Interim Executive Director

About NUFFI

Newburgh Urban Farm and Food Initiative, Inc. (NUFFI) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley. Our mission is to work with community residents and leaders to build a just and resilient food system that imprdoves the environment and health of the community in the City of Newburgh and surrounding areas through urban agriculture, education, and community collaboration.

After more than a decade of leadership, NUFFI’s founding Executive Director is retiring. NUFFI is seeking an Interim Executive Director to provide experienced transition leadership and organizational stability while the Board of Directors conducts a search for the organization’s next permanent Executive Director.

This is an opportunity for a skilled nonprofit leader to guide NUFFI through a leadership transition while strengthening core systems, maintaining momentum, and positioning the organization for its next phase of growth.

NUFFI’s programs include:

• Downing Park Urban Farm, a two-acre farm that grows food for donation and demonstrates urban growing practices
• A Food Donation Program distributing more than 4,500 pounds of produce annually to local feeding programs
• Blooms for Food, a 32-week flower CSA that supports farm operations
• Educational programs and workshops in urban agriculture
• Youth and community employment and internships
• The Newburgh Food Project, an initiative to improve food access and food security in the city

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Interim Executive Director provides transitional leadership, operational oversight, and organizational assessment.

The Interim Executive Director will assess organizational systems, strengthen development and operational capacity, and prepare NUFFI for successful onboarding of its next permanent Executive Director.

Term

9-12 months or until a permanent Executive Director is hired and onboarded.

Organizational Stability and Leadership

• Maintain continuity of NUFFI’s core programs
• Provide steady leadership and support staff engagement
• Sustain strong relationships with community partners

Organizational Assessment and Strengthening

• Assess key systems, workflows, and internal structures
• Identify and implement improvements to strengthen operations

Development and Fundraising Capacity

• Maintain and deepen relationships with donors, sponsors, and funders
• Strengthen fundraising including sponsorships and individual giving
• Support near-term fundraising and improve systems

Board Partnership and Transition

• Support governance and Executive Director search process
• Prepare organization for leadership transition

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational oversight
• Support staff management and communication
• Maintain program continuity and partnerships
• Serve as liaison to Board
• Support development and fundraising efforts
• Oversee financial and operational management

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• At least 5 years of nonprofit leadership or management experience
• Experience managing staff, operations, and budgets
• Experience working with nonprofit boards
• Strong leadership and communication skills

Preferred

• Master’s degree or other advanced degree in a relevant field
• Experience serving in an interim or transition leadership role
• Experience in fundraising and donor engagement
• Experience with nonprofit financial management and grants
• Familiarity with community-based organizations, urban agriculture, or food systems

This is a contract position.

English

Spanish preferred