The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to join our Member Relations Representative team.

The Member Relations Representative (MRR) is responsible for the successful facilitation, coordination and delivery of OFA memberships within the Ontario region.
The Member Relations Representative provides superior level of key services essential to the success of the position and ensures timely communication response to OFA member inquires. As well as constructive links and collaboration between members and OFA field team.

Will endeavour to build and maintain the OFA as an exceptional service–driven organization by providing superior level of service, through relationship management, effective public relations and active participation in the delivery of benefits and services. Discretion and confidentiality must be maintained at all times while executing this job function.

 

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Member Relations:

• Often the first point of contact is for incoming telephone communications from OFA members.
• Respond to all farmer-member inquires or questions through active investigation, maintain superior relationships, consultation, provide potential solutions or direct them to their Member Services Representative (MSR) in the field for effective resolution options.
• Handle complex and escalated customer service issues.
• Direct inquires if needed to appropriate source.
• Provide information on all Member Benefits.

Administration Support:

• Complete all administration tasks, maintaining accurate information in OFA membership database.
• Coordinate FBR card and receipt mail outs to printing house.
• Process yearly FBR refunds into database.
• Coordinated mailing of membership agreements.
• Entering membership agreements into database.
• Process new IFM & ASC memberships.
• Monthly processing of member renewal invoices and process associated payments.
• Process IFM & ASC membership card and receipts (in the office)
• Provided mailing labels and lists to OFA MSR’s and County Federations when required.
• Assist with development or updating of Member Relation literature.
• Provide general OFA staff support as needed.
• Annual OFA convention registration duties.

Other:

The MRR will continue to seek opportunities to further them. They also will continue to seek to improve their skills through various learning opportunities. Assist Manager to compile and maintain statistical information. Perform other related duties as required in support of OFA and all departments. Perform other related duties as required.

 

Qualifications

Education:

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

 Experience:

• Experience in a member service/volunteer driven organization is preferred.
• Fluent English, written and verbal required.
• Agricultural background or experience is an asset.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Superior delivery of customer service excellence and organizational skills.
• Above average computer abilities.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and oral.
• Knowledge of relevant software – MS Office Products, Membership Database Management, Spreadsheets, E-mail, Internet, Social Media.
• Proven track record of attention to detail and accuracy in the accumulation and transfer of information.
• Demonstrates discretion and adheres to confidentiality in handling delicate or complex situations.
• Appreciation and understanding of agriculture in Ontario and the nature of the farming culture.
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative and self-management as well as collaborates within an active team in an ever-changing environment.
• Exceptional people skills with the ability to interact with providing solutions or collaboration with Manager and Member Services team.
• Proven track record of providing solutions when meeting everyday challenges of problem solving .
• Written and verbal communication in French and asset.

 Working Conditions:

• Works in an office environment from the OFA Head office in Guelph, Ontario.
• Usually works a standard thirty-five-hour work week, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
• Willingness to work outside of normal office hours when required (events, meetings etc.)
• May experience tight deadlines and stressful conditions at times.
• Spends a frequent amount of time sitting and looking at a computer screen.
• Spends a large amount of time on the telephone.
• Is required to maintain high levels of concentration and attention to detail for extended periods.
• May encounter and need to manage stress at times due to competing work priorities and conflicts arising from OFA policy positions adopted without the benefit of full consensus.
• Must be able to manage frequent interruptions and multiple tasks daily.
• Some travel and operation of a motor vehicle is required.

Benefits & Renumeration

• Starting Salary: range $55,000-65,000/yr.
• Work week: Hours of work – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. (35-hours)
• Benefits: OFA’s group benefit program, three (3) months upon their Start Date.
  • Health care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Disability insurance, LTD (employee paid)
  • Family & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP)
• 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, (twelve – 12 days)
• Personal Time: 35 hours of personal time as needed, outlined and limited by policy (annually pro-rated).
• Volunteer Time: 21 hours of volunteering within your community with a recognised charity group per year is available as per policy.
• Mileage Per/Km: Vehicle use will be compensated at a rate per km for work related mileage when applicable, following policy.

 

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 provided feedback; summarizing information according to the audience in order to promote engagement and increase understanding.

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.

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.

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:

Analytical Thinking: Applies systematic, logical reasoning when addressing problems or situations in order to arrive at an appropriate solution or outcome. Considers the various issues and components of the problem, develops sequential steps to address the situation and determines rational timeframes and priorities.

Decision Making: Makes concrete, well-informed and thoughtful decisions that support the overall organization. Has the ability to make quick effective decisions even when data and details are limited. When making unfavourable decisions that might have negative consequences will examine the impacts and potential implications to ensure that the decision is valid for the situation.

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 others’ opinions while holding strong to firm directions and goals.

Organizational and Environmental Awareness: Shows commitment to the organizational vision and strategic goals by acting in accordance with organizational expectations and through having a solid understanding of the internal environment. Uses knowledge of organizational practices, policies and procedures to solve issues and accomplish goals. Complies with and enforces organizational policies, procedures and practices.

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.

Strategic Thinking: Analyzes and interprets the strategic direction of the organization, has a clear and firm understanding of the vision, mission, values and objectives of the workplace, uses that information to develop responsibilities, tasks, goals and initiatives that align with long term plans and growth.

 

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. You may reach out to request an accommodation via email: hr@ofa.on.ca or phone: 519-821-8883 Ext.282.

 

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume, in confidence, to the Attn: Human Resources no later than July 4, 2025, by 4 pm. directly to hr@ofa.on.ca . Late applications may not be accepted.

We wish to thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those who will be considered for an interview will be contacted.

 

Application deadline: July 4, 2025
Expected start date: July 14, 2025 (some flexibility)