Vice President or Sr. Vice President, Producer and State Engagement (Des Moines)

The National Pork Board (NPB) is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven leader to serve as Vice President or Senior Vice President, Producer & State Engagement . This executive leadership role is responsible for strengthening NPB’s relationships with pork producers and state pork associations while leading programs, services and engagement efforts that create value for producers across the country.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior/Vice President will lead the Producer & State Engagement team and serve as a key connection between NPB, state pork associations, Checkoff investors and other industry partners. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who understands association environments, builds trusted relationships and is comfortable engaging with producers, volunteers and industry leaders throughout the country.

What You’ll Do

Lead Producer & State Engagement

• Develop and strengthen organizational relationships with pork producers, state pork associations and other key industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary connection between NPB and state pork association executives, presidents and staff.
• Ensure state Checkoff leaders remain informed and engaged regarding NPB plans, programs, activities and opportunities.
• Represent NPB at state annual meetings, producer meetings, Board and advisory committee meetings and other industry events.
• Listen to and understand state and producer needs, concerns and opportunities and help connect them with appropriate NPB resources and programs.

Lead the Team & Set Direction

• Lead, coach and develop a collaborative Producer & State Engagement team with responsibilities spanning state relations, training and development, grant administration and service to the industry.
• Develop annual plans for Producer Services, Producer Education and Producer Outreach.
• Provide leadership and decision-making for state and producer relations and producer education programs.
• Oversee a significant departmental budget and ensure resources are effectively aligned with organizational priorities.

Advance Producer & Industry Leadership

• Coordinate industry leadership development activities and programs serving states and producers.
• Lead programs and services delivered through state associations, third-party channels and directly to producers.
• Help identify and cultivate producer leaders for participation on NPB advisory committees and other leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate with allied organizations and industry partners to strengthen relationships and advance shared opportunities.
• Support programs across areas including producer services, certification and training, industry outreach and industry relations.

What You’ll Bring

• Association management and/or organizational management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching and developing teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with producers, volunteers, association leaders, staff, and other industry stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong listening skills and the judgment to know when to listen, when to ask questions, and when to provide direction.
• Strong organizational, planning, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in an association environment with multiple stakeholders, perspectives and priorities.
• Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships across all segments of the producer community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, personnel management, agriculture, or related field.
• Experience working within agriculture, pork production, commodity organizations, or agricultural associations.
• Experience working with state or national membership/producer organizations.
• Experience developing or delivering leadership development, education or outreach programs.
• Sales and/or marketing experience.
• Experience managing a significant departmental budget.
• Demonstrated success working with volunteer leaders, boards, committees, or advisory groups.

Travel

This is a highly relationship-focused role requiring a significant amount of time engaging with producers, state associations, and industry partners throughout the country.

• Frequent domestic travel of approximately 50% or more is required.
• Regular attendance at state association meetings, producer events, industry meetings and NPB Board and advisory committee meetings is expected.
• Valid driver’s license and/or passport required.

Why Join NPB?

At the National Pork Board, our work is focused on delivering value to America’s pork producers. This role provides a unique opportunity to serve as a senior leader within the organization while building relationships with producers and state organizations across the country.

You’ll lead a team focused on service, education, outreach and industry relationships while helping ensure producer perspectives remain connected to the work of the National Pork Board. For a leader who enjoys building relationships, developing people and working directly with the agricultural community, this is an opportunity to have meaningful impact across the U.S. pork industry.

Location, Compensation & Application Information

National Pork Board’s home office is in Clive, Iowa. Strong preference will be given to candidates currently in Iowa or willing to relocate; however, remote candidates could be considered. A comprehensive relocation package will be made available. Valid driver’s license and/or passport required. Interested parties should contact Laura Blomme at Hedlin Ag Enterprises. Phone View phone number on apply.placed-app.com. Application deadline is 10/16/26.

Full-time starting salary starts at $185K. Please note: This starting range is based on a general market pay assessment. However, individual salary decisions take into account a variety of factors including but not limited to business and local market considerations, internal equity, and overall candidate skills, education and experience.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, and export market.

The National Pork Board, an equal opportunity employer, offers an exceptional benefits package and work environment. Check us out at