RMFU Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Location: Denver Tech Center, Denver, Colorado
Position type: Full-Time, some evening and weekend events with up to 25% travel required
Compensation: $120,000 – $150,000 per year + annual bonus up to $30,000
Application Deadline: May 30, 2025

General Background:

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) is a grassroots organization of family farmers and ranchers in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming with a 118-year history serving 14,000+ members and is a state chapter of National Farmers Union. RMFU works to advocate for its members, provide educational programs, and support cooperative development.

This position oversees three interrelated entities:

1. Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) – A membership-based advocacy organization representing farmers and ranchers, engaging in state and federal policy.
2. Farmers Union Service Association (FUSA) – A for-profit insurance agency that provides insurance products to communities, generating revenue to support RMFU operations.
3. Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Educational and Charitable Foundation (RMFU Foundation) – A 501(c)(3) foundation that delivers agricultural education and cooperative development programs and other special initiatives.

Position Summary:

The RMFU Chief Executive Officer works in close cooperation with the President of RMFU and is directly accountable to the RMFU Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will understand Famers Union background and values, be able to incorporate innovative strategies, and have strong administrative and financial management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the development of a long-term strategy to achieve the RMFU mission and vision.
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure all financial transactions, reporting and management of all entities are carried out in accordance with strategic goals
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) on FUSA operations.
• Provide leadership in developing and managing organizational programs.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team within and across all entities with approximately 30 employees and 5 direct reports.
• Establish and implement succession plans for key leadership positions to ensure organizational sustainability.
• Maintain membership relations and governance policies.
• Provide support for communication strategies and organizational partnerships.
• Manage core administrative and employee support systems.
• Ensuring legal compliance across all entities, implementing industry best practices.
• Support and develop a strong advocacy position supporting family farms and rural communities.
• Promote strong and viable working relationships with other agricultural organizations and educational institutions.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture that supports staff development, collaboration across departments, and effective communication.
• Support and manage senior staff, including human resources functions such as performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and team capacity-building.

Qualifications:

• Leadership & Strategic Management: Minimum five years of executive leadership experience in agriculture, cooperatives, nonprofit, insurance, or business.
• Agriculture & Cooperative Knowledge: Understanding of agriculture, cooperatives, and rural economies, with a mission-aligned philosophy and commitment to serving family farmers and ranchers.
• Financial & Operational Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, revenue oversight, risk management, and nonprofit/business compliance.
• Governance & Compliance: Experience overseeing risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance structures in both nonprofit and for-profit settings.
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Strong relationship-building, public relations, and communication skills, particularly in engaging with farmers, policymakers, funders, and cooperative partners.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Excellent decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and evolving environments.
• Technology & Operational Efficiency: Experience implementing HR, finance, and digital transformation improvements to enhance operational effectiveness. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general office technology.
• Hands-On Leadership & Flexibility: A collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style, with a willingness to support staff and operations beyond traditional CEO responsibilities.
• Insurance Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, the insurance sector, particularly as it relates to Farmers Union Service Association (FUSA).
• Staff Management and Human Resources: Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams, mentor senior staff, and lead a culture of accountability and collaboration. Experience handling sensitive personnel matters and performance management is essential.
• Organizational Culture: Commitment to fostering a workplace grounded in belonging, teamwork, and respect. Experience advancing inclusive practices and building cohesive teams across functions.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Education:

College degree in administration, business or management preferred or equivalent experience.

Work location:

The CEO works from our office in the Denver Tech Center in Denver, Colorado. Employees work a hybrid schedule, with three days in office required and the ability to work remote two days a week. Travel to local, state, and national events and overnight stays are required as is other evening and weekend membership and industry events.

Compensation:

In addition to salary listed above, Health Insurance (Employer pays 90% for employee and 50% for dependents), Dental & Vision (Employer pays 100% for employee), Term Life & AD&D, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Private Family Medical Leave Insurance, 401K match up to 3% and additional profit share, Flexible spending account, PTO, etc. Relocation package negotiable for relocation to Denver metro area.

Application:

Send a cover letter highlighting experience and familiarity with RMFU, and resume to Chad Franke, RMFU President at president@rmfu.org.

Alternatively, you may submit using the form below.