Executive Director

Section 1: About the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preparing the next generation of farmers, leaders and advocates for Georgia’s agricultural industry. Through a continuum of programs, from early education to professional development, GFA creates meaningful pathways into agriculture, helping sustain and strengthen the state’s No. 1 industry.

GFA’s work is delivered through three core programs - SEED, GROW and HARVEST - which together provide a comprehensive lifecycle approach to agricultural education and support. Powered by Georgia Farm Bureau’s 158 county offices, these programs extend GFA’s reach into communities across the state.

SEED introduces elementary students and educators to agriculture through hands-on, STEM-based learning. Anchored by the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom and supported by ready-to-use curriculum, the program brings agriculture to life in classrooms and communities. By fostering early awareness and curiosity, SEED helps students connect to the origins of their food, the environment and the role agriculture plays in everyday life while equipping educators with engaging, accessible tools.

GROW supports students pursuing agricultural careers by providing scholarships, mentorship and leadership opportunities. Serving high school, college and technical education students, the program helps remove barriers to entry and empowers participants to build meaningful careers in agriculture. Whether aspiring to be producers, veterinarians, educators or agribusiness professionals, GROW participants receive financial support and guidance to advance their goals.

HARVEST focuses on strengthening Georgia’s agricultural community by supporting active farmers and producers. The program provides resources for disaster relief, mental health and long-term resilience, ensuring farmers have the tools needed to navigate challenges and sustain their operations. By addressing both immediate needs and systemic challenges, HARVEST reinforces the stability and future of Georgia agriculture.

For more information visit www.gafoundationag.org

​History of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) was established in 2014 by the Georgia Farm Bureau as the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, with a focused mission to advance Georgia agriculture and strengthen communities. As its programs and impact expanded, the organization evolved into the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, adopting a broader, more forward-looking mission: building a sustainable future for agriculture by investing in the next generation of leaders, educators and producers.

GFA’s work is rooted in the legacy and statewide reach of the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia’s largest voluntary agricultural organization, representing more than 200,000 member families. Founded in 1937 by a small group of farmers, Georgia Farm Bureau has grown into a powerful grassroots network that advocates for agriculture, supports farm families and promotes a strong agricultural economy at the local, state and national levels.

Through this partnership, GFA benefits from deep community ties, trusted relationships and a longstanding commitment to ensuring agriculture remains a vital, thriving industry in Georgia for generations to come.

For more information visit: www.gfb.org

Section 2: About the Position   

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.     

With a heart and passion for work that advances agriculture in Georgia, the Executive Director raises funds, provides vision and leadership, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture in order to implement its mission and support the programs of the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation that align with the Foundation’s mission and charitable purpose.

The Executive Director maintains an active external relationship management schedule of solicitation, cultivation and stewardship calls to existing donors and new prospects. Fundraising is an integral part of this role, and candidates must have a demonstrated and successful track record with it.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Lead the fundraising activities; be the fundraiser-in-chief of the organization. This includes raising funds from individuals, foundations and corporations/businesses by soliciting donations, building and maintaining key relationships with donors and other constituents, and being visible in the Georgia agricultural community
• Work with the Foundation’s Board and other key stakeholders to develop and implement short-and long-term strategic plans for the Foundation
• Continually engage and communicate with the Foundation’s Board, including acting as a professional advisor to/motivator for the Board in the area of fundraising
• Identify, assess and inform the Foundation’s Board about internal and external issues that affect the Foundation, in a timely manner
• Be an effective liaison with the Georgia Farm Bureau

Operational Management

• Supervise, develop and evaluate the performance of the Foundation’s Development Coordinator in accordance with the vision and goals of the Foundation and in light of fundraising needs
• Develop and implement an annual operating plan for the Foundation (derived from the strategic plan) and an annual budget to support that plan, and present to the Foundation’s board during the annual budget approval process
• Assure the financial transparency and stability of the Foundation and exercise strong stewardship of resources, including:
  • Meeting or exceeding nonprofit accounting & financial management standards
  • Implementing any recommendations stemming from the annual audit
  • Monitoring, with the Foundation’s Board, investment performance on any surplus funds
  • Administering funds according to the approved budget
  • Managing financial reporting to the Board; and
  • Executing a year-round fundraising plan, including a corporate partnership and sponsorship program, an annual campaign, a major gifts program and a planned giving program
• Ensure that effective processes and procedures are developed and maintained, which promote a good working relationship between staff and the volunteer leadership
• Pursue training and keep current in developments in philanthropy, tax law and fundraising techniques to contribute to the Foundation’s success

 Communication

• Communicate and work with the Foundation’s Board to maintain a board development process and structure and ensure ongoing development of the Foundation’s volunteers
• Be a spokesperson for the Foundation by:
  • Assuring a strong, positive image for the Foundation; and
  • Being visible by leading initiatives, accepting speaking invitations, attending events and participating in activities related to issues affecting agriculture in Georgia
• Create and maintain relationships with press and media, partners, funders and existing and potential donors
• Develop and implement an ongoing plan of communication and outreach with the Foundation’s stakeholders, including newsletters, social media and traditional media

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Seven or more years of recent and focused experience of demonstrated success in fundraising in a non-profit organizational environment, including cultivating and soliciting major and planned gifts from individuals and foundations
• Demonstrated track record of meeting organizational fundraising goals
• Exceptional written and oral presentation and communication skills

• Basic computer skills: experience with Windows, word processing and internet
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License and a driving record that meets the Underwriting requirements of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

 For a complete list of Responsibilities & Requirements, download the Position Profile

To apply for this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/candidate-portal-form.

Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume addressed to the "Search Committee, Executive Director, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture"

To nominate someone for this position, e-mail: nominations@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

John McElveen, Ed.D. will be assisting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture with this search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 478-230-5554 (cell), 256-239-2305 (office) or e-mail jmcelveen@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

Applications for this position will be accepted through June 5, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.