Thurston County Food Bank - Executive Director (ED)

Full position profile.

Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Annual budget: $13M FY 2025

For over 50 years, the Thurston County Food Bank (TCFB) has been driven by a singular mission – Eliminate Hunger Within Our Community, in the Spirit of Neighbor Helping Neighbors. Since its humble beginnings as a volunteer-led group of community members working out of a borrowed basement, TCFB now owns and operates two food pantries and a 25,000 square foot warehouse providing fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods to four counties.

TCFB is searching for a dynamic and innovative leader to step in as the next Executive Director. This person will help drive the mission forward and make TCFB’s goal a reality. 

The Organization 

Founded in 1972, the Thurston County Food Bank has developed into a vital resource within our community, operating from three strategic locations throughout Thurston County. These include the downtown Olympia Client Services Center, a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse established in 1942; a second Client Services Center in Lacey, which opened in 2021 and features a 1,750 sq. ft. Farm Stand, a 5,500 sq. ft. food bank, and a 10,000 sq. ft. garden space; and the expansive 25,000 sq. ft. Tumwater Warehouse Regional Distribution Center. 

Our dedicated team comprises ~30 paid staff members, bolstered by approximately 5,000 volunteers each year who contribute over 60,000 hours of service. Together, we are committed to providing essential resources to our clients, offering a selection of basic food items such as fresh produce, deli sandwiches, dairy products, prepared salads, shelf-stable canned goods, and frozen protein items.

The Position/Your Role 

The Executive Director (ED) of the Thurston County Food Bank plays a vital role in guiding the organization to achieving its mission and financial goals and deepening the organization’s roots and relationships in the communities we serve. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership and direction to all Food Bank services, programs, and resources. As the principal advisor to the Board, the ED establishes annual goals and objectives, as well as short and long-range plans, ensuring that operations are efficient, timely, and cost-effective. 

A key aspect of this role is to serve as a representative of the Thurston County Food Bank, building and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, including local, state, and federal agencies, media outlets, citizen interest groups, and private businesses. This collaborative approach not only enhances the Food Bank's visibility but also fosters community support and engagement. 

The ED leads a dedicated management team, acting as the top-level executive responsible for interpreting and executing the strategic objectives set by the Board in a way that includes and empowers staff. By serving as the primary liaison between the Board and Food Bank employees, the ED helps cultivate a culture of collaboration and transparency throughout the organization. 

While not an exhaustive list, the ED’s representative duties encompass coaching, mentoring, and developing management team members; strengthening lines of communication and transparency among all staff; fostering relationships with external stakeholders; managing public and media relations; monitoring program performance; overseeing budgeting and financial management; enhancing donor relations and fundraising efforts; and advocating for government and legislative support. Additionally, the ED plays an essential role in actively promoting the activities of TCFB and engaging in long-range strategic planning. 

Together, through this collaborative and proactive leadership, we can ensure that the Thurston County Food Bank continues to make a positive impact on our community. 

Compensation & Benefits 

The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000. 

TCFB is committed to supporting all employees through a competitive salary and benefits, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and training and professional development. Benefits include: 

·       Medical, dental and vision coverage 

·       Simple IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match 

·       Long-term disability and life insurance 

·       Paid holidays 

·       Generous PTO policy for vacation and sick days 

To be considered 

The position is open until filled. Candidate materials are reviewed on an on-going basis and initial interviews will begin in March. Cover letters (two pages or less) addressed to the Board of Directors and a resume can be submitted to Valtas. 

You may direct questions to Ed Rogan at [email protected] or 206.697.8428, or Chris Cannon at [email protected] or 971.666.2621. 

The Thurston County Food Bank recognizes that hunger is a symptom of poverty, and that poverty is rooted in social inequities. Our philosophy of providing services in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor is tied to our commitment to supporting families so that they can be successful. The Food Bank is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the organization. Human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our staff, volunteers, and customers invest in our organization represents a significant part of our culture, our reputation, and our success. 

TCFB is an equal opportunity employer. No person will be denied employment for reasons of differentiation regarding race, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, and national origin. TCFB will recruit, hire, train, and promote to all levels without regard to race, religion, gender, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, and national origin.