Executive Director

Newton Food Pantry

Job Description

Organization Overview:
The Newton Food Pantry is the oldest and largest pantry serving the Newton community. An independent, non-profit organization, founded in 1983, the Newton Food Pantry aims to alleviate food insecurity in Newton by providing supplemental food and personal care products to community members in need, serving our clients with dignity, compassion and respect. The Newton Food Pantry currently serves more than 2000 Newton residents through bi-monthly choice shopping and deliveries. The diversity of the Newton community is reflected in the makeup of our clients, 60% of whom speak a language other than English at home and 50% of whom identify as BIPOC or biracial/multiracial. In addition, countless others are served through off-site initiatives including the Newton Community freedge and the Lasell University Dry Pantry. A robust corp of volunteers, donors and two employees enables the organization to serve clients and make a difference. Learn more by visiting: newtonfoodpantry.org
 
Position Overview:

The Executive Director is the senior leader of the Newton Food Pantry, managing the organization’s staff, operations, and finances, as well as leading fundraising and external community relations. In partnership with the Newton Food Pantry Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the fulfillment of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. The Executive Director, in conjunction with the Board President, serves as the primary external representative of the Newton Food Pantry, increasing visibility and awareness in the community. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for the management of daily operations to the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the ever-changing daily operations of the Newton Food Pantry and its offsite initiatives such as the Lasell Dry Pantry and the Newton Community freedge, ensuring that all aspects uphold the mission and vision of the Newton Food Pantry. 

The Executive Director will exercise flexibility while continually evaluating the needs of the Newton Food Pantry and its clients and ensuring that financial resources are available to meet short and long-term needs. This position will be responsible for overseeing all staff, as well as creating an environment that attracts volunteers and donors. As the Newton Food Pantry’s senior staff member, the Executive Director will uphold and model the behavior that supports and exemplifies dignity, compassion and respect. 
 
Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Collaborates with the Board of Directors and all subcommittees (such as Strategic Planning, Governance, DEI), to ensure that the current operational and long-term strategic goals are met and/or are progressing in a timely manner
  • Cultivates strategic partnerships with community organizations and individuals 
  • Partners with the Board of Directors to develop a fundraising plan and meet annual fundraising goals; solicits individuals for gifts, cultivates donors, oversees application process to funding sources for new initiatives or to sustain existing programs, and ensures effectiveness of fundraising platforms including annual appeal
  • Sustains a working knowledge of food pantry developments and trends in the field
  • Leads monthly evening Board meetings in conjunction with the President/Board of Directors. 
  • Coordinates with the Board Treasurer to prepare the annual operating budget
  • Responsible for managing the budget, monitoring the use of funds and ensuring the long-term financial success of the organization
  • Oversees the performance management of staff
  • Oversees the Volunteer and Client Engagement Manager to ensure an active and broad participation by a diverse pool of volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work and to ensure that operations meet the needs of clients
  • Oversees the Pantry Manager to ensure that all inventory needs are met, including set-up and implementation of client shopping, bulk delivery, home delivery, and other programs.
  • Represents the Newton Food Pantry at external events
  • Actively participates in advocacy groups and food networks to address poverty and food insecurity issues.

Required Qualifications:

●     Bachelor’s degree
●     Proven track record in organization and staff/volunteer management 
●     At least 3 years of experience directing non-profit operations and programs
●     Extensive fundraising experience
●     A passion to help those experiencing food insecurity
●     Demonstrated excellence in managerial, communication, and leadership skills
●     Strong planning and analytical skills
●     Ability to multitask, solve problems, respond to emergent situations, work independently and collaboratively, and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
●     Highly developed organizational skills and prior experience designing and implementing operational processes and procedures
●     Proficient computer skills, including Google applications, knowledge of database management 
●     Car and valid driver’s license
●     Ability to lift 35 lbs. and stand for long periods of time
 
Preferred:

●     MA/Advanced degree
●     Public Relations and Marketing experience
●     Management in food pantry or food bank 
 
Compensation and Benefits: 

●       The starting salary range for this position is $115,000 commensurate with experience. Stipend for health insurance and paid vacation. Flexible scheduling with hybrid schedules.