Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Mississippi Food Network

 

OVERVIEW

 

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Jackson, Mississippi

 

Mission

 

• Mississippi Food Network changes lives by fighting hunger today and feeding hope for a healthier tomorrow.

 

Vision

 

• A Hunger-Free Mississippi.

 

Values

 

• Stewardship: Accountable use of resources

• Teamwork: Collaboration across staff, volunteers, and partners

• Innovation: Continuous improvement in service delivery

• Empathy, Passion, Empowerment: Supporting those we serve and creating opportunities for participation

 

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI FOOD NETWORK

 

Mississippi Food Network (MFN) has been feeding Mississippians since 1984.

 

Founded in 1983, MFN was created to serve as a centralized food distribution center for charities lacking storage capacity. It began with:

 

• 4,000 square feet of space

• 37 donors

• 8 partner agencies

• 2,300 pounds of food

 

Today, MFN operates:

 

• 80,000+ square feet of space

• 62,000-square-foot main distribution center

• 20,000-square-foot secondary facility

 

Impact:

 

• 21.2 million pounds of food distributed annually

• 430+ nonprofit partners

• 150,000 people served monthly

• 1.8 million people served annually

 

MFN is a Feeding America partner and one of Mississippi’s largest nonprofits.

 

PROGRAMS

 

Family and Individual Feeding Programs

 

• Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Federal program providing food to low-income individuals

• Mobile Pantry Program: Immediate food distribution via truck delivery

• Molly’s Mobile Market: Fresh produce access in rural communities

• Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA): Supports local food systems and producers

 

Additional Programs

 

• Retail Rescue: Redirects surplus food to reduce waste and feed communities

• Nutrition Education: Recipes, demonstrations, and nutrition guidance

 

Child Feeding Programs

 

• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Summer meals for children

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Meals at afterschool sites

• School Pantry Program: On-site food distribution for families

 

BackPack Program

 

• Provides weekend meal kits to children in need through school partnerships

 

Senior Feeding Programs

 

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Monthly food support for seniors 60+

• Senior Grocery Program: Monthly pre-packed food boxes

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

 

Mississippi Food Network is a strong operational organization addressing food insecurity statewide.

 

The next CEO will:

 

• Strengthen fundraising and revenue diversification

• Expand food sourcing strategies

• Advance long-term sustainability initiatives

 

Key opportunities:

 

• Leverage a $9 million gift (MacKenzie Scott, 2020)

• Operationalize a 5-year strategic plan (2023–2027)

• Expand advocacy and public engagement

• Strengthen board development and governance

 

Strategic Priorities

 

1. Organizational sustainability and growth

2. Infrastructure investment and expansion

3. Increased reach to vulnerable populations

 

Organization Snapshot

 

• $7.5M annual budget

• ~40 staff (4 direct reports to CEO)

• 23-member Board

 

POSITION SUMMARY

 

The CEO is a visionary, mission-driven leader responsible for strategy, fundraising, operations, and community impact.

 

Leadership and Strategy

 

• Set organizational vision and strategic direction

• Partner with the Board on goals and planning

• Foster innovation, inclusion, and excellence

 

Fundraising and Development

 

• Grow and diversify revenue streams

• Lead donor, corporate, and foundation engagement

• Oversee fundraising campaigns and events

• Manage budget and fundraising targets

 

Operations Management

 

• Oversee food distribution and supply chain operations

• Lead and mentor staff and volunteers

• Ensure program effectiveness and alignment

 

Community Engagement and Advocacy

 

• Serve as public spokesperson

• Build partnerships across sectors

• Advocate for food security policies

 

Financial Management and Sustainability

 

• Ensure fiscal accountability and transparency

• Oversee budgeting and reporting

• Drive long-term financial sustainability

• Maintain compliance with regulations

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

 

The ideal candidate is a visionary, collaborative leader with strong emotional intelligence and a passion for addressing complex social issues.

 

Core Qualifications

 

• Proven leadership in nonprofit or related sectors

• Strategic decision-making experience

• Strong relationship-building skills

• High ethical standards and business acumen

 

Fundraising & External Relations

 

• Experience cultivating major gifts and grants

• Ability to engage donors and stakeholders

• Strong communication and networking skills

 

Leadership Style

 

• Collaborative and empowering

• Accountable and transparent

• Calm under pressure

• Creative and solutions-oriented

 

Additional Qualifications

 

• Experience working with boards

• Entrepreneurial mindset

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred

• Relevant sector experience is a plus

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & APPLICATION

 

Salary Range: $175,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience)

 

Benefits Include

 

• 9 paid holidays

• Vacation

• Medical, dental, disability, life insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan

 

MFN is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal nondiscrimination laws.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

Applications are managed by Kittleman & Associates.

 

Submit:

 

• Resume

• Letter of interest

 

Apply at: https://www.kittlemansearch.com/mississippi-food-network-chief-executive-officer