Executive Director

Comfort Food Community is a nonprofit organization addressing rural food insecurity in Washington, Warren and Saratoga Counties. We operate multiple programs to provide nutritious food to our neighbors in need, work with partner organizations to improve the health of targeted populations, and lead the community to end rural hunger.

Position
Comfort Food Community is seeking an energetic Executive Director who will be a fundraiser, strategist, visionary leader for the organization.  The Executive Director will develop and implement an operational infrastructure, guide staff, keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, ensure that the organization remains fiscally sound, while planning for  the future growth of programs and activities. These activities must be consistent with the stated mission and vision of Comfort Food Community and serve to provide the basis for the long-term sustainability of the organization. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board President and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Management.

• Lead and inspire the Board, staff, donors, and community stakeholders to support the vision, mission, and goals
• Provide fiscal oversight in the management of the budget
• Recruit, hire, lead, and supervise staff. Develop and lead annual performance reviews focusing on organizational and individual goals, professional growth, effective communication, and problem-solving
• Provide leadership in the management of the volunteers

Governance and Board Relations

• Attend and actively participate in monthly Board meetings
• Provide guidance on issues to be addressed on the Board agenda
• Prepare a draft annual budget and submit it to the Treasurer and Finance Committee; collaborate on the completion of the final budget
• Works closely with the Board and its committees to fulfill the organization’s mission
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Board policies and external mandates
• Summarize program-related food and customer metrics to the Board and staff and uses these metrics for planning and troubleshooting

Resource Development

• Actively participate in fundraising through direct engagement with private and corporate donors and by creating a culture that incorporates staff and Board in the fundraising process
• Support and collaborate with the Development Director to execute an annual development plan.
• Lead efforts to identify new and expand existing revenue streams

Communications, Public Relations, Community Outreach and Advocacy

• Support and enhance the Comfort Food Community’s reputation by being active and visible in the community, identifying and developing community connections, and working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations
• Create and implement a program of external communication that increases the awareness of Comfort Food Community and its programs and services with potential clients and supporters

Organizational Values
Each employee upholds CFC organizational values, as follows:

• Dedication and commitment. We are bound by our mission to feed people, and we are invested in minimizing the harmful impacts of hunger.
• Fun! Humor heals. This can be emotionally taxing work and we remember to keep things light.
• Honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. At our core, we cannot do what we do without believing in each other.
• Collaboration and teamwork. Fulfilling our mission is contingent on excellent cross-program communication.
• Care, empathy, and support. We lead with kindness and compassion for all those we interact with.
• Creativity and resourcefulness. How can we do our work in innovative ways that question the norm and get us further than ever?
• Tolerance and respect. Our uniqueness is what makes us special and our collective understanding of this allows all to flourish.
• Accountability and diligence. We are clear with our roles yet can side-step as needed. Our shared work ethic gets the job done.

Qualifications

• Passion for the Comfort Food Community mission, programs, and the rural community
• A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on management experience working with a staff of at least 10
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree required
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an inclusive leadership style
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Budget, finance, and fundraising experience
• Non-profit management experience preferred
• Proficient with finance and Microsoft software

About CFC
Comfort Food Community (CFC) works to build community systems to alleviate rural food insecurity, improve health, and create a robust, sustainable local food system. We are headquartered in Greenwich, NY, a small town of about 5,000 people, in Washington County in the upper Hudson Valley. We provide food through a dynamic operation of programs. CFC operates with a paid staff of 12 and more than 75 volunteers. We promote a workplace that supports equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
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Comfort Food Community is committed to a diverse work environment, and this commitment is demonstrated through our hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Compensation
Salary $80,000 - $100,000, Health benefits

This position is based in Greenwich, NY. Some hybrid work attendance may be considered. No relocation assistance is available for this position.

Please submit a resume and cover letter indicating why you are interested and qualified for the position to 'Maryann McGeorge' maryann.mcgeorge@gmail.com