Proficiency Testing Program Manager

Location:
Virtual (Remote)

Employment:
Part-time, 1099 Contractor Position

Salary:
$50-$100/hour (dependent upon experience)

Closing Date:
March 31, 2026

Job Description:
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) invites applicants to apply for the Proficiency Testing (PT) Program Manager Position. This role reports to the AAFCO Executive Director and oversees work with the full Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) team (Committee chair(s), Quality Manager, Preparation Facility, Statistician, and admin support) regarding PTP operations, procedures, policies, and continuous improvement.

About this Role:
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the AAFCO PT Program. AAFCO’s PT Program supports regulatory and industry laboratories by providing a proficiency testing program that is compliant with ISO/IEC 17043 requirements at nominal cost to laboratories. This position monitors the use and performance of analytical test methods and provides animal food testing laboratories with performance-monitoring procedures that are common requirements of accreditation. The program produces well-defined testing materials to be used for method validation and quality control. The approximate number of expected hours per week is 10-15, but may be more or less, depending on the specific project, deliverables, and time of year. If you have a strong laboratory background, especially with animal food, knowledge about ISO/IEC 17043, exceptional organizational skills, an eye for detail and a passion for collaboration, this role is for you!

Key Responsibilities: The Successful Candidate will:

• Lead annual ISO/IEC 17043 conformity assessments in coordination with the Executive Director, Quality Manager, Preparation Lab Manager, Statistician, and Accrediting Body. Prepare and present conformity assessment findings to the AAFCO Board of Directors, including recommendations for corrective or preventive actions.
• Oversee corrective action processes, risk assessments, and quality system improvements related to PT program operations.
• Annually review all PTP scheme plans and work with administrative support to implement schemes for the upcoming year, included but not limited to notifying and enrolling participating laboratories.
• Provide the final review of statistical reports, issue report authorization letters, upload reports to the PTP Data Reporting Website for publication, work with admin support to add statistical reports to the AAFCO website.
• Required to attend at least one AAFCO Annual or Midyear meeting in-person within the calendar year; assist in preparing agendas, minutes, and reports for the AAFCO Proficiency Testing Program Committee; coordinate other PTP team representation at AAFCO meetings as needed; serve as a member of the AAFCO Lab Methods & Services Committee and Proficiency Testing Program Committee to provide PTP updates, gather input from AAFCO laboratory members, industry liaisons and meeting attendees, and maintain knowledge and advances related to laboratory technology and analytical topics.
• Respond to questions from subscribing laboratories, new subscribers, administrative support, and AAFCO members as soon as possible, but by no later than three business days. Topics include, but are not limited to, answering logistic questions (use of PTP Dashboard, use of Data Reporting Website, subscription/invoice adjustments, and shipment schedules and tracking) and technical questions (identification and use of appropriate test methods and understanding of statistical reports).
• Identify commercially available animal food and feed ingredient materials, purchase materials for delivery to the Prep Lab, calculate estimated analysis for labeling PT material bags (i.e., guarantees), review and approve bag labels, set-up monthly PT rounds in the Data Reporting Website.
• Provide annual PTP budget information (revenues and expenses) to the Executive Director; perform monthly financial reviews of PTP revenues and expenses and submit recommendations or findings if needed; review, submit and accurately apply account codes for PTP invoices for payment approval by the AAFCO Secretary-Treasurer; and serve as a member of the AAFCO Finance Committee.

Qualifications to Succeed:

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Education/Experience:
  • A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, animal nutrition, animal science, or a related field.
  • At least three years of experience working within an ISO-accredited laboratory environment (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043, or equivalent quality management system
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Strong knowledge of animal nutrition and the animal food industry.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency in using project management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management platforms).
  • Ability to maintain a functional home internet and sufficient workspace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education/Experience:
  • 3+ years of laboratory experience, specifically with a quality management system, ideally in a scientific or technical setting related to animal food.
  • Experience working with regulatory bodies or agricultural-related trade associations or in a similar industry setting.
  • Experience coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder processes.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Familiarity with the AAFCO and AAFCO Committees.
  • Experience coordinating personal travel to and from events.
  • Ability to navigate challenges and find creative solutions.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including AAFCO Board Members, Committee Chairs, industry advisors and consumers.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a program and guide others effectively.

Other Requirements:

• • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

Why Join Us? 
At The Association of American Feed Control Officials, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to advancing regulatory knowledge of animal food. This role provides a unique opportunity to work on a world renowned, internationally accredited proficiency testing program. The selected applicant will have the opportunity to strengthen the association, work with top experts, and contribute to an important industry.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 117 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals. Its members are charged by their state or federal laws to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of animal feeds and feed ingredients. Learn more at aafco.org.

There is potential for this role to evolve into a full-time position.

Please send your resume and cover letter to aafco@aafco.org.