Executive Director

Slow Food USA (SFUSA) seeks an outstanding, visionary, and strategic leader to shepherd the organization into a new chapter of growth and impact as its Executive Director.

SFUSA's mission is to create a world where all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. 

SFUSA unites the joy of food with the pursuit of justice. We cultivate nationwide programs and a network of local chapters, host educational events and advocacy campaigns, and build solidarity through partnerships. Together, we are dismantling oppressive food systems to achieve good, clean, and fair food for all. We instill anti-racism, racial equity, and inclusion in our programs, operations, and culture. Building relationships across national and international networks is at the core of our collective work's power and passion.

SFUSA is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and human-centered workplace for all people, and is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to reflect the diverse community that works toward and cares about a healthy food system. Applicants who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from candidates who meet most, but not all, of the qualifications and experience outlined in this description.

DESCRIPTION: The SFUSA Executive Director will join a talented and dedicated staff, a committed volunteer BoD, a passionate membership and network of chapters, and a broader philanthropic community working to advance the mission of SFUSA. The Executive Director will be a leader who puts SFUSA’s vision and mission into action, inspires alignment across the network, and builds long-term financial security for the organization. Building on SFUSA’s strong reputation and leveraging the skills and talents of its staff, the new leader will set and drive the strategic direction and next-level vision of the organization.

Key initiatives for the next Executive Director include: strategic visioning, growing the BoD, fundraising and partnerships, and organizational leadership.

Responsibilities will include:

• Serve as the public face and ambassador for SFUSA; ensure operations align with the Theory of Change and Code of Conduct.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, hire and lead an effective team, and evaluate performance and outcomes of programs and staff according to SFUSA BoD established metrics.
• Monitor the financial position and needs of the organization, work with the BoD and staff to develop and implement a fundraising plan, lead donor cultivation and asks, and oversee financial planning and budgeting.
• Work closely with the BoD and provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions and be effective champions of the organization, identify BoD prospects, and work with BoD co-chairs to plan and execute effective meetings.
• Engage with the SFUSA community and the public as an inspiring leader, enhance the organization’s public image and advocacy efforts, and ensure that communications align with the mission and voice of SFUSA.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Slow Food International (SFI), particularly regarding network management, communications, and assisting with co-sponsored events.
• Assist the BoD in the development of long-term (five to seven years) organizational, governance, and financial goals, including plans to increase revenue, commensurate with SFUSA programming objectives and obligations.
• Ensure compliance with all administrative and operational requirements, protocols, and best practices relevant to the organization.

Requirements

EDUCATION /EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field; preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree in non-profit management, public administration, or a related field. In addition, candidates will have at least six additional years of work experience with demonstrated success in at least three of the following areas:

• Organizational Management: Experience overseeing administrative and/or operational tasks within a public or private entity, ideally a nonprofit. 
• Grants Administration: Experience with philanthropic and governmental grant-making mechanisms, including compliance and reporting cycles.
• Nonprofit Fundraising: Experience asking for and securing funds from individuals, foundations, and corporations, in the form of donations, memberships, grants, and/or sponsorships.
• Financial Transactions: Experience with routine activities (i.e. processing deposits, handling checking accounts, credit cards, etc.) and project-level budget tracking and closeout.
• Communications: Experience generating and supporting high-quality written and verbal communications for internal and external audiences.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to collaborate effectively and consistently with diverse internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong partnerships.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to effectively convey the organization's mission and goals.

• Expertise in managing and elevating the organization's brand through consistent messaging.

• Strong public speaking skills to represent the organization at conferences, seminars, and other public forums.

Benefits

LOCATION: This job is remote and may be performed anywhere in the continental United States. Occasional travel is required. The SFUSA team is fully remote.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $100,000-$115,000 (salary range based on demonstrated experience). Paid bi-weekly, and benefits including PTO, a health care stipend, and retirement benefits.

SFUSA is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and human-centered workplace for all people, and is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to reflect the diverse community that works toward and cares about a healthy food system. Applicants who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from candidates who meet most, but not all, of the qualifications and experience outlined in this description.

You can find the full description on the Slow Food USA website at https://slowfoodusa.org/jobs-internships/ .