Minnesota Soybean Research
& Promotion Council

Director of Environmental Affairs/In-House Counsel
Opportunity to Represent the Freedom to Farm for 25,000 Minnesota Soybean Farmers

Minnesota Soybean connects Minnesota soybean producers with a world of opportunities to improve human nutrition, livestock production and energy independence.  The organization works to increase soybean yields, preserve the right to farm, enhance soy exports and improve soybean farmer profitability.  Minnesota Soybean is proud to create the vital position of Director of Environmental Affairs/In-House Counsel.  The individual selected will play a major role in establishing a new foundation for Minnesota agriculture, farmers and agri-businesses to successfully navigate the ever-increasing environmental issues and regulations. 

The Organization

Collectively known as Minnesota Soybean (www.mnsoybean.org), the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) are distinct organizations that work together toward a common goal – to increase the profitability of Minnesota’s soybean farmers. 

Established by soybean farmers in 1962, the MSGA is a non-profit, farmer-led membership organization working on behalf of more than 3,700 soybean farmer members.  The Association focuses on monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.  MSGA works with the American Soybean Association (ASA) to advocate for farm-friendly legislation in both in St. Paul and Washington D.C.

The MSR&PC oversees the investment of funds collected through the federally-mandated soybean checkoff on behalf of approximately 25,000 soybean farmers in the state.  These funds are utilized to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.  (see 2012 Annual Report)

Minnesota Soybean focuses on five strategic priorities: freedom to operate, water quality, exports, yields and biodiesel.

The Position

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Environmental Affairs/In-House Counsel is responsible for building an exciting program with the goal of protecting agriculture’s freedom to farm.    

The Director of Environmental Affairs/In-House Counsel will:

  • Advise the Executive Director and two Boards of Directors on environmental and related policy initiatives affecting Minnesota farmers
  • Educate legislators, regulators, consumers and other thought leaders on the organizations’ environmental issues
  • Represent Minnesota Soybean producers on forums for environmental issues
  • Represent Minnesota farmers proactively in defining sustainable agriculture
  • Serve as Program Manager for the Environmental Stewardship Action Team
  • Inform and represent Minnesota farmers on local, state and national issues, statutes and regulations pertaining to environmental issues that affect agriculture
  • Build effective coalitions with other state and national organizations
  • Serve as a resource for Minnesota Agriculture on county-by-county water-related issues

Candidate Profile

For this important role, Minnesota Soybean seeks a confident team player who leads with tact and diplomacy.  The successful candidate will have a broad knowledge of environmental issues that affect the profitability of agriculture.  In addition, the ideal candidate will have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science or other relevant degree required.  Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school preferred.  Minnesota Bar a plus.
  • Minimum of four years related work experience; Environmental Law or political experience a plus. 
  • Knowledge of and ability to interpret environmental and land use law on behalf of agriculture and work with local, state and regulatory agencies.
  • Knowledge of the regulatory process, administrative hearings, rule-making and familiarity with applicable regulatory agencies.
  • Knowledge of environmental issues that affect profitable farming and a passion for modern agriculture.
  • Actively engaged in peer relationships via relevant industry associations or other organizations. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with evidence of ability to work with diverse groups to ensure effective internal and external relationships.

For consideration as a candidate please contact in confidence:

Ramona Morgan, SPHR
Operations & HR Director
507-385-7542 (direct)
507-388-1635 (mobile)
ramona@mnsoybean.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer