Executive Director Job Announcement

Executive Director Job Announcement 8/20/09

As People’s Grocery progresses towards its greatest goal - a community grocery store in West Oakland – we are preparing for the eventual transition of our founding Executive Director, Brahm Ahmadi, as he turns his full-time focus to developing the retail business. Central to this transition will be the hiring of a new leader aligned with the mission, vision and values of People’s Grocery who is capable of leading the organization into an exciting and productive future.

Deadline: Position is open until filled. No calls please.


Executive Director

Job Description

People’s Grocery is a community-based organization, founded in 2003, that addresses health disparities in the community of West Oakland stemming from a lack of access to and knowledge of healthy, fresh foods. With a goal of addressing local health and nutritional needs while providing employment and training opportunities for low-income residents, People’s Grocery’s mission is to build a local food system that can improve the health and economy of the West Oakland community. People’s Grocery develops programs in nutrition education, social enterprise, sustainable/urban agriculture and youth development

POSITION DESCRIPTION
As People’s Grocery progresses towards its greatest goal - a community grocery store in West Oakland – we are preparing for the eventual transition of our founding Executive Director as he turns his full-time focus to developing the retail business. Central to this transition will be the hiring of a new leader aligned with the mission, vision and values of People’s Grocery who is capable of leading the organization into an exciting and productive future. The new Executive Director will receive training and mentorship from the current Executive Director, as well as assistance in establishing relationships with the organization’s staff, clientele, partners and funders prior to the current Executive Director’s departure.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic leader who wants to be part of a committed and talented team dedicated to advancing food justice and creating positive change for residents of the West Oakland community through education, outreach, training, social enterprise and urban agriculture. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and management team to provide leadership to People’s Grocery’s organizational development, strategic goals and growth strategy, as well as manage the following responsibilities:

• Work with staff and board to develop and monitor organizational priorities and strategic direction.
• Work with development staff and board to create and implement annual fundraising plans.
• Work with development staff to write proposals and communicate with funders.
• Work with Treasurer, CPA and Administrative Manager to improve and implement financial accounting and control systems; review financial reports.
• Participate in the development and management of organizational and programmatic budgets in coordination with staff and Board.
• Manage all personnel policies, compensation and benefit packages, new staffing needs, performance reviews and hiring/firing.
• Ensure compliance with and timely reporting on all People’s Grocery contracts.
• Develop People’s Grocery’s communications, public relations and marketing strategy.
• Provide direct or indirect supervision to ten staff positions and four key contractors.
• Develop People’s Grocery’s strategic partnerships and provide guidance to program staff on development and utilization of partnerships.
• Produce quarterly agenda and reports to the Board of Directors, participate in board committees and provide support to the Board when needed.
• Conduct public speaking and public relations on behalf of the organization as needed and/or requested.
• Represent People’s Grocery’s perspectives and play a role in broadening and advancing the food justice movement as a whole

QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of three (3) years nonprofit management and administrative experience
• Bachelor's Degree required. Additional education in areas such as finance, business administration, non-profit management, or youth development preferred.
• Experience in or deep understanding of at least one of People’s Grocery’s strategic areas: food justice, nutrition and health, food systems, sustainable agriculture, or social enterprise.
• Experience working in West Oakland or a low-income community of color.
• Experience with financial management and fundraising.
• Minimum two (2) years experience in budgeting and fiscal management.
• Excellent supervision, management, and leadership skills, including knowledge of mentoring, evaluating, and inspiring staff.
• Human Resource experience including hiring/firing, appraisal and compensation.
• Experience with and knowledge of program evaluation, research methods, data assessment systems.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills; team player and a self starter.
• Excellent written, oral communication, networking, negotiation (conflict management and resolution), and presentation skills.
• Ability to work on advisory committees, task forces, and external coalitions, and take on effective leadership roles.
• Excellent office management and computer literacy (IT) skills (including MS Office applications, FileMaker Pro database, internet research).
• Bilingual or bicultural skills desirable, but not required.
• Ability to work well with diverse groups, sensitivity to issues of race, class, and gender within the workplace and in the community at large.

COMPENSATION
Salary level depends on experience and qualification. Compensation will include benefits (health, dental, and vision coverage) and 5 weeks paid vacation plus national holidays.

HOW TO APPLY
Please email or fax cover letter and résumé to: Malaika Edwards, executivesearch@peoplesgrocery.org or fax to (510) 652-7602. Please visit www.peoplesgrocery.org for information.

DEADLINE
Position open until filled.

People's Grocery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, military status, pregnancy, or disability. Women/People of color/LGBT applicants encouraged to apply.