Summary
Description
FFF is dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious food for people in need through the efforts of a small staff, working with hundreds of community partner organizations and thousands of volunteers to grow, harvest and distribute fresh produce and other food items to people in need throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Since its launch in 1998, the Farm has produced and distributed many millions of pounds of fresh food to food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, pantries, churches, and schools with the help of tens of thousands of volunteers annually. The Farm currently owns and operates 280 acres of property with around 250 acres in crop production.
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate a passion and commitment to Christian values
- Be an engaging and impactful external leader & fundraiser
- Embody empathetic and inclusive people leadership
- Be a strategic, decisive & adaptable leader
- Exhibit strong operational & financial acumen
- Have experience with (or a strong interest in) farming operations
Position Summary:
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of all aspects of FFF, including farming/agricultural operations, finance, fundraising, programming, staff and volunteers, physical plant and property, marketing and communications, and administration. This role is responsible for ensuring that all farming and agricultural operations, administration, and development efforts align with the mission, values, and strategic plan of FFF. The Executive Director reports directly to the FFF Board of Directors.
Compensation:
Salary range is $150,000 to $175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities (will include but are not limited to):
- Be a servant leader who fosters a positive, inclusive and supportive culture while maintaining FFF's mission and commitment to Christian values.
- In conjunction with the Board of directors of FFF strategically set organizational goals, gain buy-in across team and make effective decisions in a complex and evolving landscape.
- Overall management of all aspects of FFF, including farming and agricultural operations, finance, fundraising, programming, staff and volunteers, physical plant and property, marketing and communications, and administration.
- Build and cultivate a variety of community partnerships, including with churches, agricultural and government agencies, other food service providers, funders, and distribution partners, among others.
- Lead fundraising efforts for FFF and the FFF Foundation, working closely with each Board Chair and the Farm's Director of Development as well as ensure that all advancement efforts align with the mission, values, and strategic plan of FFF.
- Continue and expand the farm's development and fundraising efforts, primarily focusing on individual, corporate and foundational contributions.
- Direct supervision of FFF Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development.
- Serve as a passionate ambassador, effectively conveying FFF's impact and brand by engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including donors, policymakers, community partners, and volunteers.
- Develop Farm budgets, production plans, equipment maintenance, repair and replacement plans, and other operation plans as required.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in agriculture, environmental science, business administration, nonprofit management, or related field required. Master's or other advanced degree preferred.
- Demonstrated track record of Christian servant leadership required.
- Minimum of 10 years progressively responsible leadership experience including management experience in a non-profit and/or mission driven organization.
- A proven track record of leading and managing a team of professionals from diverse cultures, mindsets, and areas of expertise.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and development, with an ability to cultivate and manage diverse funding sources.
- Ability to inspire support and build lasting relationships, to include donors, funders, and partners.
- Experience fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and empowerment, ensuring team members feel valued, encouraged, heard, and motivated to drive impact.
- Strong financial management skills, including experience with budget development, monitoring, and reporting. Experience managing a budget in excess of $1 million.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and relationship building.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Farming experience highly desired. This can include agricultural training, living or volunteering on a farm. Or comfortable learning quickly to lead by example. Must not be afraid to get dirty.
- Previous experience leading a non-profit organization.
Benefits:
- Medical and dental insurance with generous company contribution.
- Retirement savings.
- Paid time off.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Must be comfortable being on a farm and being around farming equipment.
- Physical stamina to walk about the property on uneven terrain as needed. Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Occasional travel will be required, for local / regional meetings and conferences.
- Some evening and weekend work will be necessary; farm work can be unpredictable.
- Work will exceed 40 hours and a normal workday schedule during the growing season (typically March to November).
- A portion of the position is conducted in office surroundings, using a computer and general office equipment.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and our mission.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To learn more about First Fruits Farm, visit https://www.firstfruitsfarm.org/. First Fruits Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
