OMRI is Hiring a Technical Director

About OMRI

Have you ever wondered how organic farmers and producers find trustworthy products that meet organic standards? That's where the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) steps into the picture. OMRI is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and maintaining the integrity of the organic industry. We operate an internationally recognized evaluation program that reviews and lists input materials for use in producing, processing, and handling organic food and fiber.

The OMRI Listed seal signifies that the product is permitted in organic operations certified by the USDA National Organic Program or the Canadian Organic Standards. It serves as a stamp of approval, allowing certified organic producers a simple way to responsibly choose input products.

OMRI is actively engaged in diversifying its workforce, creating an equitable workplace culture, and creating an inclusive workplace environment. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every one of our qualifications listed. Read our full IDEA Policy and Vision here.

Location: Though our office is in Eugene, Oregon (Learn more about the City of Eugene), this position is open to being in person, remote or hybrid in Eugene or completely remote from the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Remote work is expected to be performed from your designated home workspace. Work from other locations is not guaranteed and may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Who We're Looking For

The Technical Director provides organizational-level technical leadership for OMRI, ensuring its standards, technical guidance, research, education, and certifier services remain scientifically credible, relevant, and responsive to the emerging issues affecting organic inputs and the broader organic sector. This is a highly cross-functional role that connects OMRI's technical expertise with programs, organizational decision-making and external stakeholders. The Technical Director stewards OMRI's technical foundation, provides an authoritative technical voice for the organization, advances the accessibility and application of technical knowledge, and sustains and strengthens confidence in OMRI's technical expertise.

As a member of the OMRI Management Team, the Technical Director connects technical priorities with organizational strategy, monitors and anticipates emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry developments, and cultivates partnerships that advance OMRI's mission and strengthen its position as a trusted resource within the organic community.

Most days in this role involve balancing organizational technical leadership, people leadership, hands-on technical contribution and external engagement. The Technical Director guides the work of subject matter experts, collaborates with regulators, researchers, certifiers, and industry partners, and helps the organization anticipate emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry developments affecting organic inputs used in organic agriculture. Success in this role requires intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, collaborative relationship building, creative problem-solving, and the ability to translate complex technical information into practical guidance that supports OMRI's programs, informs organizational decision-making, and sustains and strengthens confidence in OMRI's technical leadership across the organic sector.

Starting salary: $95,000 to $105,000 per year (dependent on education and experience); 40 hours per week; flexible work hours; generous PTO

OMRI determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

This total pay range takes into account various factors that influence compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, skills, experience, training, location, licensure, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed pay range estimate has not been adjusted for any geographical differences related to the location where the position may be filled. At OMRI, it is uncommon for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the posted pay range for their role. Compensation decisions are based on the specific facts and circumstances of each situation.

Core Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Standards Stewardship

• Set the strategic direction and priorities for OMRI's technical programs, ensuring they remain aligned with organizational goals and responsive to emerging needs across the organic sector.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and interpretation of OMRI standards and technical guidance, ensuring decisions are informed by sound science, regulatory requirements, and industry knowledge.
• Oversee the work of the Advisory Council, establishing priorities, facilitating technical discussions, and translating recommendations into actionable guidance for the OMRI Review Program and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and anticipate emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry developments, evaluating their potential impact on OMRI's standards, technical services, and long-term strategic direction.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations to the Executive Director, Management Team, and Board of Directors to support informed organizational decision-making.

Technical Programs & Services

• Provide strategic oversight of Technical Department programs and services, working with Technical Department managers to prioritize and coordinate work, balance resources and capacity, and maintain service levels aligned with organizational priorities.
• Oversee the development and delivery of USDA Technical Reports, technical services, and other department work products, ensuring they are scientifically sound, timely, and responsive to contractual, regulatory, and organizational commitments.
• Ensure OMRI subscribers receive consistent, high-quality technical support and educational resources that strengthen their understanding and application of OMRI standards and technical guidance.
• Evaluate departmental performance using operational data, stakeholder feedback, and program outcomes to assess impact and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Research, Education & Industry Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for OMRI's research and education initiatives, overseeing the development of research projects, educational programs, technical publications, and other knowledge-sharing resources that advance OMRI's mission and technical leadership.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with regulators, researchers, certifiers, academic institutions, and industry organizations to exchange knowledge, advance technical understanding, and sustain and strengthen OMRI's role as a trusted technical leader.
• Represent OMRI in technical discussions, conferences, advisory groups, and regulatory forums, communicating complex scientific and regulatory information clearly and advancing OMRI's mission.
• Identify emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry developments and translate them into opportunities for research, education, partnerships, standards development, and organizational planning.

Technical Excellence & Knowledge Stewardship

• Foster a culture of technical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and continuous learning across the Technical Department and the organization, encouraging the exploration of emerging science, regulatory developments, and industry innovations.
• Promote the exchange of technical knowledge across OMRI, the organic sector, and external stakeholders, ensuring emerging information is translated into practical guidance, educational resources, and informed organizational decisions.
• Support the development of technical expertise throughout the department by encouraging professional development, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among subject matter experts.
• Recognize and adapt leadership approaches to support both operational teams and technical subject matter experts, enabling each function to contribute its unique expertise while working toward shared organizational goals.
• Cultivate technical leadership within the department to strengthen succession planning, organizational resilience, and OMRI's long-term technical capacity.

Client-Centric Communication & Support

• Serve as a knowledgeable, reliable, and responsive point of contact for internal and external clients, guiding them through service requests with clarity and professionalism while reinforcing OMRI's standards and service expectations.
• Ensure a positive client experience by communicating in a timely, courteous, and accurate manner, keeping clients well-informed and engaged.
• Achieve client satisfaction through timely and helpful responses, empowering clients with the information they need to navigate OMRI's processes.

Collaboration & Team Dynamics

• Contribute to a positive team and organizational environment that emphasizes shared goals, trust, and constructive problem-solving.
• Model and reinforce constructive conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and inclusive behavior across the team and organization.
• Actively participate in dialogue to further diversity and inclusion efforts in our organizational systems and practices.
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt to changing tasks and take on additional responsibilities as needed, showing readiness to step outside of defined roles for the greater good of the team or organization.

Confidentiality & Data Security

• Adhere strictly to OMRI's technology practices and network security guidelines, safeguarding client and organizational information.
• Protect the integrity of sensitive information, maintaining compliance with OMRI's confidentiality policies and data security standards, while maintaining transparency and trust with clients and stakeholders.

Leadership and Team Development

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture within the Technical Department teams.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support to team members to achieve their individual and team goals.
• Effectively conduct regular one-on-one check-ins and performance evaluations, establish goals and development plans for direct reports, focusing on technical skills and behavioral competencies.
• Actively support the professional growth of team members through structured goal setting and development opportunities aligned with organizational objectives.
• Empower team members by promoting autonomy and decision-making appropriate to their roles while ensuring accountability to organizational standards and policies.
• Ensure clear, consistent communication across the team, including cascading organizational updates and facilitating two-way feedback between staff and leadership.
• Identify staffing needs, assist in recruitment, and support effective onboarding of new team members.
• Ensure that team operations run efficiently by addressing workflow barriers, adjusting priorities as needed, and collaborating with cross-functional partners.

Performance Management and Quality Assurance

• Establish or communicate clear performance expectations, including productivity goals, quality targets, improvement initiatives, and client communication standards.
• Monitor and review team performance, leveraging quantitative and qualitative data to provide actionable feedback.
• Respond quickly and develop strategies to address underperformance and recognize high-performing individuals.
• Ensure team adherence to OMRI's Quality System and Client Standards of Care.

Organizational-Level Decision Making

• Facilitate alignment across departments by coordinating operational priorities and collaborating with the Executive Director to develop and implement OMRI's strategic plan, ensuring that the strategic direction is effectively translated into cohesive execution across teams.
• Provide a platform for discussing cross-functional issues and guiding operational decisions that impact various teams or the organization as a whole.
• Assess organizational risks, capacity constraints, and emerging challenges to facilitate proactive problem-solving and maintain operational stability.
• Embody OMRI's values and reinforce consistent leadership practices, effective communication, and accountability across teams.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in natural sciences, public policy, or related field required. Candidates with significant progress toward a master's degree may be considered for initial hire, with the commitment that the degree will be earned within a specified period.
• Documented training in organic regulations, such as IOIA certification, NOP training, etc.
• 8 years of progressive leadership experience required, ideally in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, with at least 1 year of organizational-level strategic leadership.
• 5 years of experience working within NOP regulations required. Additional experience with COR preferred.
• 3 years of experience supervising, coaching, and developing employees required.
• 2 years of experience in budgeting and financial management required.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in standard office software, MS 365, Adobe, and workflow management tools
• Demonstrates strategic thinking by aligning team efforts with organizational goals, anticipating challenges, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Leads with emotional intelligence by practicing self-awareness, empathy, and composure, and by fostering trust and psychological safety within the team.
• Makes timely, informed decisions and ensures that the team is accountable for meeting expectations, quality standards, and deadlines.
• Proactively guides others through change with clarity and confidence, building buy-in for new initiatives and supporting the team in adapting to evolving priorities.
• Ability to build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives.
• Ability to make and communicate decisions clearly and delegate work as required.
• Clear, concise communicator capable of synthesizing complex information for executive and managerial audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• High-level attention to detail and the ability to process complex information and instructions effectively.
• Effective project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends as needed.
• Ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally for conferences, trade shows, or client meetings.
• Ability to provide annual motor vehicle reports and proof of auto insurance.

Benefits

• Full-time position with a competitive salary
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan
• 50% employer contribution to dependent medical, vision and dental plans
• 100% employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability and short-term disability
• Retirement plan
• Health and Dependent Care FSAs
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 13 paid holidays
• 501c3 non-profit organization eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Opportunities for flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Bike-friendly business and support for remote work and alternative transportation options
• Small nonprofit organization with an established team and a leading role in the organic industry
• Casual, fun work environment
• For more detailed information, please visit our Description of Benefits

Deadline

Open until filled.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter as a PDF or Word document to jobs@omri.org referencing Technical Director in the subject line. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

OMRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

OMRI is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming work environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, performance and business needs.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 541-343-7600 or hr@omri.org