Director of Programs

**Director of Programs**

**About OSCIA**

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a unique not-for-profit farm organization whose diverse membership has a significant presence in all agricultural areas of the province and across all major sectors. The mission of OSCIA is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. OSCIA is a leader in agricultural program delivery, including cost-share funding distribution, educational workshop offerings for farmers, and administration of on-farm applied research and knowledge transfer opportunities.

**Job Summary**

The **Director of Programs** provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization’s suite of agricultural and environmental programs. This role is responsible for guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that advance the organization’s mission and priorities. The Director ensures that all programs are designed and delivered with efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact. Working closely with senior leadership, government partners, and stakeholders, the Director of Programs drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and secures sustainable funding to support long-term program success. The position also leads a multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, professional growth, and a culture of continuous improvement within the Programs Department.

**Key Responsibilities and Duties**

**Program Leadership and Strategy**
- Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for agricultural programs, ensuring all initiatives align with the organization’s overall mission and vision.
- Align departmental objectives with the organization’s broader mission, vision, and values, ensuring that programs deliver measurable impact and sustainability across Ontario’s agricultural sector.
- Conduct regular program reviews to assess alignment with evolving industry trends, environmental priorities, and policy frameworks.
- Work closely with the senior leadership team to set annual and multi-year performance goals, establish benchmarks, and allocate resources effectively.
- Provide strategic input into the organization’s planning and reporting processes, contributing to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

**Program Design and Implementation**
- Lead the full lifecycle of program development, from initial needs assessment and stakeholder consultation to design, pilot testing (if required), implementation, and evaluation.
- Establish clear program objectives, timelines, and performance indicators, ensuring that all activities adhere to funding agreements and internal policies and are realistic to achieve.
- Collaborate with program managers and technical specialists to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans that support farmers and environmental stewardship.
- Ensure operational excellence in daily program delivery through overseeing the development of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidance materials, and tools that promote consistency, quality and accountability
- Identify opportunities to innovate and modernize program delivery using digital tools, partnerships, and adaptive management approaches

**Budget and Financial Management**
- Develop comprehensive annual program budgets and long-range financial forecasts, ensuring that all expenditures comply with approved funding agreements and organizational policies.
- Oversee financial reporting, cost tracking, and forecasting to maintain fiscal accountability and transparency.
- In collaboration with the Director of Membership Services and Business Development, proactively identify and secure new program funding sources through grant writing, proposal development, and stakeholder relationship management.
- Evaluate financial performance metrics to ensure programs deliver maximum value and sustainability within available resources.

**Staff Management and Development**
- Lead, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary team of program managers, specialists, coordinators, and analysts.
- Establish clear performance goals, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to foster accountability and professional growth.
- Promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration, learning, and excellence.
- Identify training needs and coordinate professional development opportunities to strengthen staff skills in areas such as project management, stakeholder engagement, and data analytics.
- Ensure succession planning and knowledge transfer practices are in place to maintain operational continuity.

**Stakeholder Engagement**
- Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, agricultural associations, and industry partners.
- Serve as a key representative of the organization in program-related meetings, advisory committees, and external forums.
- Collabora