Chief Executive Officer

POSITION SUMMARY: ​

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Pursuant to the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and its

subsequent regulations, The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) at the United Soybean Board (“USB”) is

ultimately accountable to and under the authority of the Board of Directors, comprised of farmer-

leaders. The CEO is expected to work transparently and in collaboration with the Board and its various

committees to develop and implement the Board’s vision for the strategic, operational, and

administrative functions of the organization in alignment with its regulatory and statutory mission to

maximize the profitability and sustainability of U.S. soybean farmers. The CEO gives voice to the Board.

The CEO’s performance and specific goals are reviewed and set yearly by USB’s elected Executive

Committee.

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Some Combination of One or all of the Following Skills and Experience is Required:​

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field.

• 15+ years of experience in the agricultural, non-profit, and/or government sectors.

• 5+ years of executive-level administration experience.

• Expert understanding of the agriculture industry and/or commodity checkoff programs.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:​​

Administrative:

• In consultation with the Board and any of its appropriate committees, and with approval from the Board and any of its appropriate committees for any employment action involving compensation, title or essential duties, performance reviews, discipline, demotion, termination, or shift in organizational structure; manage all senior staff including senior contracted staff.

• In consultation with the Board and any of its appropriate committees as well as the Executive Vice President of Compliance, manage all other staff including contracted staff.

• In consultation with the Board and any of its appropriate committees as well as the Executive Vice President of Compliance; and with approval from the Board and any of its appropriate committees where appropriate or designated by the Board or any of its appropriate committees, direct all HR-related activities, including supporting the implementation of Board approved policies, processes, procedures, and documentation practices. Design and infuse a culture of strategy, performance, and collaboration in alignment with USB’s statutory and regulatory mission, vision, and goals.

• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.

• In consultation with the Executive Vice President of Compliance, conduct regular feedback, guidance, and recognition conversations to ensure staff performance and career development, reporting to the Board and/or various Board committees and seeking approval from the Board and/or various Board committees where appropriate and/or required by the Board or by statute or regulation.

• Work with the Executive Vice President of Finance and/or other leadership designated by the Board to direct, develop, and manage USB’s approved annual budget, reporting any changes to and seeking approval for the same from the Board and/or various appropriate Board committees.

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PROGRAM SUPPORT: 

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• In consultation with and with approval from the Board and any of its appropriate committees, develop USB’s long-term goals in promotion, research and education.

• In consultation with the Executive Vice President of Communications & Operations and/or other leadership designated by the Board, communicate the Board’s strategic vision and guidance across the soybean checkoff program and the soybean industry.

• In consultation with the Executive Team and/or other leadership designated by the Board, connect the Board’s strategic goals to its financial and operations plans.

• Obtain approval from the Board through collaborating with the Board and the Executive Vice President of Strategy and/or other leadership designated by the Board to define and implement Board approved strategic plans and operational objectives.

• In consultation with the Executive Vice President of Compliance and/or other leadership designated by the Board, administer all Board approved organizational contracts, agreements, and vendor relations, reporting to the Board all documentation required by the Board or any of its approved committees.

• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President of Communications & Operations and/or other leadership designated by the Board to present a consistent and positive message in public communications.

• Demonstrate excellent public speaking, team building, motivation, and encouragement skills in support of USB.

• In consultation with the Executive Team and with approval (where required by statute, regulation, or the Board) from the Board or its appropriate committees, engage and manage relevant contractors, including overseeing request for proposals, service level agreements, deliverables, business performance, and relationships.

• Always represent the voice and interests of U.S. soybean farmers ensuring transparent, timely, and responsive communication with stakeholders.

• Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned by the Board or its appropriate committees.

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AUDIT & EVALUATION:

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• ​In timely consultation with the Board and the Executive Vice President of Compliance and/or other leadership designated by the Board, oversee USB’s strategy for Qualified State Soybean Boards and contractor compliance.

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USDA: 

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• Under the direction of the Board and in conjunction with the Executive Vice President of Compliance, monitor and manage USB legal and regulatory compliance and filings.​

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Physical Functions: 

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• Ability to sit 75-100% of the workday.
• Capacity to lift or move up to 25 pounds. 

• Daily computer usage and typing. 

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REPORTS TO:  Board of Directors

DEPARTMENT: Executive

SUPERVISES: Executive Vice President, Finance; Executive Vice President, Compliance (in conjunction with the Executive Committee of the Board); Executive Vice President, Strategy; Executive Vice President, Communications & Operations

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Salaried Position

TRAVEL: Approximately 35%

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USB is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion or discharge will be based on

merit, performance and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, marital status, national

origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status or any other status

protected under federal, state or local laws.

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