Company description

Our food bank operates as a free grocery store for anyone living in East Whatcom County who needs food. Here they can browse our shelves and refrigerated cases to choose shelf-stable canned goods, dry goods, packaged staples, fresh produce, fresh bread, dairy goods, and frozen protein—for as long as they need it.

Yet Foothills Food Bank does so much more...

• We advocate for support and improvement of our local food system
• We support local farmers when we purchase produce directly from them with guaranteed contracts
• We support committees such as the Foothills Community Food Partnership, Whatcom Food Bank, and Whatcom Food Security Task Force
• We provide educational opportunities such as cooking classes with SNAP-ED
• We facilitate the Winter and Spring Pantry Program at Mount Baker School District
• We host events to better understand community priorities and needs
• We build robust community partnerships to bring services and support to the area

Job description

Come work with us! We are a small food bank looking for our next leader to grow our nonprofit. We are looking for a dynamic and skilled professional with a passion for food access and food justice to join our team. 

This is a full time salaried, non-exempt position. The Food Bank Director is responsible for planning, directing and oversight of all Foothills Food Bank (FFB) operations. This includes ensuring that the food bank is meeting the needs of our clients and our community and working with the Board to develop policies and conducting strategic planning. This role provides the opportunity to engage in meaningful, mission-oriented work in a values focused environment.

Responsibilities

Leadership of the Food Bank

• Oversee all operations to advance the organization, in compliance with food bank’s policies, contractual obligations, and plans; ensure efficient and effective use of resources and optimal service to clients.
  Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, promoting the importance of our work in the Community.
• Participate actively in the Whatcom Food Bank Network and events or meetings essential to funding and partnership development.

Contract and Financial Management 

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for board approval, ensuring accountability for resource control; oversee cash flow and business operating lines in accordance with the Board's financial policies
• Administer an $85,000+ food purchasing budget with timely ordering and invoice processing.
• Ensure proper accounting and reporting for federal, state, and County government funding.  
• Oversee execution of annual pre-season local produce purchasing agreements with Whatcom County farms.
• Oversee agreements with governmental and non-governmental organizations, grantors, vendors, and contractors.  
• Ensure maintenance of all applicable licenses and certifications pertaining to the operation of a Donated Food Distributing Organization

Fundraising and Outreach

• Design and implement alongside the board, a comprehensive fund development strategy that ensures the long-term financial stability and success of the Food Bank.
• Identify, pursue, and submit grant applications to diversify revenue streams. Oversee grant compliance and reporting to maintain strong relationships with funders.
• Strengthen and execute a community outreach strategy to raise public awareness, attract new donors, and deepen engagement with existing supporters.

Board Governance Support

• Provide monthly reports to the board one week in advance of monthly board meetings
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and an annual budget alongside the finance committee.
• Attend monthly board meetings, and annual board strategic planning retreat.
• Collaborate with and provide support to the Food Bank’s board committees. 
• Support the Board in upholding its governance responsibilities.

Operations

• Supervise and Collaborate with the FFB Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and ensure alignment with the Food Bank's mission, values, and goals.
• Ensure the Operations Manager upholds safety standards, effective food procurement, storage, and distribution systems, and compliance with all state and local regulations.
• Work with the Operations Manager to maintain a strong volunteer program and ensure smooth coordination of food bank programs, such as seasonal pantry initiatives.
• Ensure the Operations Manager handles timely maintenance of the facility, equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure.
• Ensure that the Food Bank remains compliant with all applicable laws, licenses, certifications, permits, health regulations, and food safety standards.

Human Resources

• Promote a culture of cooperation and respect among staff and volunteers and ensure that the responsibilities and accountability of all staff and volunteers are defined and understood. Ensure compliance with regulatory internal personnel policies and applicable laws. 
• Coach staff and volunteers in areas requiring improvement.
• Act as the primary point of contact for client and volunteer concerns and conflict resolution. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, food industry, or related field, with a focus on business administration and operational management.
• 1-3 years of experience supervising and managing teams of 5 or more employees or volunteers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  Strong Communication and Networking Skills: Proven ability in oral and written communication, with strong interpersonal and networking capabilities to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and leading inclusive, diverse teams that align with organizational values.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors to align strategic goals and drive mission-focused outcomes.
• Ability to represent the Food Bank with professionalism and poise, engaging with community members, donors, and other key constituents.
• Proficiency in developing and managing annual budgets, as well as providing monthly and quarterly financial reports to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Skilled in strategizing, planning, organizing, and implementing long-range and annual goals to advance the mission of the Food Bank.
• Strong computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks, with the ability to manage operational and financial tasks.
• A deep commitment to addressing hunger and supporting rural, low-income families through comprehensive and sustainable approaches.
• Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and commitment to the mission and values of the Foothills Food Bank.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license. Driving the company van will be a requirement of the job. 
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle. We are located in a rural setting. Public transportation is extremely limited and does not correspond with our hours.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 50k-75k

Application instructions

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Deadline

November 30, 2024