The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to join our team in the full-time permanent position of Capacity Development Coordinator.

The Capacity Development Coordinator reports to the General Manager.  The role of the Capacity Development Coordinator (CDC) is to increase outreach and engagement of OFA members, local Federations and Policy Advisory Council (PAC) members across the province.

The successful candidate will provide a key link between OFA members, local Federations and Member Service Representatives (MSR) as well as community and stakeholders to build and maintain the OFA as an exceptional service-driven and grass roots organization.

Increased engagement of members, provision of superior levels of service through relationship management, and contributing to development of organizational and leadership capacity is essential to the success of the position.

Who is OFA?

OFA is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, proudly representing 38,000+ farm family members across the province. OFA is a trusted, producer-led organization that works to represent and champion the diverse interests of Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities. Our work includes government relations, farm policy development, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. We have a strong voice for our members and the agri-food industry on issues, legislation and regulations governed by municipal, provincial and federal governments.

KEY POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Liaison

County/Regional Federations and the Provincial organization

• Develop and promote the use of best practices for organizations, in collaboration with MSR team and local leaders (governance, policies, and procedures).
• Undertake regular communication among Federations and between Federations and the OFA
• Solicit training requirements and co-ordinate training delivery through events such as ‘Federation Forecasts’ to build upon local successes and identified training needs.
• Provide sector updates and best practices to local Federations through virtual or in-person events.
• Maintain an updated County Resource HUB with updated information and documents.

Policy Advisory Council and the OFA

• Work with OFA management, research and PAC members to develop effective PAC meeting agendas, organize PAC meeting facilitation, initiate and follow through on policy development and training requirements.
• Create and maintain a PAC guidebook (electronic and hard copy) and process for ongoing engagement, training and communication.
• Solicit training requirements and co-ordinate training delivery including leadership, communications, governance and advocacy training
  

Proud 2 Lead Committee

• With input and support from a staff committee, coordinate:
  • The development of activities and tools to support regional/provincial training and leadership development.
  • Maintain relationship with Farm Credit Canada for joint promotion of activities, and maintain funding relationship for leadership opportunities within OFA membership.
  • Update, maintain, coordinate OFA bursary program.
  • Coordinate the administration, financial reporting and promotions of the supplemental funding programs for Federations as appropriate.

Development of Regional and Province-wide member engagement programs

• Support leadership development with training and tools.
• Support the communications strategy in informing and engaging members in policy and agricultural advocacy.

Organizational Development

• Assist in identifying organizational strengths and weaknesses, and in developing programs and strategies to enhance and improve OFA effectiveness.
• Support local efforts to address broader issues and concerns within the farming community.

Public Relations

• Encourage and assist PAC members in the development and execution of programs and activities to enhance the public image of farmers and farm organizations.

Support Functions

• Attend OFA functions and events including the annual meeting and convention.
• Provide an active and effective presence for PAC members in the field.
• Track and submit reports and updates on current activities and issues.
• Work in close collaboration with leaders of Administration, Communications, Member Relations, Member Services and Policy Research teams on cross-divisional projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Completion of a minimum two-year post-secondary education from an accredited educational institution or equivalent experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Superior facilitative and organizational skills.
• Effective written, oral and presentation skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative.
• Appreciation and understanding of agriculture in Ontario and the nature of the farming culture.
• Ability to work effectively unsupervised as well as collaborates within an active team.

CORE Competencies

• Accountability: Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work commitments. Follows organizational guidelines, professional standards, regulations and principles. Demonstrates reliability and integrity on a daily basis.
• Adaptability: Adapts and responds to changing conditions, priorities, technologies and requirements. Recognizes new information and ideas with a willingness to alter opinions and behaviours. Applies versatility, reasoning and innovativeness in the face of change. Able to comfortably collaborate in a variety of situations and with diverse individuals.
• Communication: Expresses and transmits information with consistency and clarity; using active listening techniques in order to effectively understand and provide feedback; summarizing information according to the audience in order to promote engagement and increase understanding.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Effectively builds constructive, friendly, professional relationships and networks of key contacts with people and colleagues, maintains partnerships that can provide information, assistance and support.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to break a situation down into smaller pieces to identify key issues; figuring out cause and effect relationships in order to solve them using logic and analytical methods to come to a realistic solution.
• Service Orientation: Gives superior service to both internal and external customers and members.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to reach a common goal.

Job Specific Competencies

• Critical Thinking: Analyzes and interprets data and information gathered from observation, investigations, formal and informal communication, reports, legislation and others in order to develop conclusions.
• Negotiation: Gains support for ideas, proposals and solutions from others; helps others to understand complex initiatives and sensitive situations to resolve disagreements and conflicts; considers other’s opinions while holding strong to firm directions and goals.
• Results Orientation: The ability to focus on desired outcomes, and the means by which they are achieved, by meeting or exceeding standards based on past performance, goals and objectives, as well as the performance and/or achievement of others.

EXPERIENCE

Experience and/or training in the agriculture industry.

Experience in a service/volunteer driven organization is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in an office environment (Guelph, Ontario) as well as out in the field as required.
• Usually works a standard 35-hour work week.
• Will be required to work flexible hours (evening and week end) to attend meetings or events and functions.
• May deal with conflict and member relations issues causing stress at times.
• Spends a frequent amount of time driving to events, meetings and member venues.
• Must be able to manage frequent interruptions and multiple tasks daily.
• Travel required.

BENEFITS & REMUNERATION

• Starting Salary Range: $45,500.00 to $51,000/yr.
• Work week: Hour’s work – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
• Flex time: Once 6-12 months completed, one day remote work, with approval.
• Benefits: OFA’s group benefit program three (3) months upon their Start Date.
  • Health care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Company events
  • Casual dress
  • Day shift
• Pension Plan: OFA defined benefit Pension Plan upon completion of six months (6) of employment. The OFA pension plan is shared 50/50 responsibility between the Employer and the Employee.
• Vacation: Three weeks (15 days) pro-rated yearly.
• Sick time: Sick leave benefits earned/accrued monthly over the course of each calendar year, and personal time as needed, as outlined and limited by policy.
• Mileage Per/Km: Vehicle use will be compensated at a rate of 0.58 cents /km for work related mileage when applicable.
• Travel: Approximately 40%

We wish to thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those who will be considered for an interview will be contacted.  We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity within our workforce. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities act, 2005 and Disabilities Act of Canada, upon request, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Please note that we only recruit individuals who are here in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.

Please submit cover letter and resume by 4:00 pm February 24, 2023 via email directly to hr@ofa.on.ca.