Job Description

Burr Forest Group (BFG) is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead, coordinate, and scale the firm’s core programs, including policy advisory services, the Effective Extension training program, The Extensionists podcast, and BFG’s internal marketing and program positioning.

This is not a traditional communications, marketing, or project management role. It’s a program management and leadership role for someone who enjoys building structure around strong ideas, managing complex initiatives across partners and contractors, and ensuring programs run smoothly while continuing to evolve.

You will work closely with Principal Toban Dyck, training partner Jay Whetter, the BFG team, and a network of contractors. Your role is to manage programs end-to-end, ensuring they are operationally sound, clearly positioned, and scalable over time.

Core Responsibilities 

Responsibilities include managing BFG’s core programs across its extension training, thought leadership (including The Extensionists podcast), and policy services. Specifically, responsibilities include designing, and implementing scalable delivery models for the Effective Extension training program, and developing program structures, pricing logic, and rollout strategies. You will evaluate and prioritize inbound opportunities before they become commitments and support the growth of The Extensionists podcast and other Thought Leadership activities through coordinated planning, sponsorship alignment, and marketing oversight.

You will also oversee the positioning and marketing alignment of BFG’s programs, ensuring training, policy, podcasting, and thought leadership initiatives are clearly articulated and reinforce one another. You will work with internal staff and contractors to translate program strategy into practical marketing plans and campaigns to ensure BFG’s external messaging reflects its priorities, credibility, and growth objectives.

Responsibility Breakdown

Effective Extension Training Program Management (50%)

You will manage the operational backbone of BFG’s Effective Extension training program. This includes overseeing registrations, logistics, venues, catering, materials, and schedules for training sessions across provinces. You will ensure participant communications are timely and clear and that training sessions are delivered professionally and consistently.

You will support curriculum refinement and content updates in collaboration with Toban and Jay, help develop scalable training formats such as modular offerings, hybrid delivery, certification pathways, and manage participant follow-up systems such as cohort communications and evaluations. You will track metrics related to participation, feedback, and outcomes to support continuous improvement and future growth.

You will not be expected to facilitate training sessions unless desired.

What success looks like in the first 12–18 months

Training delivery runs smoothly and predictably across multiple locations. Registrations, logistics, and participant communications are handled without last-minute pressure. Scalable training formats are defined and tested. Participant feedback and outcomes are tracked and used to refine programming. The training program is viewed internally and externally as a flagship BFG offering.

Thought Leadership, Podcast Program and Related Sponsorship Management (20%)

You will oversee program management and growth for The Extensionists podcast. This includes managing calendars, content review, promotional copy and marketing in collaboration with the podcast team.

You will lead sponsorship coordination and management, including outreach support, sponsor tracking, fulfillment of sponsorship deliverables, and coordination of branded episode collaborations. You will also support marketing campaigns for podcast episodes to grow listenership in alignment with sponsorship objectives.

You will be expected to manage and develop systems for other Thought Leadership initiatives, such as articles, white papers, additional podcasts, and possibly videos.

What success looks like in the first 12–18 months

The podcast runs on a predictable schedule with a clear planning processes. Sponsorships are managed professionally, with clear tracking and fulfillment. Listener and marketing growth and sponsor value are measurable. The podcast is integrated into BFG’s broader thought leadership and marketing strategy.

Internal Marketing and Brand Support (20%)

You will provide strategic oversight of BFG’s internal marketing and brand presence, ensuring consistency and professionalism across platforms. This includes overseeing website content updates, social media and newsletter planning, and the development of case studies, media kits, and presentation decks that support BFG’s programs and business development efforts.

Execution may be handled by contractors or internal staff, but you are responsible for ensuring marketing activity aligns with program priorities and reflects BFG’s positioning.

What success looks like in the first 12–18 months

BFG’s marketing presence is consistent, current, and aligned with its program priorities. Core materials such as the website, decks, and case studies are up-to-date and actively used. Marketing activity feels intentional rather than reactive.

Policy Program Operations and Research Translation (10%)

You will oversee the operational and communications elements of BFG’s policy advisory work. This includes managing policy workflows, calendars, and deliverables, coordinating meeting preparation and follow-up with commodity groups and government partners, and maintaining clear documentation and tracking systems.

You will work with the design and strategy teams to translate complex policy, regulatory, and research material into farmer-facing summaries, board-ready briefing notes, and stakeholder or government-facing materials. You will edit and refine policy content drafted by BFG. This role focuses on clarity, structure, and impact rather than authorship of policy positions.

What success looks like in the first 12–18 months

Policy work is delivered on time, clearly documented, and easy for clients to understand and use. Meetings and follow-ups are well organized. Policy communications are consistently clear and audience-appropriate. Internal tracking systems reduce friction and reliance on memory or informal processes.

Additional Opportunities 

Digital Systems, AI, and Workflow Improvement

You will help strengthen how BFG manages programs internally through improved systems and workflows. This includes improving internal coordination, reporting processes, and documentation, exploring and implementing practical AI applications such as meeting summaries, action tracking, research synthesis, and content drafting, and advising on digital tools and content organization.

You will also support the development of efficient marketing and communications systems, including content reuse, email workflows, and automation, to improve reach and efficiency without increasing production burden.

What success looks like in the first 12–18 months

Internal workflows are clearer and more efficient. AI tools are used pragmatically to save time and reduce duplication. Documentation and reporting are easier to maintain. The team relies less on informal workarounds and more on repeatable systems.

Status: Full-time

Location: Burr Forest Group and client is headquartered in Manitoba, but the position is remote

Reporting to: Principal & Senior Project Manager

Salary: Competitive; dependant on candidate

Growth path: Advancement tied to program expansion, revenue growth, and organizational scale

Education and Experience:

• Five or more years of experience in agriculture, communications, program management, or related fields
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field, or a combination of education and equivalent professional experience

Skills, Qualities and Attributes:

• Strong knowledge of the agriculture industry, including comfort working with farmers, commodity groups, researchers, and ag organizations
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs or initiatives
• Strong strategic thinker who is comfortable with hands-on coordination
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building structure where none exists
• Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills
• Experience with digital tools, systems thinking, and AI-assisted workflows
• Comfortable balancing long-term program development with near-term delivery needs

What BFG Offers

Burr Forest Group is a small, growing firm with a national footprint and a strong reputation in agricultural communications, research, and extension. We value clarity, trust, and thoughtful work over bureaucracy and performative busyness.

Work Model

This is a primarily remote role with flexibility in how and where work is completed. Core availability during standard business hours is expected, with flexibility outside of that based on workload and travel.

Travel Expectations

Travel is required at various points throughout the year, particularly for cross-province training delivery and events. Travel is planned in advance wherever possible and balanced against remote work.

Professional Development and Learning

BFG supports ongoing learning and professional development, including opportunities to deepen expertise in agriculture, policy, communications, marketing and emerging tools such as AI. This role offers exposure to national and international-level conversations and networks.

Benefits and Compensation Philosophy

Compensation is designed to be competitive and fair, with growth tied to increased responsibility, program expansion, and firm performance. Benefits and additional supports will be discussed as part of the hiring process, with flexibility reflecting BFG’s size and stage.

About Burr Forest Group:

Burr Forest Group is a full-service agency rooted in Canada’s agriculture industry. We develop intelligent communications strategies, produce original creative content, and work closely with producers, industry groups, and research organizations to make complex information clear, useful, and engaging. Our work combines media savvy with deep ag knowledge, and we pride ourselves on being as practical and responsive as the people we work with.

Application Deadline: February 6

To Apply:

Send your resume, cover letter, and relevant work samples to:
Toban Dyck | Principal, Burr Forest Group
toban@burrforest.com | 204-227-8875