Executive Director

About Northern Virginia Food Rescue (NOVA-FR):? 

Northern Virginia Food Rescue (NOVA-FR) is a leading nonprofit in Northern Virginia focused on improving food resiliency and accessibility in the region through food rescue programs in Prince William, Fairfax, and Fauquier counties.  

Using the Northern Virginia Food Rescue App (available at the Apple Store or Google Play) Food Rescue Hero volunteers mobilize throughout the community every day to redistribute unused food from donor partners and deliver that food to distribution partners. To learn more about NOVA-FR, visit our website at nova-fr.org.  

Specific Responsibilities: 

The Executive Director is the chief administrative and development officer of Northern Virginia Food Rescue. The Executive Director reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (hereafter termed the Board) and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and strategic objectives. 

Operational Management 

1. Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy that achieves its mission and a plan to make consistent and timely progress that fulfills that strategy. 
2. Provide leadership in developing programs and services as well as organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff.  
3. Carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board. 
4. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work. 
5. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 
6. Develop and administer operational policies, procedures, and guidelines. 
7. Oversee the design, marketing, promotion, delivery, and quality of programs, products, and services. This includes food rescue, access, distribution, and redistribution. Oversee the maintenance of a database accounting for all food processed through the warehouse. 
8. Assure that the facilities are maintained to ensure a safe and clean working environment for employees and volunteers and that equipment is adequately maintained and kept current to process inventory. 
9. Oversees the organization’s staff including recruiting, hiring, performance management, compensation, and discharge. 
10. Oversee the recruiting, management, motivation, evaluation, and retaining of volunteers to produce organizational results. 

Marketing and Communications 

1. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field. 
2. See that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and the all-important factors influencing it. 
3. Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs, services, and goals. 
4. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative relationships with community groups and organizations. 
5. Represent the program and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the public. 
6. Coordinate the development of an annual communications plan. Ensure a robust website, periodic newsletter, and annual impact report that summarize the organization’s accomplishments and recognizes its volunteers and financial donors. 
7. Acts as the official spokesperson of the organization, including contact with the media.  

Budget and Finance 

1. Responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices. 
2. Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines. 
3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work. 
4. Jointly, with the president and secretary of the Board, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents. 

Fund Development 

1. Work in collaboration with the Development Committee to create and execute an annual fundraising plan.  
2. Implement the approved development plan in accordance with ethical fundraising principles. 
3. Actively seek funding opportunities. This includes grant writing, donor interactions, financial campaign development, and management. 
4. Serve as a standing ex-officio member of the Development Committee 
5. Work closely with the Finance Committee to understand budget projections such that the fundraising plan aligns with meeting those needs. 
6. Manage the implementation of the fundraising plan and oversee staff/volunteers responsible for data entry and gift processing. 
7. Provide a monthly update to the Executive Committee and to the Board when it conducts meetings. 
8. Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with major donors. 
9. Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual donors. 
10. Oversee organization and execution of special events. 
11. Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising. 
12. Monitor trends in the community and region and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary. 

Board Relations 

1. Assist the Board Chair in planning the agenda and materials for Board meetings. 
2. Initiate and assist in developing policy and program and service recommendations and in setting priorities. 
3. Work with the Board to raise funds from the community. 
4. Staff Board committees as an ex-officio member, as appropriate. 
5. Provide leadership in collaborating with the Board. 

ADDITIONAL INFO 

Benefits:  

• Health, dental, and vision insurance. Medical plan options. 
• 403(b) Savings Plan (Immediate Matching) 
• Flexible schedule 
• Basic Term Life Insurance 
• Short-Term Disability Insurance 
• Long-Term Disability Insurance 
• Paid Time Off 
• Comp Time 
• Parental leave 
• Mileage reimbursement 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information. Any offer for employment will be contingent upon a successful background check. For full consideration, apply by October 16, 2022.  

SKILLS REQUIRED 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, advanced degree preferred.  
2. 5+ years of proven leadership and team-building experience. Supervisory experience required.  
3. Ability to work some evenings and weekends. Occasional regional and national travel. 
4. Experience in the food-related industry is strongly preferred. 
5. Previous grant tracking and reporting experience preferred. 
6. Non-profit management and experience working with a board of directors are preferred. 
7. Must pass a background check. 

Ideal Candidate:

1. Has a passion for NOVA-FR’s mission and can articulate its philosophy, values, and practices to internal and external stakeholders. 
2. Demonstrates an interest in the issue of food insecurity, access, and resiliency. 
3. Possesses management skills to handle multiple and diverse projects and assignments while responding to day-to-day operational needs. 
4. Has developed strong organizational and time management skills. 
5. Demonstrates an ability to manage a diverse staff, including volunteers. 
6. Cultivates a functional knowledge of fellow employees’ identities and can navigate diversity in the workplace 
7. Exercises excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
8. Is a team player with a capacity to engage in critical thinking and promote teamwork across the organization.