Chief Executive Officer

Boyden is proud to be partnering with Food for Free in their search for a Chief Executive Officer. Food for Free is seeking an inspiring, mission-driven, people-centered non-profit leader to advance this impactful human service agency. This transformational leader will oversee a dedicated staff of 32 employees, devoted to supporting the needs of families experiencing food insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts. The CEO will be a collaborative, strategic leader with experience building culture, external partnerships and implementing outcomes-driven strategy to achieve short and long-term sustainability. The next CEO will be a strong decision-maker with a high emotional intelligence, they will be action-oriented and humble, a consensus builder and a lifelong learner.

In the past three years, Food for Free has more than tripled in size, now moving over 7 million pounds of food annually. The incoming CEO will have the opportunity to stabilize growth, develop a sustainable revenue model and advance internal and external relationships.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO for Food for Free will lead the implementation of policies and programs to carry out the organization’s mission, vision and strategic priorities. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in management, community outreach and advocacy, external relations, fundraising, strategic planning, capacity building, finance, human resources, DEIB Principles and Practices, and program development. The incoming leader will partner with the board and senior leadership on vision and strategy to set the direction of Food for Free for years to come.

In partnership with the Board of Directors and Sr. Leadership Team (direct reports), the CEO will create and implement mission, vision, values, strategic plan, measurement and evaluation for the organization; lead community outreach, advocacy, and public relations efforts; serve as the main point of contact for press, government, auditing and monitoring visits; and contribute to local, state and federal level boards, committees, task forces and panels to promote the mission of Food for Free while building strong relationships to bolster efforts around hunger and poverty.

Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• In partnership with the Board of Directors and Sr. Leadership Team (direct reports), implement refreshed strategic plan, advance KPI’s for personnel and measurement of programmatic outcomes, and evaluation for the organization.
   
• Advance an inclusive culture dedicated to equity, justice and belonging.
   
• Lead community outreach, advocacy, corporate partnerships, and public relations efforts for the organization. Serve as the main point of contact for press, government, auditing, and monitoring visits.
   
• Strategically manage and support critical government partnerships/relationships to build strong support systems and funding opportunities.
   
• Contribute to local, state, and federal level boards, committees, task forces and panels to promote the mission of Food for Free while building strong relationships to bolster larger efforts around food insecurity.
   
• Support the Board of Directors by maintaining open and regular communications and sharing financial data in a timely manner for the board to fulfill their fiduciary obligations.

Management:

• Oversee Programs and supervise Development/Fundraising, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, and Operations.
   
• Responsible for defining Organizational Structure and hiring all direct reports.
   
• Responsible for ensuring clear and updated policies and procedures for all levels of associates including but not limited to: benefits, compensation philosophy, career growth, operating policies and procedures, etc.
   
• Collaboratively develop organization and program budgets.
   
• Manage engagement with press, legal professionals, or consultants.
   
• Implement and serve as main point of contact for any emergency programs, task forces, committees needed throughout the year.
   
• Support fundraising efforts including engaging and soliciting funders, volunteer appreciation and speaking engagements. Work closely with Chief Development Officer to develop a sustainable philanthropy program.
   
• Monitor the financial position of the organization and recommend budget amendments to ensure stability of the organization both short and long-term.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, preferred, and 10 or more years’ experience. 15+ years of experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
   
• Passionate and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
   
• Successful track record of experience in fund development.
   
• Familiarity with state and federal funding mechanisms.
   
• Experience building and advancing community partnerships.
   
• Experience in developing corporate partnerships in order to further the organizational goals.
   
• Participation in strategic planning process and implementation of strategic plan.
   
• Understanding of the ecosystem of the non-profit/social service ecosystem in eastern Massachusetts.
   
• Positive experience partnering with a non-profit board and engaging volunteer leaders.
    
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to advance a positive and inclusive culture, advance accountability and build consensus.
   
• Engagement with DEIB programs and training.
   
• Strong non-profit financial acumen.
   
• An understanding of food insecurity and poverty-related issues in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and nationally is desirable.