Job Description

Description
Nestled in Yakima, Washington, one of the world's premier tree fruit regions, the Washington State Fruit Commission is a dynamic, mission-driven agency dedicated to the promotion, education, and advancement of Washington's soft tree fruit industry. Since its inception, the Commission has played a vital role in stabilizing and growing the sector, ensuring the economic well-being of growers, processors, and communities across the state.
The Commission's core mission is to increase consumption and awareness of Washington's soft tree fruits including cherries and Bartlett Pears. Organizational activities include innovative marketing, health and data research, grower education, and administrative services.
WSFC also publishes the internationally acclaimed Good Fruit Grower magazine, established in 1946 and read by orchardists and vineyardists in all 50 states and over 40 countries. The magazine is a cornerstone of industry education, offering timely insights into growing, packing, marketing, and innovation.
Beyond its promotional and educational work, WSFC provides administrative and accounting services to several key industry organizations including Northwest Cherry Growers, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.
The Washington State Fruit Commission is seeking an experienced and qualified President to replace its retiring executive and to be the face of Washington tree fruit leading the industry towards future growth. This individual must have a broad business background with a demonstrated mix of marketing, financial acumen, team leadership and public relations experience.
The President serves as the central organizing force for program implementation and provides tools and inspiration for the industry to unite in achieving common goals. This position is responsible for the successful day-to-day management, growth and sustainability of the organization. The role provides executive supervision, training and direction to the staff in order to operate within the annual budget and to achieve the objectives set forth by the Board. The President shall be the lead public spokesperson for the organization. The role will maintain maximum strategic agility and apply appropriate solutions considering the complexity of a promotional organization with a global constituency. This position will maintain compliance with all statutory, regulatory and ethical requirements regarding bylaws, policies, employee health, safety and employment.
COMPENSATION
The target base salary for the role is $170,000 to $185,000. Additionally, the role is eligible for Washington state employee benefits including participation in public employees' retirement system (PERS), health care, and the option of tax-deferred retirement savings.
CONTACT MIXTEC GROUP FOR INFORMATION
Kristen Reid, Executive Vice President. Email:
The Washington State Fruit Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or veteran status in accordance with state and federal laws.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the . The program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace .
allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the ' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Skills Required