Executive Director

Executive Director (Open)

The Nebraska Ethanol Board is currently seeking applicants for the Executive Director position within their agency. This is a full-time, exempt position. The executive director serves at the pleasure of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. In 1971, the Nebraska Legislature created the Agricultural Products Industrial Utilization Committee —now named the Nebraska Ethanol Board— the first state agency in the U.S. devoted solely to the development of the ethanol industry. Today, the Nebraska Ethanol Board continues its mission to support ethanol production and use in Nebraska, serving as a primary resource for ethanol producers, developers, media, regulators and policymakers.

The executive director reports to the board and is responsible for a wide variety of functions including the day-to-day management of the office. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: administration of programs and initiatives that support the board's mission, overall budget development, facilitating agency strategic planning, industry advocacy and development of public policy, business recruitment, and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and constituents.

Starting pay for this position is $100,000. Pay may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job Duties

• Overall administration and management of board activities, programs, initiatives and personnel.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set the strategic direction for the NEB, including expansion into new and emerging technologies and related products.
• Work directly with staff and contracted resources to communicate agency priorities to appropriate constituents and stakeholders.
• Continuously engage with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the agency's programming and budget goals, assuring adherence to internal agency policies and statutory responsibilities and duties.
• Provide leadership, management and mentoring to staff.
• Hire individuals for staff vacancies, conduct performance reviews, and maintain a professional office environment.
• Continuously seek out ways to engage with Nebraska ethanol producers including facility visits, attendance of important industry events, collaboration with industry trade associations, and leading NEB-hosted conferences or events.
• Support Nebraska fuel retailers looking to adopt higher ethanol blends through regulatory and policy guidance.
• Identify, finance, and directly participate in supportive programming that aims to increase fuel retail offerings of higher ethanol blends in Nebraska and other key markets for Nebraska ethanol producers.
• Prepare biennial budget requests for the State of Nebraska Legislature with the NEB marketing & finance manager.
• Collaborate with state agencies and private sector entities for business development related to the biofuels sector.
• Focus on media outreach and act as agency spokesperson.
• Engage, collaborate and foster positive relationships with allied industry groups and advocacy organizations.
• Promote good working relationships with state agencies, policymakers and legislators.
• Manage key annual biofuel events and industrial training seminars.
• Represent the Nebraska Ethanol Board on relevant boards, associations, etc.
• Travel to conferences, events and meetings both in and out-of-state, up to 25% of time.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3 or more years of experience in a leadership role
• Experience with board management/administration
• Experience with economic development/business recruitment
• Experience with marketing and communications
• Experience with advocacy, and leading fundraising and collaborative campaigns

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree. Experience or knowledge of the ethanol, biofuels, agriculture, economic development, or policy and regulatory affairs considered a plus.

Other: This position requires travel. As such the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Work Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm with some evenings as needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership skills, with an entrepreneurial spirit, and strong business and management skills
• Possess good interpersonal communication skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills, particularly with public speaking and acting as a spokesperson
• Knowledge of fiscal management, budgeting and cash flow management
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain and be responsible for confidential information
• Knowledge of legislative and government processes
• Knowledge of ethanol, biofuels, agriculture, and business recruitment experience
• Ability to travel as needed