Executive Director of Ten Rivers Food Web

Ten Rivers Food Web (TRFW) is a nonprofit organization spanning three counties in the heart of western Oregon, from the Pacific ocean to the foothills of the Cascade mountains.  TRFW's vision is a robust foodshed where at least 30% of the food consumed in our three-county region is locally grown, processed and distributed.  TRFW strives to make local food available to people of all income levels and help farmers reach more markets. While many are devoted to the local food movement, TRFW's goal is to reach those unaware of its benefits to the health of their communities and themselves.

Executive Director Position 

Leading candidates will be broadly informed leaders with a high level of intellectual curiosity and the capacity to educate the public and encourage others to explore new terrain.  TRFW seeks a self-directed person, but one who can take directions from an active Board of Directors and who can work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

 The Executive Director should be a visionary and strategic leader who understands food security issues from growing, processing and distributing food to creating access regardless of income and the impact of food security on the quality of community life and health. The ED will represent TRFW at all levels and be available to educate the public and collaborate with similar and complementary organizations and projects throughout the TRFW region.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. Immediate supervision for the ED will be provided by the President of the Board or Executive Committee.

The ED has administrative responsibilities for:

• Organizational management: programmatic; personnel; IT; insurance and facilities.
• Supervision of staff, based on written policies established by the Board.
• Financial management: financial planning; operating budget; grants budget; accounting and audit; tax reporting and all other reports that may be required.
• Planning: Determine the feasibility and financing mechanism for projects and activities.
• Contracts and Grants: oversee the pre- and post- awards of grants and other project funding.
• Board relations: work collaboratively with the Board to develop long- and short-term strategic, programmatic, policy and fiscal goals. Maintain appropriate relations with the Board and its committees to ensure they have all the information needed to make sound decisions. Participate in Board development, orientation and training. Meet monthly with executive committee, Board President and Board.
• External relationships: Building affiliations with other organizations; cultivating and developing relationships with philanthropic groups and individuals, and the public.

Requirements: An undergraduate degree is required; advanced degree preferred, plus 2 years experience as an ED or similar, preferably for a food-related organization. Equivalent years of experience in lieu of some education would be considered. Strong written and oral communication skills are critical to ensure the ED will be effective and persuasive in presenting TRFW and its mission to its affiliates, government and non-government agencies, and the public. The ED will be adept at developing relationships with community groups as well as business and government leaders engaged in local, regional, and national conversations of food security and the health and well-being of local food systems. To maintain the public face of the organization, the ED is required to live within the 3-county area served by TRFW and attend events outside the normal work day across the counties. The ED must hold a valid Oregon Driver’s license and carry auto insurance.

The ED will have solid experience in community food security activities and demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, develop and evaluate programs. The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong organizational, administrative and financial management skills, including the successful supervision of staff. The ED will be comfortable in a hands-on role and willing to do any task required to meet the goals of TRFW. The ED must be able to think strategically about TRFW’s priorities and help translate these priorities into program development, staff recruitment and related fundraising activities. S/He will help establish a diversified funding base and help identify potential donors to TRFW.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience

To apply for the Executive Director position, please send in PDF form by Friday October 5th:

Your resume and contact information (address, e-mail, phone number)

A cover letter

Three pertinent references with contact information described above.

 

To:

Chris Peterson
Board President
chris@tenriversfoodweb.org
541-929-4167
or Ten Rivers Food Web, P.O. Box 2680; Corvallis, OR 97339