Summit Search Group has been retained by Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) to recruit its next Executive Director. KAP is Manitoba’s general farm policy organization and a unified voice for farmers on the issues shaping agriculture. Grassroots and member-driven, KAP works with governments, industry and stakeholders to advance practical, evidence-based solutions for Manitoba farmers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Chair of the Board (President), the Executive Director leads all operational activities of the organization while providing strategic leadership and support to the board of directors. This is a highly visible role at the intersection of agriculture, public policy, government relations and organizational leadership. The

Executive Director will translate the Board’s direction and member priorities into action, lead and support KAP’s staff, and serve as a credible and influential voice for Manitoba farmers.

The successful candidate will inherit an organization with an established mandate, an engaged producer-led Board and a clear strategic direction. They will be expected to strengthen KAP’s influence, deepen member and stakeholder engagement, and ensure the organization has the governance, people, systems and funding required for long-term impact.

KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership to advance KAP’s mission and Strategic Plan, translating Board decisions and member priorities into focused work plans and measurable outcomes.
• Lead KAP’s operations across policy, advocacy, communications, membership, programs, finance, human resources and administration.
• Lead all aspects of people management, including performance, mentorship and succession planning, while establishing clear priorities, accountability and a culture grounded in integrity, transparency and solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, providing timely analysis, recommendations and transparent reporting while supporting effective governance and regulatory and bylaw compliance.
• Working in collaboration with the Finance and Operations Manager, ensuring sound financial planning, budgeting, internal controls, funding compliance, reporting and responsible stewardship.

 ADVOCACY, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND PUBLIC LEADERSHIP

• Represent KAP with all levels of government, agricultural organizations, industry leaders and other stakeholders, serving as a spokesperson at meetings, consultations, conferences and public events.
• Strengthen KAP’s position as a respected, non-partisan and solutions-oriented voice for Manitoba farmers.
• Develop and guide evidence-based policy and advocacy strategies, anticipating emerging issues and assessing their potential impact on Manitoba farmers.
• Build coalitions and facilitate cross-sector dialogue to advance shared agricultural priorities.
• Contributing to national advocacy and policy work through KAP’s membership in the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

• Maintain meaningful connections with KAP’s grassroots membership, ensuring producer perspectives remain central to its priorities and decisions.
• Demonstrate clear value to members and support membership growth, retention and long-term engagement.
• Build partnerships with commodity associations, agricultural organizations, sponsors, funders and the broader agricultural value chain to expand KAP’s reach and impact.
• Oversee key initiatives related to farm safety, agricultural labour, environmental farm planning, sustainability and regulatory modernization.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

KAP is seeking a credible, relationship-oriented executive who combines strategic judgment with strong people leadership and the ability to deliver results. The successful candidate will work effectively with an elected, producer-led Board and build constructive relationships across agriculture, government and the broader community.

• Relevant post-secondary education combined with progressive senior leadership experience in agriculture, an industry association, a member-based organization, public policy, government, advocacy or a related environment.
• Strong knowledge of Manitoba and Canadian agriculture, including the economic, regulatory and public-policy issues affecting primary producers.
• Demonstrated success in government relations, policy influence, stakeholder engagement, coalition-building or public affairs, with a deep understanding of how governments operate and make decisions.
• Experience reporting to or working closely with a Board of Directors, with a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and management.
• Proven people leadership and the ability to build alignment, set priorities and support a high-performing team through change.
• Sound financial and operational management capabilities, including budgeting, risk management, funding accountability and organizational planning.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence and judgment to represent KAP publicly and explain complex issues clearly.

 WHY JOIN KAP?

This is an opportunity to lead Manitoba’s general farm organization and advocacy voice for farmers across the province at a consequential time for the agriculture sector. The Executive Director will work directly with farmers and agricultural leaders, shape conversations with government and industry, and help advance solutions that strengthen the future of farming in Manitoba. For a leader who believes in agriculture and the power of a unified producer voice that touches all commodities and agricultural products, the role offers meaningful province-wide impact as well as national leadership opportunities.

A leadership opportunity to advance the voice and priorities of Manitoba farmers.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please contact Gail Eckert at Summit Search Group: gail.eckert@summitsearchgroup.com

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