Executive Director

Executive Director

Ferndale Food Bank

 

Description

 

The Ferndale Food Bank seeks a dynamic, compassionate, and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director. This position provides overall leadership, management, and vision to ensure the organization effectively addresses food insecurity in our community. The Executive Director is responsible for all operational, programmatic, fundraising, and administrative functions of the organization, working in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance our mission of providing food and support to all community members.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans in alignment with the organization's mission

• Provide visionary and ethical leadership for staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative organizational culture that values diversity, equity, and continuous improvement

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations affecting nonprofit operations and food distribution programs

 

Employee Management

 

• Recruit, hire, and supervise staff in accordance with organizational policies and employment law

• Develop and maintain comprehensive personnel policies and procedures

• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and create professional development opportunities for current two FT and one PT staff

• Determine competitive compensation packages within budgetary constraints and maintain equitable pay practices

• Build and maintain a positive workplace culture that promotes staff retention, satisfaction, and work-life balance

 

Fundraising and Resource Development

 

• Lead all fundraising initiatives to achieve annual revenue goals of $750,000+

• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors

• Write compelling grant proposals and ensure timely, accurate reporting to funders

• Execute a comprehensive fund development plan that diversifies revenue streams and reduces organizational risk

• Oversee fundraising campaigns and donor communications

 

Program Development and Management

 

• Oversee and support Operations staff in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all food distribution programs and client services, ensuring they meet community needs with dignity and respect

• Regularly assess program effectiveness and make data driven improvements

• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to maximize organizational impact

• Ensure food safety protocols, warehouse operations, and distribution systems operate efficiently and in compliance with all applicable regulations

• Address barriers to food access and implement culturally responsive programming

 

Financial Management and Oversight

 

• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget

• Work closely with the Board Treasurer to provide regular financial reports

• Work with the bookkeeper to ensure accurate and timely accounting, bookkeeping, and financial record-keeping practices

• Oversee cash flow management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial controls

• Coordinate regular financial reviews and implement recommendations

• Oversee and manage all required state and federal filings and reporting

 

Board Relations and Governance Support

 

• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, fostering transparent communication and a productive partnership

• Prepare comprehensive reports, materials, and presentations for board meetings

• Support board development, recruitment, orientation, and engagement activities

• Collaborate with board leadership on governance matters, policy development, and organizational planning

 

Community Engagement and Partnerships

 

• Represent the organization as its primary spokesperson and ambassador in the community

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local government officials, businesses, faith communities, schools, health care providers, and other community organizations

• Create opportunities for community members, including clients, to provide input and feedback on organizational programs and policies

 

Advocacy and Public Relations

 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, including social media, website content, newsletters, and media relations

• Cultivate relationships with media outlets to generate positive coverage and raise awareness

• Tell compelling stories that illustrate organizational impact and humanize the issue of food insecurity

 

Qualifications

 

Required

 

• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, with demonstrated success in executive level roles

• Proven track record in fundraising, including grant writing, major donor cultivation, and corporate partnerships

• Strong financial management skills, including budget development, financial reporting, and fiscal oversight of organizations with budgets of $500,000+

• Experience in employee and team management, including hiring, supervision, performance management, and staff development

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences

• Strategic thinking and problem solving skills, with the ability to balance short term needs with long term vision

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive and deescalation practices

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, social work, public administration, or a related field OR work equivalent experience

 

Preferred

 

• Experience specifically in food banking, hunger relief, social services, or community development

• Knowledge of emergency food systems, food sourcing, and food safety regulations

• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, or other challenges

• Bilingual abilities (in Spanish, Ukrainian, or Russian)