Strategic Account Manager

WHAT WE DO

We love the dairy community, and we want to see our farm families and allied businesses succeed. That’s challenging without sensible, scientifically sound and sustainable policies and regulations at the local, state and federal levels. We collectively serve the members of the individual organizations that make up the Voice of Milk, including dairy farmers, agri-businesses, dairy product processors and other supporters. We also lead Farmers for Sustainable Food, a multi-state sustainability initiative designed to bring data-driven sustainability programs to farmers and processors, including management of the Edge Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program.


POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for a self-driven, responsible and goal-oriented individual who is passionate about helping dairy farmers and their families succeed. Our team of Strategic Account Managers (SAMs) deliver the critical communication and services our members need to meet policy, regulation and sustainability challenges in a defined area. As a SAM, you will deliver our expanding suite of services to current and potential members, including working closely with local farmer-led conservation groups looking to build data-driven sustainability programs in their communities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Member Engagement

• Contact, visit, and assess current and prospective members to explain member benefits and describe core objectives, programs and services of the organizations.
• Solicit farmer memberships in all Voice of Milk organizations in alignment with strategic growth goals.
• Complete sustainability program enrollment and data collection.
• Complete on-farm check-ins with members to communicate organizations’ objectives and obtain member feedback.
• Provide regulatory support services at the local, state and national level in conjunction with a team of staff within the Voice of Milk.
• Visit assigned labs for in-person or virtual monthly verification checks.
• Support and strengthen the communications between the farmer and their processor, to ensure a strategic and long-term relationship that meets their collective goals.

2. Sustainability Project Enrollment and Execution

• Within assigned territory, leads the execution of farmer-member contracts for all sustainability programs. This includes introductory meetings with farmers to review project opportunities and requirements, explanation of all paperwork and support completing paperwork.
• Data Collection:
  • Lead and support data collection for grant-funded or dairy processor supply chain projects within assigned Edge and state association territory.
  • Work directly with farmers and project partners to collect required data; organize farm visits, conduct phone calls, and correspond via email to obtain necessary farm data in specified timeline.
  • Provide support / engage in review of farm-level reports with farms in territory.
  • Coordination with processor on project alignment.

3. Farmer-Led Group Management

• Serve as a liaison for farmer-led group(s) in territory to represent Voice of Milk and provide support to the group as outlined below.
• Support Management:
  • Board support – meeting schedule, agendas, minutes, updates, activities as needed with a group or groups in Wisconsin
  • Support management of cost share program and member conservation practice survey
  • Maintain membership, sponsorship and other contact lists, coordinate renewals and track new sponsors and members
  • Document necessary information to support grant reporting
  • Support gathering of information for and development of annual reports for all organizations and FSF
    Outreach and Education:
  • Expand organization membership and partnerships in connection with strategic growth goals.
  • Work with a key contact from each group to organize events
  • Assist with promotion, materials, speakers, and other event logistics
  • Attend Farmers for Sustainable Food board meetings as needed
  • Communicate and coordinate with other contractors and FSF team to execute other initiatives as needed
    
    

EDUCATION

Minimum Associate’s Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Business, Communications and/or Sales (or equivalent) preferred, or equivalent of 4+ years verifiable experience in position with similar duties


EXPERIENCE

Minimum 3-5 years' experience working with farmers
Previous experience in the agriculture industry preferred


CORE SKILLS

• Strong communication skills, oral and written
• Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook and solid grasp of web technologies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Strong reasoning, judgment and negotiation skills
• Project management skills
• Ability to work as a team, coordinating efforts toward organizational goals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to prioritize, organize and manage a variety of projects with deadlines
• Ability to assess a situation and determine the best course of action (Independent judgment)
• Ability to function independently where appropriate but to recognize when issues escalate and need to be referred to other resources.