Executive Director

The Detroit Food Policy Council (DFPC) has partnered with Mondo Unlimited to recruit its next Executive Director who will lead efforts to advance a more equitable, sustainable, and community-driven food system across Detroit. Operating at the intersection of community, government, and systems change, DFPC plays a unique role in shaping policy, coordinating stakeholders, and driving solutions to create a food-sovereign Detroit.

The Executive Director will lead the DFPC into its next chapter as the food system in Detroit continues to evolve and grow, with strategies that respond to immediate community needs while advancing long-term systems change. This includes navigating evolving public policy environments, strengthening coordination across sectors, and ensuring that community voice and data-informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead the development and implementation of DFPC’s strategic priorities, aligning policy, programs, and partnerships with mission and community needs
• Partner with the Board of Directors and committee leadership to support governance and decision-making
• Facilitate board and committee meetings, including preparation of agendas, materials, and reports
• Strengthen systems for planning, accountability, and continuous improvement

Policy Leadership, Advocacy & Government Relations

• Serve as a key advisor and collaborator with the City of Detroit, including City Council, Mayor’s Office, and relevant departments
• Advance local, state, and federal food policy advocacy efforts aligned with DFPC’s mission focused on equity, access, and sovereignty
• Monitor and respond to evolving public policy environments, including changes that impact all aspects of the food system
• Represent DFPC in public forums, coalitions, and policy discussions

Food System Coordination & Community Impact

• Align efforts across Detroit residents, government, nonprofit, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen Detroit’s food system
• Coordinate cross-sector responses to disruptions in food access, including emergency and short-term needs
• Engage and support grassroots, mutual aid, and community-led food initiatives
• Advance approaches that promote dignity, reduce stigma, and center the lived experience of residents

Research, Data & Systems Change

• Oversee development and use of food system data, reports, and metrics to inform decision-making
• Translate research into actionable policy recommendations and strategies
• Track progress and evaluate impact across initiatives and system-level outcomes
• Ensure data and community insights are integrated into all aspects of the organization’s work

Urban Agriculture & Food Economy Engagement

• Support policy and partnerships related to urban agriculture, land use, and local food production
• Engage growers, farmers, and food entrepreneurs as key stakeholders in the food system
• Collaborate with partners to strengthen local food infrastructure and access

Fund Development & Sustainability

• Develop and execute a diversified fundraising strategy, including grants, public funding, and philanthropic partnerships
• Oversee grant writing, reporting, and compliance
• Cultivate and steward relationships with funders and partners
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability aligned with mission and strategic priorities

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal management in partnership with the Board
• Ensure strong internal systems, policies, and organizational infrastructure
• Manage day-to-day operations and organizational administration
• Supervise and support staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture

Communications & Public Leadership

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of DFPC
• Communicate complex food system and policy issues in clear, accessible ways
• Oversee messaging, outreach, and public engagement
• Position DFPC as a trusted voice within Detroit’s food system and policy landscape

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in nonprofit, public policy, community development, or a related field
• Experience working with government entities, coalitions, or cross-sector initiatives
• Strong understanding of food system, food policy, public health, or urban agriculture (preferred)
• Experience with fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement
• Financial management experience, including budgeting and reporting
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills

Preferred Attributes

• Deep commitment to food equity, justice, and sovereignty through community-centered work
• Strategic thinker able to balance immediate needs with long-term systems change
• Skilled convener and coalition-builder
• Data-informed and systems-oriented leader
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across culturally diverse communities and stakeholder groups
• Multilingual abilities a plus, particularly Spanish and/or Arabic

Compensation & Structure

• Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience
• Flexible work schedule, generous PTO, and paid holidays
• Full-time hybrid position
• Reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors

Multilingual abilities a plus, particularly Spanish and/or Arabic