Executive Director

Overview

Job

Agency:
Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location:

Sioux Falls, SD

Salary: $72,683.28-$81,745.20/annually, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: L

Closing Date: 10/06/2025

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for working with farmers? The South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (SDSRPC) and the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) are seeking a dynamic individual to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and champion the future of soybeans in South Dakota and beyond.

What You’ll Do:

As the Executive Director, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the soybean industry’s future. You’ll:

• Lead with Vision: Guide strategic initiatives that position SDSRPC and SDSA for long-term growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving global market.
• Drive Impact: Oversee programs that promote soybean use, expand markets, and support cutting-edge research and education domestically and internationally.
• Collaborate with
  
  Purpose:
  
  Work closely with the Boards of Directors to align on mission, vision, and strategic direction.
• Build Partnerships: Forge strong relationships across the agriculture value chain, maximizing investment and influence.
• Ensure Excellence: Manage budgets, staff, and operations with integrity and efficiency, ensuring compliance with all checkoff regulations and organizational goals.
• Champion Policy: Coordinate SDSA’s efforts at the state, federal, and international levels, advocating for policies that benefit South Dakota soybean producers.

This is a chance to lead mission-driven organizations that support South Dakota’s farmers, drive innovation, and strengthen our state economy. You will be a partner with dedicated professionals and producers who are passionate about making a lasting impact.

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
• Well-Being Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
• Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System
• Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
• Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
• Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
• Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Semimonthly Pay Periods

For additional information regarding the benefits offered to state employees, .

This is a full time position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources – Soybean Council. For more information on the Soybean Council, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Bachelor’s degree in business, organizational leadership, agriculture, or a closely related field, paired with a strong track record of effective administrative and supervisory leadership.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing large, complex budgets; overseeing diverse teams; and administering multiple contracts.

• Proficient in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business periodicals, financial reports, legal documents, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Skilled at guiding staff, contractors, and board members to achieve goals in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
• Strong public relations abilities with a proven record of building and maintaining effective internal and external relationships.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment in developing, implementing, and evaluating plans, procedures, and policies.
• Experienced in planning, directing, and coordinating activities; negotiating and administering contracts; and collaborating with producers, vendors, government agencies, commodity groups, and multiple organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, consulting, and strategic planning prowess.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to balance multiple short and long-term projects.
• Adept at developing and executing strategies aligned with organizational goals, communicating and justifying tactics to the boards and industry stakeholders, and overseeing multi-million-dollar initiatives.
• Innovative, creative leader able to pivot quickly between topics and leverage experience to…