EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jessup, Maryland

Operations of the Authority are funded by entrance and registration fees, service fees, and rental income generated from the operation of its Produce Market and Maryland Market Center. The agency receives no State General Funds. The Executive Director oversees all operations, including strategic planning, program management, financial oversight, lease agreements and staff leadership. This position works with the public and private sectors to develop strategies for MFCA to serve the Maryland agriculture, seafood, and food sectors. 

Functions include: 

● Lead MFCA in implementing State goals to support Maryland’s agriculture and seafood industries. 

● Develop a Strategic Plan for MFCA and provide annual reports to the Board on the implementation of goals. 

● Provide direct oversight to the Senior Director of Real Estate and Finance, Director of Market Operations, and Human Resources Manager, ensuring efficient departmental operations 

● Monitor and manage operations, including facilities such as the Markets and the Rock Hall Clam House 

● Develop lease agreements with staff and guidance from the Assistant Attorney General 

● Present leases for approval to the Board of Directors and subsequently to the Board of Public Works 

● Advise the Board on potential property sales, land leases or acquisitions 

● Serve as liaison to state agencies, legislative bodies, the Department of Agriculture, and the Attorney General’s office 

● Collaborate with Howard County officials to resolve operational issues and secure funding for dock expansion project 

● Testify at legislative hearings and present relevant matters to the Board of Public Works (BPW) 

● Meet with tenants regularly to understand and address their concerns. 

● Make employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, and terminations, in line with operational and budgetary requirements following State guidelines. 

● Oversee the Information Technology Risk Manager, including cybersecurity initiative and IT reporting 

● Oversee maintenance and updating of personnel management guidelines, including the Human Resources Manual 

● Approve financial reports, including payroll, bank reconciliations, general ledgers, journal entries, and depreciation schedules 

● Oversee procurement decisions and corporate purchase card packages 

● Work with staff to prepare and approve operating and capital improvement budgets before Board presentation

● Collaborate with independent accountants and auditors to ensure compliance and transparency 

● Prepare for and attend quarterly Board of Directors meetings and pre-meetings with the Board Chairman and Secretary of Agriculture

● Provide onboarding for new Board members, including tours and presentations on the MFCA mission and operations 

● Serve as an ex-officio member of the MARBIDCO Board of Directors 

● Provide management updates monthly to the Board Chair and Secretary of Agriculture with information on any personnel issues and travel plans. 

● Maintain memberships and attend meetings for industry organizations, including the National Association of Produce Market Managers (NAPMM) with approval of the Board. 

● Represent the MFCA in press and media inquiries as needed 

● Oversee compliance with all federal, state and local laws and operational requirements.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Agriculture or related fields.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in management, with at least 3-5 years in leadership roles. 
• In-depth knowledge of the food sector, agriculture, seafood, distribution and marketing.
• In-depth knowledge of state and federal regulations of the food industry and related topics.
• Strong leadership in developing strategies and team building.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining partnerships with the private and public sectors
• Availability to respond to issues at any time (24/7) as needed.

• Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Agriculture or related field. 

The State of Maryland is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The State of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or disability, or any other legally protected basis. The State of Maryland is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the hiring process and on the job, as required by applicable law. The State of Maryland will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.