FEAST stands for Food Education, Access and Support, Together. Our mission is to promote health and wellness in under-served communities through the power of healthy foods and human connection. 

In order to advance health equity and reverse health disparities in underserved communities, we offer a comprehensive 16-week wellness program focused on three key ingredients: whole foods, whole people, and whole communities.

We welcome all individuals to gather around our shared table. We invite you to pile your plate high with vibrant fruits and vegetables, to share your food story, and to receive support along your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

By combining Food Education, healthy food Access, and group Support, Together, we can create more nourishing lives.

The Executive Director is the senior leader of FEAST, responsible for guiding the vision and strategies required to successfully carry out FEAST’s mission. They are responsible for effectively directing the teams engaged in FEAST’s programs, fundraising, and operations. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

About FEAST

FEAST, a 501c3 organization based in Los Angeles, is seeking an experienced Executive Director to advance our mission with the support of a small, mighty, and collaborative staff, and a robust Board of Directors. FEAST’s mission is to promote health and wellness in under-served communities through the power of healthy foods and human connection. Our programs support individuals and families throughout South Los Angeles, LA County, and increasingly, in communities nationwide.

FEAST’s vision is to create a world where all individuals have equal access to the ingredients that support health and wellness. By combining Food Education, Access, and Support, Together, FEAST programs provide the ingredients individuals need to live sustainably healthier lives.

Executive Director Role Overview:  

As the organization embarks on its next chapter, the ideal executive leader is one that is able to guide FEAST towards increased scale, while staying deeply connected to the individuals we serve and maintaining the integrity of our programs and our mission. A clear understanding of and commitment to advancing food justice and health equity is essential. 

In alignment with FEAST’s programmatic approach, the Executive Director will demonstrate a people-first approach to leadership based on highly developed emotional intelligence, relationship-building and communication skills. They will demonstrate the ability to inspire and galvanize others to work collaboratively, with an emphasis on building meaningful connections within our internal team and external stakeholders across sectors. They will have the interest and ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to achieve the organization’s goals. This role requires creativity, vision, an entrepreneurial spirit, and provides the opportunity to think outside the confines of traditional nonprofit models, with a goal to build upon existing opportunities and increase FEAST’s impact in the years ahead. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Builds and deepens relationships with stakeholders across sectors, including community members, partner organizations, companies, donors, and individuals of influence in order to increase FEAST’s impact.
2. Works with the Board, Internal Team and Stakeholders to develop the organization’s strategic and fundraising plans.
3. Generates diversified resources by seeking appropriate grants, corporate sponsorships, contracts, building donor relationships and leading key events.
4. Serves as a spokesperson for FEAST, communicating FEAST’s mission and needs with the media, stakeholders and the general public.
5. Leads a robust and diverse Board of Directors to support FEAST’s mission through effective meetings, project-focused subcommittees, and by providing opportunities for community engagement.
6. Inspires and supports the growth and development of organizational staff.
7. Develops and manages the organization’s annual budget and generates the resources needed for growth.
8. Provides administrative oversight in alignment with all company policies, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of day-to-day operations of the nonprofit.

Experience:  

• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Minimum three years’ experience working with diverse and underserved populations.
• Experience building relationships with external stakeholders and community partners.
• Experience successfully raising funds for a nonprofit; experience with corporate and high-net-worth donors a plus.
• Experience working as a social worker or case manager a plus.
• Experience with personnel supervision including recruiting, hiring, evaluating and terminating employees.
• Experience motivating and engaging staff.
• Experience maintaining positive working relationships with staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• Experience as an effective and dynamic public speaker.
• Experience successfully handling multiple complex projects.
• Experience meeting and surpassing goals.  
• Experience with budget preparation; experience managing budgets a plus.

Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work in communities where diverse populations reside.
• Demonstrated and exceptional written communication skills.
• Strong administrative skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Knowledge and understanding about food justice, health equity, and/or public health required. 
• Knowledge of community resources preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of facilities and operations management.
• Active listening skills required.
• Ability to work flexible hours when needed.
• Abilities as a visionary and strategic thinker.
• Ability to manage budgets a plus.
• Ability to become a passionate communicator about FEAST mission and values.
• Ability to serve with integrity, exercise and model good judgment, and lead by example.
• Ability to be persistent and to move on quickly if expectations are not met.

Other Requirements:

• Current valid California state driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle with good driving record are strongly preferred. This role requires traveling to program sites.
• Oral and written proficiency in Spanish preferred.