Bringing together growers and others affiliated with the fruit industry from Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region
The State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania (SHAP) is an educational organization with a mission “to preserve and enhance the viability of the commercial fruit industry through educational outreach, research support, promotion, and pro-active involvement with legislative affairs.” The association supports the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the specialty crop industry in the Commonwealth and cooperates with other states in the Mid-Atlantic region to sponsor an annual educational convention and trade show.
Position Overview
The State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania is seeking an Executive Secretary. The chosen candidate will work in tandem with the current Executive Secretary for their first year to provide a learning year for the new hire and a smooth transition for the organization. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, an excellent communicator and able to work independently. Candidate must possess a general understanding of financial management and experience with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel), QuickBooks, and social media platforms. This position will be remote, and the candidate will need to provide their own workspace. Workload will vary seasonally. Peak hours will be in October through January. Travel will be required for board meetings, convention planning and attendance and other miscellaneous duties. Industry knowledge and/or background is a plus, but not a requirement. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
About SHAP
The State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania (SHAP) is an educational organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the viability of the commercial fruit industry through educational outreach, research support, promotion, and proactive involvement with legislative affairs. The association cooperates with other states in the Mid-Atlantic region to sponsor the annual Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention (MAFVC). SHAP’s membership is comprised of growers and industry affiliates from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The association has an elected Board of Directors representing these major fruit growing areas with several established committees, which carry out the work of the organization and report to the board.
Desired Attributes
• Dependable and trustworthy
• Flexible/Adaptable
• Professional work ethic
• Personable
• Ability to multi-task and self-manage
• Highly organized
• Creative
Responsibilities and Duties
• Maintain official correspondence and communications of the organization,
including the Pennsylvania Fruit News publication and the SHAP website
• Maintain financial records of the organization
• Communicate with President and Board of Directors on the operations of the
organization and serve as point of contact for committee chairs
• Maintain membership mail list and e-mail listserv
• Administer research funding
• Serve as Convention Coordinator for Convention Committee
• Serve as point of contact for Hershey Lodge
• Work cooperatively with other state level horticultural organizations
• Plan and coordinate annual banquet
• Plan and coordinate trade show
• Acquire sponsorships
• Make meeting and/or meal arrangements for special events
• Manage SHAP member registration
• Coordinate the development of the Convention program booklet
• Prepare and provide annual fiscal report to Convention Committee
Timeline
• Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2025
• Interviews – June 2025
• Start date – July 1, 2025
Apply
Please email resume and references to:
Jen Benton
jen@acnursery.com
Learn more about Membership benefits by clicking the button below
The premier grower meeting in the Northeast including a large trade show, educational sessions, and numerous networking opportunities which include many workshops and a farm market bus tour held the day prior to the opening of the convention.
Support practical research to help fruit growers improve the profitability and sustainability of the Mid-Atlantic fruit industry through the financial support of research science in the areas affecting the production and marketing of tree fruit crops.
Show your support for the future growers of the industry with your membership. The YGA connects young like-minded professionals with activities like field trips, orchard tours, workshops, luncheons with guest speakers, and much more!
The benefits of joining SHAP are endless! Sign-up today to start your educational journey.
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