2022 Pulse Crop Committee Executive Director

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.

The primary goal of the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing as stated in the enabling legislation, "In order to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of Montana, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage and promote intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of agricultural commodity culture, production, marketing, and the development of markets for commodities grown or produced in Montana.” Legal Authority: (MCA) Section 80-11-1001 through - 1008 Montana Code Annotated. The Montana Pulse Research & Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee.

Application period opens Friday April 8 at 8:00 AM Application period closes Wednesday June 1 at 5:00PM

Applicant must be able to perform in compliance with all applicable Montana rules and laws. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. Additionally, applicants proposing to subcontract or outsource any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of that party as well as provide evidence of their willingness and ability to undertake those tasks.

Proposals for funding will be accepted from: • Public and Private Agencies and Organizations • Business and Industry • Educational Institutions • State & Local Governments • Individuals If two or more individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they should submit one application as co-applicants.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS The Montana Pulse Crop Committee and Montana Department of Agriculture reserve the right to: 1. Reject any or all proposals received in respect to this RFP. 2. Waive or modify minor irregularities in proposals received after prior notification and concurrence of applicant. 3. Clarify the scope of this RFP, within the program requirements and with appropriate notice to all applicants, to best serve the interests of the State of Montana. 4. Amend the RFP specifications after their release, with appropriate written notice to all potential applicants, to best serve the interests of the State of Montana. 5. Require a good faith effort on the part of the project sponsors to work with the Committee and the Department of Agriculture.