Job Title: OSMA Director

Reports to: Member Producers

Objective: To promote the best interests of the entire sheep industry in Ontario and work to fulfill the Mission Statement of OSMA.

Responsibilities:

• Fulfill the mandate given to the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency in accordance with the Plan establishing the Agency under the Farm Products Marketing Act;
• Hire and oversee the General Manager, set strategic directions, and establish policies for OSMA;
• Oversee the sound financial management of OSMA and strive to provide producers with value for their license fees;
• Exercise leadership;
• Ensure an effective, informed, and responsive Board of Directors;
• Operate within legal and ethical guidelines;
• Co-operate with other Directors in ensuring that all Board decisions and actions are made in the best interests of producers and the sheep industry; and,
• Foster a positive image of OSMA and the sheep industry for producers, industry partners, employees and the broader community.

Hiring and Oversight of the General Manager

• Determine the qualifications necessary for the position and prepare or review a written job description.
• Recruit, interview and select a qualified General Manager.
• Establish and annually evaluate the compensation of the General Manager, taking into consideration both general labour market conditions in the Guelph area and the specific performance of the General Manager.
• Oversee the actions of the General Manager through monthly management and financial reports presented to the Board of Directors and reviewed at Board meetings.
• Delegate the authority to the General Manager necessary for him/her to carry out the assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Prepare and communicate a written performance evaluation within 90 days of each fiscal year-end.
• Direct the General Manager to recommend revisions to OSMA's annual Action Plan in accordance with OSMA's strategic priorities and changes in the environment within which OSMA operates.
• Provide input and feed-back to the General Manager in identifying opportunities for OSMA to advance its strategic directions and improve its operational efficiency.
• Direct the General Manager to prepare an annual budget based upon OSMA's strategic priorities and in consultation with the Board of Directors.

Sound Financial Management

• Ensure that the business of OSMA is conducted in a financially prudent manner exercising a standard of care that is no less than one would exercise in the conduct of one's own affairs.
• Establish, review, and adhere to clear guidelines for spending OSMA's funds, with due regard given to guidelines established by the Farm Products Marketing Commission.
• Review OSMA's annual Budget and ensure that the Budget reflects the strategic priorities of OSMA.
• Review financial statements monthly and compare actual results to Budget projections.
• Engage a qualified, independent auditor to prepare audited financial statements for OSMA.

Leadership

• Set policies and direction based upon OSMA's Mission Statement and strategic priorities.
• Review the Mission Statement and strategic priorities at least annually.
• Set aside at least one day each year for the Board of Directors to develop an annual Action Plan and to establish or review long?range plans for OSMA.
• Keep informed of sheep industry issues and trends.
• Represent OSMA on such industry, Government, and other committees as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
• Develop clear policies to guide the General Manager in managing recurring issues such as collection and enforcement of license fees, payment terms for forward contract purchases, employee compensation and benefits, handling of producer concerns, and Government and media relations.
• Update the manual of all Board policies and procedures at least annually.
• Provide new Board members with a comprehensive orientation to OSMA and assist them in obtaining appropriate Director training.

Development of Effective, Informed, and Responsive Board of Directors

• Clearly define any responsibilities delegated to individual Board officers or Directors and establish such permanent or ad hoc committees as required.
• Communicate and consult with all OSMA members and with all District Committees.
• Attend all District Committee meetings
• Ensure that all District Committee and producer concerns and suggestions are given appropriate consideration, and that all producer communications are answered in a timely fashion.
• Assist the General Manager in planning and conducting OSMA's Annual General Meeting and Convention.
• Work with other Directors to ensure that all Board members fulfill their duties as Directors and comply with OSMA's Conflict of Interest policy.
• Attend at least one training event annually to update skills.

Legal and Ethical Guidelines

• Understand and adhere to the legislative and regulatory framework establishing the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency under the Regulations to the Farm Products Marketing Act.
• Understand and adhere to all Board policies and procedures.
• Adhere to OSMA's Conflict of Interest policy.
• Ensure that OSMA conducts itself in a manner to prevent exposure to legal liability.
• Do not exceed the boundaries of a Board member's authority as it relates to operational and staffing decisions that fall within the scope of the General Manager's duties.

Co-operation among Directors

• Express and discuss all views openly, fairly and constructively at Board meetings.
• Respect differences of opinion among Directors.
• Foster a spirit of co-operation, cohesion, and team work among all Directors; avoid factionalism.
• Make all decisions with a view to the best interests of the entire sheep industry.
• Once the Board has made a duly deliberated decision, support the Board's decision as if it had been made unanimously.
• Co-operate with other Directors in communicating all Board decisions and policies in a consistent fashion.
• Do not act independently of the Board of Directors in dealing with management, staff, producers, media, or other industry partners; remember that the authority of an individual Director does not extend beyond the power vested in that Director by the entire Board of Directors.
• Maintain confidential information in strictest confidence.

Fostering of Positive Image for OSMA and Ontario's Sheep Industry

• Set an example for potential Board members, District Committee representatives, producers, and employees by:
• Attending all Board meetings if possible, arriving promptly, and being prepared to discuss all items on the Agenda.
• Working as a team with other Board members.
• Strictly adhering to all regulations, policies, and procedures governing the production and marketing of sheep.
• Purchasing Ontario lamb and sheep products whenever possible.
• Treating other Directors, producers, and employees respectfully and courteously.
• Promote a positive image of OSMA and Ontario's sheep industry in all communications with producers, industry partners, the media, Government, and the general public.
• Communicate to producers about how OSMA provides producers with value for their license fees.

Time Commitment:

Directors will be required to attend approximately 10-12 OSMA Board meetings annually, along with 6-10 District Committee meetings. In addition, Directors can expect to make a commitment of 4-6 days annually to participate in Board committees and other activities requiring Director participation.