Position Description

The Vermont Farm Show (VFS) Director is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the day-to-day operations of the organization. This includes engaging closely with and leveraging the assets of the Board of Directors. While this is a new position and posted as a part-time, hourly position, it is expected that the role of the VFS Director could increase to a full-time position as the relaunch of the “Show” in 2027 nears. Initially, the Director is expected to work no more than 20 hours per week. The individual filling this key role has room to grow both the organization and the position. 

Organization Description

The VFS mission is to build knowledge and community among farmers and the general public while celebrating Vermont’s diverse agricultural sector. Since the 1930s, the VFS has been serving farmers with an annual gathering that includes farmer association meetings, a tradeshow of diverse service providers, and a product competition. More recently, to showcase some of Vermont’s best agricultural products. the event added a “consumers night” farmers market. The mid-winter event has been enjoyed by folks of all ages who enjoy connecting with farmers and celebrating farming in our state. The VFS held its last event in 2020. A new kind of farm show is envisioned to be launched in 2027.

Key Responsibilities (include but not limited too)

• Financial Management
  • Build, follow, and maintain accounting procedures and policies
  • Collaborate with accounting firm and Board Treasurer to ensure accurate financial records and timely financial reports
  • Oversee financial audits and the annual 990 filing
  • Lead annual budget building
• Generating Revenue
  • Secure event sponsors, advertisers, and exhibitors to generate earned income
  • Create and execute an annual fundraising plan to obtain contributed income from individuals, corporations, and grants
  • Maintain and manage donor records
  • Engage the Board of Directors to raise funds and leverage connections that will build diverse revenue streams and financial stability
• Promotion
  • Website and social media maintenance and content management
  • Build and leverage media relations of all types (print, radio, television, etc.)
  • Enhance e-communication via growing the organization’s mailing list and
  • Educate the State legislature about the VFS work
• Organization Development
  • Create strategic vision and direction in partnership with the Board of Directors using recently collected stakeholder input
  • Create & fill, as needed, staff, volunteer, and intern positions; oversee legal and financial responsibilities related to employing individuals
  • Network; attend events/shows/fairs/association meetings to build partnership and increase the VFS visibility
  • Support the Board of Directors’ work and engage them, appropriately, in the work of the organization
  • Develop systems for and maintain organizational records
• Event Oversight
  • Lead and oversee the planning for the return of an annual Show including but not limited to determining the event location, management, theme/feel, attendee experience, etc. with the support of the Board of Directors
  • Identify the need for and management of event staff, contractor(s), and/or hiring of a management company
  • Build visibility, creating excitement for the return of the Show

Desired Qualifications & Attributes

• Non-profit experience strongly preferred
• Management experience strongly preferred
• Financial management experience preferred
• Fundraising and communication experience preferred
• Self-motivated, collaborative, resourceful, and optimistic
• Good communication skills in both the written and spoken word
• Project management abilities – building through to completion
• Organized with the ability to organize others