Company description

The Common Grain Alliance (CGA) is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 working to elevate regional grain and grain producers in the Mid-Atlantic. Comprised of over 120 members, Common Grain Alliance connects and supports farmers, millers, bakers, grain artisans, and consumers to build a vibrant, integrated, equitable, and regenerative grain economy in the Mid-Atlantic.

We envision an integrated grain economy of local and regional businesses that produce nutritious, flavorful, and consistent regional grains and staple crops for the communities they serve. These businesses empower communities by granting control over their supply of staple crops, stewarding the land, creating livable jobs, and producing delicious food. We do this through a suite of programming and membership engagement.

CGA is an inclusive organization that celebrates differences in identities and thought. We work to create a culture of compassion and collaboration that fosters a diverse community of membership and staff reflective of the communities we represent. We value contributions from applicants who can continue the work to enrich and diversify our organization.

Job description

Under the supervision of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be a full-time leader of our organization working with a network of contractors and partners to execute programming and grow our member services. They will be expected to direct, execute, and coordinate our programs, operations, and communications, and assist with development and fundraising. We are in search of a passionate individual who is excited by our mission and is an organized, creative, and inspirational self-starter. This position provides the opportunity to be entrepreneurial and gain additional hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, project management, and leadership.

The CGA Executive Director will do the following.

• Communicate with our members, partners, and community to raise the organization’s visibility by coordinating with staff on public-facing communications, and maintaining relationships with donors and partner organizations
• Build new relationships, especially with BIPOC and other underrepresented communities, in ways that advance racial equity and bring together diverse voices
• Administrate the organization by assisting with reporting, surveying, data tracking, and other tasks
• Represent CGA at events organized by CGA and partner organizations; moderate discussions at those events

Executive Director Role and Responsibilities

Financial Performance and Fundraising

• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of CGA, including the submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
• Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support CGA’s mission with support from the Board and Member Finance Committee.
• Seek to diversify revenue through the development of private donors, foundation relationships, partnerships, and revenue-generating activities.
• Manage all contract and subcontract agreements, bills, and other fiscal responsibilities of the organization, in partnership with the Board Treasurer and Board of Directors.

Organizational Strategy and Programs

• Responsible for the implementation of CGA’s programs and execution of the CGA Strategic Plan.
• Lead the implementation of the CGA USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program working directly with our core partner, FRESHFARM, to deliver the Mid-Atlantic Grain Share and Grain Stand programs.
• Expand our member-facing programs, including field days, baker meetups, the annual Grain Conference, and other educational events.
• Work with the board to create an Annual Strategic Plan of Work, to be approved by the Board in December for the next calendar year.
• Responsible for the growth and enhancement of the organization as we continue to increase in size. We currently have 120 members and are expecting continued growth of 20 members per year for the next few years.
• Establish and maintain relationships with other complementary organizations throughout the region and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance CGA’s mission.

Organizational Operations

• Responsible for effective administration of CGA operations.
• Responsible for the hiring and retention of qualified staff, contractors, and interns, as needed, with oversight and approval from the Board of Directors. ○ Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Manage all documents and CGA materials in an organized and systematic manner.

Communications

• Serve as CGA’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
• Represent CGA with the utmost integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm at speaking engagements, conferences, during educational events, and to the general public.
• Manage and utilize social media, the CGA website, and other platforms to increase awareness of the organization’s work.
• Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.

Board Governance

• Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions and fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of the organization. Our hope is to develop a close relationship built on trust and mutual passion for the mission.
• Responsible for leading CGA in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to make informed decisions.
• Expected to prepare Board Meeting Packets and Executive Reports and to work with the Board of Directors Chair in organizing Board Meetings.
• Seek support from the Board where needed. We understand that as a small organization, we will be your support and thought partners and we seek to create a strong communication channel with the new ED.

Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience within the food system and agriculture sector.
• 1+ years of non-profit experience.
• Entrepreneurial and a self-starter; able to stay engaged while working independently.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, motivate, and lead with transparency and integrity.
• Experience developing programs and partnerships.
• Solid, hands-on, day-to-day accounting and budget management skills, including financial statement preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Strong project organizational abilities including planning, delegating, and task facilitation.
• Comfort speaking and conveying the vision of CGA to members, donors, and the public.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations.
• Experience and expertise with Google Suite. Ability to interface with and engage diverse members.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

September 18, 2023