Colorado Nonprofit Association

Executive Director

About Jeffco Eats
Jeffco Eats is a dynamic and passionate organization dedicated to combating food insecurity within our community. We are a year-round, out of school food program provider in partnership with the Food Bank of Rockies and the Jefferson County Department of Education. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and we work tirelessly to create sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger. Our programs focus on community engagement, resource mobilization, and advocacy to address the root causes of food insecurity. 

Jeffco Eats was founded in 2014 to address the significant need for shelf-stable and fresh fruit and vegetables for low-income families in Jefferson County during non-school hours. The agency has grown to over 50 locations, including schools, libraries, rec centers, churches and more nonprofits, and many section 8 housing units through Metro West Housing.

Jeffco Eats’ mission is to reduce the number of children experiencing hunger in Jefferson County, Colorado and to increase nutritional intake through healthy, quality foods. Our programs extend to Lakewood, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, and Arvada, serving not just the students but also their families. 

Position Overview
The Executive Director oversees all aspects of operations, fundraising, financial management, program development, and strategic planning. The Executive Director is a visionary leader who is action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and has an innovative approach to business planning, a passion for social impact, and the ability to foster collaboration amongst diverse investors, board members, staff and volunteers. This role requires the ability to thrive in a dynamic, autonomous, and deadline-driven environment, with both a detail-oriented and big-picture focus. In addition to their operational responsibilities, the Executive Director will be a passionate leader who inspires others to engage with our mission. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission and serving its constituents effectively. 

Jeffco Eats seeks a passionate leader to continue the legacy of our founder, who is stepping down after 10 years of leadership. The ideal candidate will partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a vision for the next chapter of the organization focused on stabilizing Jeffco Eats, resetting and reevaluating opportunities and collectively building a focused strategic direction to take Jeffco Eats strongly into the future.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a strategic vision to guide the organization in addressing food insecurity effectively across a growing number of programs and needs. Lead the development and execution of short and long term plans.
• Ensure that mission and core values are communicated clearly and consistently to provide the organization and all stakeholders with a compass to guide us toward our vision.
• Develop and implement a strategic program planning process to identify programs that align with the organization’s mission and goals, working closely with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure that programs are effective, efficient, and meet the needs of the community.
• Conduct regular assessments of the organization’s performance and adjust the strategic plans as needed.

Board Development and Engagement

• Build, cultivate and nurture an engaged and supportive Board of Directors.
• Provide the Board of Directors with the resources, information and training necessary to fulfill their duties and to be strong organizational ambassadors.
• Actively engage with the Board to help identify and recruit prospective board members who bring the skills, attributes and lived experience necessary for the board to be the best partner it can be.

Staff Leadership

• Build, lead and retain an effective and diverse staff and volunteers dedicated to the mission and with the requisite skills to be successful in their work.
• Define staff/volunteer needs, recruit, hire, onboard, mentor and train a team committed to excellence. 
• Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration, encourage staff members to contribute their unique perspectives and talents and encourage professional growth and development.
• Set and communicate clear expectations, roles and responsibilities, strategic priorities, goals, outcomes and key performance indicators for staff and volunteers to ensure organization alignment at all levels.

Program Management

• Oversee and enhance existing programs while identifying opportunities for new initiatives to expand the organization’s impact on alleviating hunger in Jefferson County. 
• Ensure that programs are implemented in accordance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards. 
• Ensure effective systems for program evaluation and regularly evaluate the program offerings and partners, ever mindful of the need to adapt to the needs of the community.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of programs, working with staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are executed with excellence and create the most impact for the mission of the organization.
• Promote the organization’s programs and services to key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, community partners, and the media, to increase awareness and support for the organization’s mission.
• Maintain relationship with Lakewood United Methodist Church; keep lease in compliance including maintaining use of warehouse in accordance with their standards and keeping up to date with building entry security system and logistics of unhoused population issues.

Fundraising, Marketing and Community Outreach

Fundraising

• Act as the main fundraiser for Jeffco Eats setting fundraising strategy and responsible for working with staff, board and volunteers to identify prospects and close gifts.
• Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals, with a focus on securing major gifts and individual donations.
• Develop and implement donor stewardship plans to maintain strong relationships with donors and secure ongoing support, including regular communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.
• Oversee and direct the contract Grant Writer to develop and submit fundraising grant proposals. 
• Establish relationships with key contacts in Corporate organizations responsible for community service, volunteerism, team building events, etc. Share impact of their participation in events and encourage ongoing partnership. 

Marketing

• Create and maintain the organization’s brand and messaging across all channels.
• Deepen and refine all aspects of communications including web presence, social media and external relations with the goal of creating a stronger brand.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to increase the organization’s visibility and reach.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets and reporters to secure press coverage and promote the organization’s activities.
• Ensure up to date website, marketing collateral and strong social media presence focus on thought leadership, community engagement, fundraising and recruiting.

Outreach

• Act as the organization’s spokesperson and represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements to raise awareness about Jeffco Eats mission and impact within the community and beyond to garner new opportunities for Jeffco Eats.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and other stakeholders. 
• Collaborate with local agencies to create a unified approach to tackling food insecurity.
• Attend community meetings with critical organizations such as the Jeffco Pantry Hub, City Council, Kiwanis, Rotary, hunger advocacy groups and the Colorado NonProfit Association. 
• Oversee the Community Relations Liaison’s outreach plan.

Financial Management

• Oversee the organization’s financial management in partnership with the Board Treasurer, ensuring that the organization is financially sound and operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability.
• Develop and oversee the organization’s annual budget, working with the Board Treasurer and other staff members to ensure that it aligns with the organization’s goals and priorities.
• Monitor financial performance on an ongoing basis, tracking revenue and expenses and making adjustments as needed to ensure that the organization is operating within its budget.
• Ensure that financial reports are accurate and provided to the Board of Directors in a timely manner. Maintain federal and state budgets with restricted funds compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit financial management and ensure that the organization’s financial policies and procedures are in compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Ensure that the organization raises enough funds to meet its annual goals and expand its mission reach and impact, monitoring progress toward fundraising goals and making adjustments as needed.

Supervision

• Effectively supervise and manage direct reports and provide, by example and leadership, motivation and direction to employees of the organization.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable state and federal employment laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; recognizing and rewarding employees; corrective disciplinary procedures and practices, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Set the tone of the department to ensure morale, teamwork, and that the positive employment culture of the organization is maintained.
• Regularly schedule staff 1:1 and team meetings to provide leadership, development, and a forum for communication to ensure coordination and collaboration in meeting organization and individual goals.

Professional Performance 

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the organization.
• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.
• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.
• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.
• Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.
• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of organization business.
• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.
• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in the field of food insecurity or related social issues.
• Strategic thinker who communicates professionally and effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, donors, prospects, and community stakeholders.
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Must be computer proficient and possess experience with Google Suite, volunteer and donor data management database software, and able to learn new software as needed.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based on organizational needs.
• Ability to maintain consistent discretion and confidentiality in the performance of duties.
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and exercise personal judgment in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of humor and integrity.
• Superior skills to organize, plan, and execute the full scope of required programs.
• Commitment to and passionate about social justice and a deep understanding of the challenges related to food insecurity. 
• Candidates must possess a Colorado driver’s license, meet background check criteria, and meet criteria for clearance to drive Jeffco Eats vehicles.

Work Schedule
This is a part-time, year-round position. The typical work schedule is Monday–Friday between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with some weekends and/or evenings to support the needs of the organization. 

Work Environment
This is a hybrid work environment with some required on site hours to oversee and manage food deliveries, food packing days, etc. This position may require travel to off-site programming locations. 

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift at least 25 lbs. 
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices. 
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with staff, volunteers and partners on a daily basis. 
• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment.