Certification Director

Summary: The Certification Director’s role is to lead the Certification Department and oversee PCO’s Certification, Quality, Inspection, and Materials Programs, which includes performing supervisory duties for program leads in these department areas. The Certification Director is a key member of the Leadership Team, ensuring departmental progress and accountability, managing resources, and developing and implementing strategic and operational plans aligned with PCO’s mission, vision, and core values.

Team Statement: The Certification Director leads the Certification Department, which has the following areas of responsibility:

1. Certification, Quality, Inspection, and Materials Programs
2. Compliance and Enforcement
3. Policy Development

The Certification Director’s work focuses on all areas listed above.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Executive

• Partners with the Leadership Team in the development of PCO’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Drive the vision, strategy, and growth of the certification program as aligned with PCO’s Strategic Plan
• Implements, evaluates, revises, and achieves performance outcomes of PCO’s Strategic Plan, specifically as it relates to the Certification Department.
• Creates and supports a workplace culture of caring, purpose, and results, ensuring collaborative, strategic, and values-based decision-making that results in high team morale, cross-departmental engagement, and effective customer service.
• Advocates for and implements systems, policies, and processes that support organizational excellence and ensures change is implemented with clear and direct change management steps.
• Attends Board of Directors meetings as requested and/or prepares and presents reports to the Executive Director and board as requested.

• Develop monitoring systems, create and maintain accurate departmental performance metrics to identify trends and leverage the findings to improve department performance, report to staff and the Leadership Team monthly. Certification, Inspection, Materials Programs (in conjunction with Deputy Directors)
• Identifies program development needs and implements plans and objectives for the Certification Department in coordination with PCO’s Strategic plan, including partnering with each program team (certification, quality, inspections, materials) supervisor.
• Ensures that certification, quality, inspection, and materials programs operate in accordance with organizational goals.
• Facilitate, plan, and conduct PCO meetings related to certifi cation issues with relevant stakeholder groups (internal & external) to ensure clear, timely, and open communication and inclusive, collaborative, and creative problem-solving.
• Establishes network opportunities to collaborate or partner with other organizations involved in organic certifi cation, related agricultural certifi cation, inspection, and materials programs to ensure PCO is an industry leader and maintains high value for its clients.
• Consults with the full Certification Department and direct reports on an ongoing basis to support process and procedure feedback and make any necessary changes in a timely manner with a transparent work plan, including deadlines and responsibilities.
• Maintains a working understanding of the USDA organic regulations and National List, as well as internal PCO policy and procedures as outlined in PCO Manuals.
• Oversees Certification Database development and maintenance Policy Development
• Oversees and collaborates on writing NOP/NOSB comments, as assigned.
• Maintains productive and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders, including USDA, The Accredited Certifi ers Association and policy and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborates on communications to all stakeholders with relevant information about national, regional, and local policies, regulations, and initiatives related to PCO programs.
• Oversees implementation of standards, including changes to regulations, standard operating procedures, work instructions, or guidance documents.
• Supports the development and implementation of all policies, ensuring those policies are documented and accessible to staff. Compliance and Enforcement
• Ensures PCO’s Certification Program is in compliance with USDA organic regulations and accreditation requirements.
• Participates in audits and accreditation-related activities as needed (site visits, witness audits, etc.)
• Oversees the preparation and submission of certification documents required by the NOP and other accreditors to maintain annual accreditation.

• Collaborates with the Inspection Program Manager or Quality Manager (as applicable) and directly oversees complaints, investigations, appeals, legal actions, and other high-stakes issues for optimal outcomes.
• Performs tasks required for satisfying non-compliances as assigned by the Quality Manager. Financial Planning and Management
• Ensures Certification Department meets financial objectives by developing and submitting an annual budget and monitoring approved budget.

• Identify financial risks and opportunities by monitoring industry trends, adjusting strategies, and recommending data-driven improvements
• Partner with the Finance Team to optimize pricing, resource allocation, and program profitability People Management
• Oversees and manages the Certification Department by providing staff with leadership, coaching, and mentoring and develops direct reports to drive necessary culture, business performance, and strategic goals.
• Coordinates and coaches team(s) to achieve operational metrics within their areas of responsibility and be successful in their roles.
• Ensures personal as well as professional growth through oversight and guidance of staff development training programs.
• Responds to staff feedback and concerns with a sense of urgency, collaboration, and accountability. Listening, planning, and providing solutions to support gaps.
• Partners with HR and hiring supervisors to hire, supervise, evaluate, and terminate certification staff.
• Completes regular performance reviews and manages any other people issues in conjunction with HR.
• Ensures customer service-oriented certifi cation approach is prioritized, fostered, and maintained by all program staff. Other
• Facilitates and guides teams in the creation of goals that align with the organization's strategic plan.
• Evaluates target performance initiatives by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics; leverage findings to improve program deliverables.
• Maintains professional and job-specific knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional associations, representing PCO at public events as assigned.
• Provides reports on information, trends, initiatives, etc., relevant to PCO programs and strategic plans.
• Contributes to PCO’s quarterly newsletter as assigned.
• Ensures PCO representation on working groups and task forces within the industry.

• Any other task relevant to these duties or the mission of the organization as assigned by the Executive Director.

Job Requirements:

Position

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in organic certification or auditing programs.
• Minimum of five years in organizational leadership level position managing managers.
• Successful track record in organizational management and supervisory experience, and experience with strategic planning, project management, and budget oversight.
• Skilled at building collective buy-in, complex project management, high-level decision-making, and organizational change management practices.
• Leadership experience managing people across multiple departments and successfully developing a strong team through performance metrics, staffing, coaching, and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Skilled at communicating with both internal and external stakeholders to cultivate trust, collaboration, and psychological safety, and build relationships.
• Highly competent in using spreadsheets, data reporting, data analysis tools, internet research, and database oversight.
• Strong knowledge of organic standards, certification procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Experienced in reporting to Boards and governance bodies.
• Commitment to collaboration, integrity, transparency, and a demonstrated track record in building and supporting diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environments.
• Commitment to embodying PCO’s Core Values.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Public speaking or teaching experience.
• Ability to attend conferences, meetings, training, or other events that involve travel.

General

• Analytical problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform within deadlines.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work with minimal supervision while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others. Must be able to develop a work plan and perform in a team environment.
• Computer proficiency: word processing, spreadsheets, internet research, databases.
• Performs work with utmost honesty and integrity. Criminal background check is required.
• Understands and appreciates the importance of extraordinary customer service.
• Dedicated to PCO’s mission.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: The bullet points below are representative of the physical demands and working environment that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Standard / Remote office setting; proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices.
• Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices.
• Perceive and interact with text, media, and people.
• Communicate and accurately exchange information with text, media, and people.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Moderate travel required. This role requires travel by car, air, or other transportation and the employee should be able to withstand the demands of regular travel.
• May be required to ambulate long distances at event venues, conference and training locations, and/or other relevant sites.