Executive Director

Help Shape the Future of Food Security in Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA) is looking for a collaborative, compassionate, and visionary Executive Director to help lead one of our community's most essential organizations.

Every year, JCFBA serves thousands of neighbors across East Jefferson County, ensuring people have access to nutritious food with dignity and respect. Our work is made possible by more than 300 dedicated volunteers and staff, along with an annual operating budget and in-kind support valued at approximately $3 million. Nearly two-thirds of our resources come from donated food and volunteer contributions, making relationships, community partnerships, and shared purpose central to everything we do.

After successfully bringing several food bank operations together into one organization in 2023, JCFBA is entering an exciting new chapter. We're expanding local food procurement, strengthening warehousing and transportation, growing our Mobile Market program, and building partnerships that improve food access throughout Jefferson County. We currently operate out of 7 locations 6 days a week and anticipate more growth. In addition to growing access points, we are also growing our community partnerships with local city and county government, other area food banks, WSU Extension, the Food Bank Growers, and the Department of Emergency Management, among others.

As our next Executive Director, you'll have the opportunity to build on a strong foundation while helping shape our future. You'll provide strategic leadership, support a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, strengthen financial sustainability, and nurture a culture grounded in collaboration, transparency, inclusion, and continuous learning. We are looking for a leader who can balance thoughtful innovation with the grassroots values and community spirit that have defined JCFBA for decades.

If you believe no one should go hungry in their own community, we'd love to talk.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as JCFBA's chief executive officer and works closely with staff, volunteers, community partners, donors, and the Board to advance our mission. This role provides leadership across strategy, operations, fundraising, financial stewardship, organizational development, and community engagement, including the supervision of a team of seven employees and oversight of several contract positions.

What We're Looking For

We recognize that leadership comes from many different backgrounds and experiences. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you could thrive in the role, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't match every qualification listed below.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who builds trust, values relationships, and enjoys bringing people together around a shared purpose. They combine strategic thinking with practical problem-solving and lead with integrity, empathy, curiosity, and accountability.

We're especially interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that encourages teamwork, shared ownership, and open communication.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to connect authentically with diverse audiences and represent JCFBA with credibility and enthusiasm.

• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and confidence navigating change and complexity.

• Financial and operational leadership that balances mission impact with long-term sustainability.

• A commitment to coaching, mentoring, and helping others succeed.

• Ability to intelligently and thoughtfully delegate to build a stronger team.

• Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience.

• Creativity, innovation, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve.

• A genuine commitment to equity, inclusion, belonging, and serving every community member with dignity and respect.

What You'll Do

As Executive Director, you'll work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to advance JCFBA's mission. You'll provide leadership across strategy, operations, fundraising, financial stewardship, organizational development, and community engagement, helping ensure our organization continues to grow and serve our community with excellence and compassion.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead implementation of JCFBA's strategic plan, ensuring our programs, operations, and investments support our mission and long-term goals.

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

• Identify emerging community needs and organizational opportunities, helping JCFBA respond thoughtfully as our community evolves.

Financial Stewardship & Resource Development

• Develop and oversee the annual operating budget while providing clear financial reporting to the Board and Finance Committee.

• Ensure sound financial management, including forecasting, internal controls, compliance, and long-range financial planning.

• Build and strengthen relationships with individual donors, businesses, foundations, government agencies, and community partners to secure financial and in-kind support.

Operations & Organizational Excellence

• Provide leadership for day-to-day operations, ensuring food assistance programs are delivered effectively, efficiently, and with care.

• Guide strategic investments in warehousing, transportation, local food procurement, and Mobile Market expansion.

• Continuously improve systems, policies, and processes that support operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement. These improvements are informed by closely working with each food pantry’s team of staff and volunteers.

People & Culture

• Recruit, supervise, support, develop, and retain a talented team of 7 employees and oversee several contract positions while fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace.

• Encourage professional growth, accountability, and shared leadership among staff, contractors, and volunteers.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, human resource best practices, and organizational policies.

• Ensure staff resilience with cross-training

Community Engagement & Communications

• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for JCFBA, building trusted relationships with volunteers, donors, elected officials, nonprofit partners, businesses, and community members.

• Strengthen partnerships that advance food security throughout Jefferson County.

• Guide communications, media, and marketing efforts that increase public awareness, inspire community support, and ensure consistent organizational messaging.

Board Partnership & Governance

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to support effective governance through timely reporting, strategic guidance, and informed decision-making.

• Prepare materials for Board and committee meetings and implement Board-approved policies and strategic priorities.

• Support Board development by ensuring members have the information, training, and resources needed to serve as effective ambassadors for JCFBA.

Qualifications

We know that strong candidates bring a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. If you meet many—but not every—qualification and are excited about the opportunity to lead JCFBA, we encourage you to apply.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive leadership experience with responsibility for people, budgets, and organizational operations.

• Some Post Secondary Education - degree preferred.

• Demonstrated success leading teams through organizational growth, change, or strategic initiatives.

• Experience managing organizational budgets and using financial information to support strategic decision-making.

• Demonstrated success securing financial resources through fundraising, grants, donor cultivation, business development, or related experience.

• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a nonprofit or other mission-driven organization.

• Experience in food security, hunger relief, human services, public health, or a related field.

• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and GAAP accounting principles.

• Experience building collaborative partnerships across nonprofit, government, business, and community sectors.

• Success engaging volunteers, donors, and community members in advancing organizational goals.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• A leadership approach grounded in empathy, humility, accountability, and integrity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $100,000–$120,000 annually. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

• Paid Time Off: 11 Paid Holidays, 10 Vacation Days, 7 sick days

• Medical Stipend: $6,000 annually.

• Work Environment: This is primarily an office-based position. As Executive Director, you’re expected to maintain a regular on-site presence to foster collaboration, support a connected and collaborative workplace, and build strong relationships with staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners. Occasional remote work may be appropriate, along with some evening, weekend, and off-site commitments.

Join Our Team

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a trusted community organization at an important moment in its history. You'll work alongside devoted staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters who care deeply about ensuring everyone in Jefferson County has access to healthy food and compassionate service.

At JCFBA, we believe that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences make our organization stronger. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals passionate about our mission to apply.

If you're ready to help build a stronger, healthier, and more food-secure Jefferson County, we'd love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please email your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your experience has prepared you for this role. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. We look forward to learning more about you.

Email: vp@jcfba.org

‍ ‍Subject: Executive Director - JCFBA

About Jefferson County

Jefferson County, Washington, is a beautiful place on the northeastern part of the Olympic Peninsula, known not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its welcoming and close-knit community. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and shorelines, the county includes much of Olympic National Park, offering countless opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature. The county seat, Port Townsend, is celebrated for its charming Victorian architecture, vibrant arts scene, and historic waterfront. What truly makes Jefferson County special, however, is the strength of its community. Neighbors come together to support one another, volunteer, celebrate local traditions, and care for the environment, creating a place where people feel connected, valued, and proud to call home.