Manager, State Relations Team in Indianapolis, Indiana at National FFA Organization

JOB SUMMARY

The Manager, State Relations Team provides leadership and strategic oversight for the National FFA Organization’s partnerships with state FFA associations and agricultural education leaders. This role is responsible for guiding the State Relations Team in building strong relationships with state leaders, supporting the implementation of national initiatives, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration across the national FFA network. The Manager supervises State Relations Specialists who serve as the primary liaisons between the National FFA Organization and state associations. This position ensures consistent engagement with states, supports the successful implementation of programs and initiatives, and helps translate insights from the field into recommendations that strengthen national programming and educator support. Working collaboratively across departments, the Manager ensures alignment between national priorities—including initiatives such as belonging and engagement—and the needs of state leaders, teachers, and students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide strategic leadership for the National FFA Organization’s engagement with state FFA associations and agricultural education partners, ensuring strong relationships and consistent support across states.
• Supervise, mentor, and support State Relations Specialists while establishing team priorities, performance expectations, and a collaborative culture focused on service, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with state FFA leaders, agricultural education partners, and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and support the successful delivery of national programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal departments to align national programs, resources, and initiatives with the evolving needs of state associations, educators, and students.
• Oversee and guide initiatives and cross-functional projects that support state engagement, agricultural education program development, and the implementation of national priorities.
• Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges within agricultural education and ensure insights from states are collected, documented, and communicated to national leadership to inform strategy and program improvement.
• Ensure clear communication, accurate reporting of state engagement activities, and responsible stewardship of budgets and organizational resources.

SKILLS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Leadership

Ability to guide team strategy and align state partnerships with organizational priorities.

Relationship Management

Strong ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with educators, state leaders, and organizational partners.

Team Leadership

Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop team members to achieve strong performance and professional growth.

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

Ability to analyze trends, evaluate challenges, and develop actionable solutions that support organizational goals.

Project and Initiative Management

Ability to oversee multiple initiatives and ensure successful collaboration across teams.

Communication

Excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Collaboration

Strong ability to work across departments and build alignment around shared priorities and initiatives.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education required. Master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Eight to twelve years of related experience in agricultural education, FFA leadership, or education program development.
• Experience working with state FFA associations, agricultural education leaders, or statewide education initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading collaborative initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of agricultural education systems, FFA programming, and educator support needs.
• Experience leading projects, initiatives, or strategic efforts within a national or multi-state organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Light sedentary work. May lift up to 25 pounds occasionally, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Employees are required to have close visual acuity to perform activities; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor, cubicle environment. Hybrid working location

TRAVEL

Approximately 50% travel, including conferences, state visits, and organizational events. Must be eligible for rental car privileges.

Overnight Travel - As Applicable

FFA VALUES

Integrity: “Upfront and Honest Always” – Do what is right, all the time. Choose Courage over Comfort. Be open and Truthful

Respect: “We Before Me” – Be Considerate and Courteous. Respect differences in all interactions. Encourage and recognize others.

Accountability: “Do It, Own It” – Take Initiative, do what you say you will do. Own Mistakes.