Executive Director

About Philo Ridge Farm

Philo Ridge Farm (PRF) is a certified organic farm spanning 500 acres in Charlotte, Vermont, nestled in the Champlain Valley near Burlington. With ten years of production experience, PRF serves as a model for small-scale farming that benefits both the land and the farmer while serving the local community. Collaborating with institutions like the University of Vermont and the Vermont Land Trust, PRF evaluates its impacts on soil health, crop and pasture productivity, water quality, carbon sequestration, and wildlife populations to promote regenerative agriculture. The farm sustains a livestock program grazing over 300 acres, including ewes, lambs, pigs, chickens, and 100 Belted Galloway cattle. A focused garden program cultivates organic produce and flowers on two acres using sustainable practices. All products are processed on-site and sold through dining and market facilities designed to support a nutrient cycle and foster community gatherings year-round. PRF recently transitioned to a nonprofit foundation dedicated to maintaining the farm as a community asset and working land, emphasizing values like curiosity, empathy, honesty, humility, and open conversation.

Role Overview

The Executive Director is the farm’s senior leader responsible for overseeing daily operations throughout the year, with peak activity from May to October. This role includes managing diverse teams in agriculture, market and event spaces, food service, hospitality, and processing facilities for produce and meat. Responsibilities encompass operational management, financial oversight, leadership development, communications, marketing, human resources, and administration. The Executive Director acts as the primary representative of PRF’s mission and core values to both local and broader food and agriculture communities. Reporting to the PRF Foundation Board, this position requires living locally and combining strategic thinking with hands-on leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop annual and five-year strategic plans collaboratively with the Board.
• Align organizational structures, staffing, and budgeting with strategic goals.
• Implement and refine performance metrics across the organization.
• Maintain consistent communication with the Board about operations and performance.
• Embody and promote the farm’s mission, vision, and values.
• Provide strategic oversight for current and future initiatives, including Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing.
• Recruit, train, coach, and support managers and staff to foster a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Ensure accountability and professionalism throughout the team.
• Address staff issues and interpersonal conflicts through support and accountability.
• Assist the Board with new business unit and team development.
• Oversee day-to-day farm operations and property management.
• Coordinate communication and collaboration among managers, teams, owners, vendors, and providers.
• Integrate cross-department efforts within established budgets and timelines.
• Administer HR policies and manage employee terminations as needed.
• Maintain compliance with permits, licenses, insurance, and administrative obligations.
• Manage all financial aspects of the farm, including budgets, reporting, and forecasts.
• Coach business unit managers to achieve planning and operational goals.
• Produce detailed quarterly reports on operations and financial performance.
• Balance management objectives with research and education goals.
• Collaborate with legal, accounting, and HR consultants to ensure regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Build and enhance PRF’s reputation and engagement regionally and nationally.
• Represent PRF publicly within Vermont and at broader forums.
• Promote the farm’s role within relevant agricultural and food industry circles.
• Work with the Board to structure meetings and communications effectively.
• Monitor budget adherence and regularly report financial data to the Board.
• Prepare operational data to support informed Board decision-making.
• Encourage founding Board members’ active contribution to PRF’s ongoing growth.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with nonprofit organizations of comparable size and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams united by a shared mission.
• Experience in place-based organizations serving public members is preferred.
• Agricultural and hospitality experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Skill in identifying and leveraging strategic business opportunities.
• Strong business acumen, financial insight, and entrepreneurial skill within business or nonprofit sectors.
• Capacity to build trustworthy, effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Exceptional public presence and leadership at local, regional, and national levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret financial reports and formulate practical responses.
• High computer proficiency, particularly advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor's degree or higher is preferred.

Compensation

This salaried position offers compensation exceeding $100,000 annually.