The Montana Pulse Crop Committee invites proposals from individuals to serve as Executive Director for the Committee. The recipient of this award will be responsible for various administrative, analytical, communications, and market development activities to support the Committee. Applicants will be eligible for up to three years of funding.
Proposals should address the following essential functions:
1. Administrative duties to serve as the primary point of contact for the Committee. Knowledge of the various aspects of MPCC programs and services is critical.
a. Maintain phone number and e-mail to be utilized as the primary contact for the MPCC.
b. Coordinate incoming and outgoing mail services of all types to ensure timely delivery of correspondence and materials.
c. Prepare, draft, edit, proof, and finalize for signatures as necessary correspondence, reports, and documents for the Committee.
d. Correspond with members for preparation of Committee meetings. Prepare all documentation necessary for meetings, arrange travel and accommodations for members.
e. Complete routine maintenance and repairs of office equipment.
f. Communicate with growers the programs and services provided through the Pulse Checkoff program. Prepare communications from growers to ensure their concerns and suggestions are brought to the attention of the Committee.
g. Establish a communications process with MWBC to track pulse checkoff assessment collections.
h. Communicate with farmers requesting a refund to express the importance of the services and programs provided, and to collect constructive criticism for the Committee to review.
2. Technical assistance and online communications management for the Committee.
a. Provide technical support to the applicants and Committee members.
b. Coordinate with grant applicants to explain corrective measures, facilitate application approval, and ensure eligibility and compliance with State and Committee policies.
c. Create and maintain, with the guidance of the Committee, a social media presence for the Committee.
d. Gain knowledge through grower communications to create and maintain a database of processors and brokers purchasing commodities as first party from growers and communicate with the Department to insure proper licensing and checkoff assessment.
3. Market development and grower education activities.
a. Develop a deep understanding of the pulse industry, to include creating relationships with growers, processors, brokers, buyers, and government affiliates.
b. Support market information and public relations with reports and presentations to growers and pulse buyers by staying up to date on current global trends and issues in agriculture, including but not limited to trade policy and consumer food trends.
c. Attend, at the direction of the Committee, trade shows and agricultural events with relevance to the pulse industry.
d. At the direction of the committee, facilitate support of trade missions in and out of the State.
4. Physical and environmental demands to perform essential functions.
a. Create and maintain a safe and secure working environment as well as implementing best practices to mitigate injury, illness, and loss prevention.
b. Travel as required within state, out of state, and possibly internationally.
5. Knowledge, skills, and abilities.
a. Knowledge through education and/or experience with pulse crop production, utilization, processing, marketing, transportation, and storage.
b. Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
c. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, social media platforms, and remote meeting platforms.
d. Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically both verbally and in writing.
e. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
f. Ability to work independently and in a team setting and follow through on tasks and communication.
g. Ability to learn new software and new electronic device functionality.
h. Effective and efficient organization skills.
i. Ability to interpret and apply general guidelines, standards, and policies to specific circumstances.
j. Ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationships.
In accordance with MCA Section 80-11-1003, the executive offices of the Committee must be established at a location within the State of Montana. The location may be changed at the discretion of the Committee and the Department of Agriculture Director.