that sound policies are in place to enhance the future of soybean farming.

Position Summary:

WSP’s Program Manager will help to set direction and program oversight to ensure objectives are met and in-line with WSP’s mission and strategic priorities. Program management (creation, implementation and oversight) will be completed in conjunction with other staff, contractors, and board members. This position will also work on state and national legislative efforts.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage contracts and serve as the main point of contact for contractors providing services.
• Manage program budgets to ensure compliance and proper execution.
• Work with staff and board to develop and implement programs promoting WSP’s interests, including but not limited to international markets, domestic markets, sustainability, outreach and agronomic research.
• Educate legislators, regulators, consumers and other stakeholders on policies that are beneficial to WI soybean producers.
• Direct and support policy initiatives as directed by the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Assist in managing WSA’s fundraising efforts throughout the year.
• Assist in the implementation of WSA’s membership program, including but not limited to membership database management and distribution of renewal notices and member benefits.
• Review proposals and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BS or BA degree or equivalent work experience in agriculture, business administration, marketing or public relations. 
• Ideal candidate will have legislative experience at the state or national level.
• One (1) year of experience or more, in a related role, preferred.
• Highly motivated, organized, accurate and detail oriented with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with computers and related publications software including foundational knowledge of Adobe, Microsoft Office Suite, Docusing, etc.
• Good public relations skills, with evidence of ability to work and communicate with people to ensure effective internal and external relationships.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as job requires, frequent travel (25% ) intrastate, interstate and occasionally internationally.
• Furnish own vehicle for reimbursement of expenses at established federal mileage rate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and programs at the same time.
• General knowledge of agriculture with an emphasis on soybean production a plus.