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Position: Chief Executive Officer COFFEE QUALITY INSTITUTE (CQI)
Reports To: Executive Committee and BOT
Role in Organization
Working with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer of CQI is responsible for casting a strategic vision for the growth and sustainable financial health of the organization and, working with the board and staff, to create and implement strategies to execute that vision. The CEO will be the key management executive responsible for the operations of the organization and will serve as the most visible face of CQI to partners worldwide.
Strategic:
• Develop and articulate a clear strategic vision for CQI, aligning with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
• Provide strategic direction and insight throughout his/her role, and drive innovation and continuous improvement to position CQI as a leader in coffee quality enhancement.
• Responsible for development, maintenance, and delivery of CQI strategic plan, initiatives and goals of CQI to ensure a sustainable business future.
• Develop strategies and content for the coffee sector with industry, governmental agencies, producer organizations and local partners on production, quality, and market development.
Financial Management:
• Display a solid understanding of financial management principles and ensure the responsible stewardship CQI’s financial resources
• Implement effective financial strategies to support CQI’s mission and sustain growth.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors and funding agencies to sustain and enhance financial support.
• Drive the development and implementation of fundraising strategies, both from public and private sources, to secure the necessary resources for CQI’s programs and initiatives.
Business Development:
• Provide direction and oversee public and private sector business and income development for CQI to drive growth.
• The development of a strategic approach for CQI for all business development that incorporates a private and public sector balance.
• Identify new opportunities to expand CQI’s reach and influence within the global coffee industry and ensure a diversification in income streams to include a sustainable mix of program income.
• Establish and foster relationships with the global coffee community and its supporters to ensure sustained financial assistance and extended market access for CQI's programs.
Relationships and Partnerships:
• Manage relationships with industry, sector organizations, governmental agencies, producer organizations, local partners, and private sector partners at an executive level and representation with industry leaders and government leaders and officials. Example: SCA, NCA, GCP and other global partners in the public and private sectors
• Represent CQI at industry functions and presentations to ensure that CQI's mission and work is understood and communicated to the global coffee community.
• Advocate, lobby, and represent CQI in external affairs including advocacies and negotiations at a national level with governmental leaders and officials.
Operational Management and Team Leadership:
• Inspire and empower a highly dedicated team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to staff, encouraging talent development and growth and fostering a positive work environment.
• Oversight of CQI departments including financial, Q programs, Technical Services, partnerships and all marketing and communications as per strategic plan goals
• Provide strategic vision and oversight of all CQI operational departments and multiple direct reports (to be reviewed and determined by the Board).
• Oversee legal agreements and licensing, protecting CQI’s intellectual property and supporting their brand.
Board Collaborations
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and BOT Executive Committee providing insightful guidance and engaging them in strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate effectively with the Board to ensure the successful implementation of the organization’s mission and initiatives.
• Invest in the development of a strong and well-functioning Board of Trustees
Requisite Job Skills
• Significant experience in senior leadership positions within global non-profit organizations, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of non-profit business practices.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in managing diverse teams and driving organizational growth.
• Proven track record in financial management, business development, and fundraising for impact.
• Strong understanding of the coffee industry, including its supply chain, quality standards, and sustainability challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to foster relationships and partnerships with stakeholders at various levels.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Demonstrated passion for social impact, sustainability, and the improvement of livelihoods for coffee producers.
• Master's degree in business administration, non-profit management, or a related field (preferred).
• Foreign language capability highly desired particularly business level Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mandarin Chinese, Korean or Japanese
Working conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Extensive international travel is required for this role, including international both urban and rural. This requires the ability to adapt to different time zones and other travel related inconveniences. Most CQI staff work remotely and internationally and often travel extensively which requires good discipline and communication. Travel often entails travel for extended durations via airline and by car over rough terrain.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees so classified. Such responsibilities, duties, and skills may be changed by Coffee Quality Institute management at any time. Nothing in this job description should be construed to create a guarantee of employment or an employment agreement of any kind. Employee's employment with Coffee Quality Institute is at-will in nature.
Please submit application to bcarrington@coffeeinstitute.org
