Executive Director Barrie Food Bank

About this position

Executive Director Barrie Food Bank

The Barrie Food Bank (BFB) has been serving individuals and families in the Barrie area since 1984. We provide food relief at no cost to individuals and families in need and support them on their journey towards well-being. We provide a self-shopping model where visitors can choose food items based on their dietary needs, family size and composition, and the Food Banks’ resources.  BFB wishes always to be a strong leader in our community and to maintain a high level of community involvement. We are continually reviewing, refreshing, analyzing, and renewing our goals and activities to better support our expanding client base in the City of Barrie.

The Executive Director (ED) position is central to the successful operation of the BFB. It is a position of leadership, requiring excellent interpersonal skills, planning skills, communication skills and financial management expertise.  In fulfilling the BFB's mandate, the ED works in close collaboration with the Board, Staff, Volunteers and Stakeholders of the organization to ensure that its objectives are achieved. The ED works with the Board of Directors to develop strategic plans for the BFB and provides formal progress reports on the implementation of these plans. The ED ensures that the appropriate operating policies, procedures, systems, and other infrastructure are in place to sustain a disciplined client-focused results based organization. The ED develops strategic partnerships with public and private sector organizations to continuously enhance the impact of BFB's programs and services throughout the region. The ED is also the primary contact for media relations.

BFB is on a mission to address food insecurity throughout the community. We’re looking for a highly skilled ED to help us fulfill this important undertaking. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will oversee the strategic and operational effectiveness of our programs and staff. Experience in hiring and managing staff is essential, as is established relationships with local community groups. Above all, the ED should be highly effective in a leadership role that requires clear communication skills and decisiveness.

What You Will Be Doing as an Executive Director:

• Establish Strategic Operational Plans: Develop and implement operational plans to address strategic priorities and ensure the organization's mission is fulfilled.
• Oversee Organization Operations: Provide executive direction for client programs, food operations, fundraising, and donor engagement.
• Manage Staffing and Volunteers: Identify and address staffing and volunteer requirements to maintain efficient and effective operations. Foster a strong culture that attracts, retains, and motivates individuals dedicated to the organization’s mission.
• Increase Organizational Awareness: Act as the primary spokesperson and liaison with local media to increase the organization's visibility.
• Grow Donor Community: Develop strategies to grow the donor community, focusing on both food and financial contributions.
• Budget Development and Management: Create an annual operating budget and manage financial performance to ensure revenue targets are met and expenses stay within plan.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the organization complies with all national and local regulations.
• Maintain Standards of Excellence: Ensure compliance with Food Banks Canada's Standards of Excellence certification program and Feed Ontario membership requirements.
• Meet Fundraising Goals: Collaborate with the board of directors to meet aggressive annual fundraising goals by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, community organizations, and grants.
• Oversee Fundraising Events and Communications: Work with staff on annual fundraising events and oversee all external communications, including website, marketing collateral, newsletters, and social media.
• Enhance Community Visibility: Serve as the face of the organization, participate in external events to increase visibility and credibility, market the brand, and develop strategic partnerships to expand programs.
• Build and Lead Effective Teams: Lead a team dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through successful client programs, food rescue and recovery initiatives, community engagement, and fundraising efforts.
• Promote Diversity: Support and promote a workplace and service culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

• Experience: Seven or more years of experience in senior management, preferably with non-profit organizations.
• Public Relations, Marketing, and Fundraising Expertise: Strong experience in these areas to effectively promote the organization and secure funding.
• Leadership and Management Knowledge: Understanding of leadership and management principles specific to non-profit organizations.
• Board of Directors Collaboration: Proven success in working with a board of directors to achieve organizational goals.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Innovative approach to business planning and problem-solving.
• Dynamic Team Player: Charismatic individual who enjoys being the public face of the organization and working collaboratively with others.

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
• Budget Management Experience: Demonstrated experience in managing budgets effectively.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills to convey the organization’s mission and needs effectively.