Executive Director - Sunrise Cafe New Haven (20 hours per week)

Sunrise Cafe is a nonprofit, nontraditional free breakfast program that also connects guests to support services. We are dedicated to providing meals, a safe haven, and a sense of community to those in need. We are seeking a part-time Executive Director to lead our organization, oversee weekly operations, and drive strategic initiatives that ensure the sustainability and growth of Sunrise Cafe’s mission. This role is central to building partnerships, managing resources, and inspiring staff and volunteers to deliver meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

Development and Fund Raising

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, growing the monthly donor base.
• Identify, apply for, and manage grant opportunities to secure funding for operations and special initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with sponsors and community partners.
• Explore and grow diverse streams of income to ensure financial sustainability, including fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving campaigns.

Leadership and Operations

• Serve as the primary leader of Sunrise Cafe, oversees all staff members and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Is present during Sunrise Cafe hours at least one day a week.
• Develop and implement strategies to maintain Sunrise Cafe’s reputation as a cafe styled, intentionally welcoming and relaxing breakfast environment.
• Collaborate on community program initiatives during and after breakfast hours to utilize cafe space and further support guests.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and guests.

Communications and Outreach

• Design and implement strategies to attract and retain volunteers, donors, and community advocates.
• Act as the public face of Sunrise Cafe, representing the organization at community events and fostering relationships with stakeholders.
• Oversee opportunities for engagement with supporters and donors, such as newsletters and social media to share updates, impact stories, etc.

Board Engagement and Reporting

• Participate in monthly board of directors meetings, presenting updates on operational, financial, and programmatic progress. Participates in committee meetings as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the board to develop and execute strategic plans for the organization’s growth and sustainability.
• Assist in creating tools and processes to measure and communicate the impact of Sunrise Cafe’s programs for grant reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of proven experience in a nonprofit environment, fundraising, and/or a related field.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers, with demonstrated leadership and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in email marketing platforms, donor management software, and basic financial reporting.
• Passion for addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and unemployment in the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the New Haven community and social service resources.
• Experience in grant writing, and other fundraising initiatives.
• Background in developing systems for tracking and quantifying program impact.
• Experience building partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government entities.

Ideal Candidate Profile: An experienced professional seeking a flexible role, with strong leadership, organizing, and communication skills.