Executive Director

Foodnet Meals on Wheels Seeks Full Time, In Person, Executive Director

Foodnet Meals on Wheels is actively seeking an energetic Executive Director. Are you an experienced nonprofit/human services leader with fundraising and community-focused background looking for a rewarding role in service of seniors? Please consider joining the Foodnet Meals on Wheels team as the next Executive Director!

As Executive Director you will lead a team of 25 full and part-time individuals, will oversee the daily operations, food service function, fundraising, resource development and community relations efforts at Foodnet Meals on Wheels as they carry out the Senior Nutrition Program for older adults in Tompkins County.

What You Will Do:

Leadership and Strategic Direction

Lead strategic planning and implementation consistent with Foodnet Meals on Wheels’ mission and the priorities of the Board.

Initiate necessary activity and evaluation to enhance objectives, programs, and overall function of the organization and its work.

Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors, employees, volunteers and key stakeholders of internal and external issues that affect the organization, including relevant local, national and international social, economic, political, technological, environmental trends.

General Administration and Operational Planning and Management

Be responsible for the overall daily operation, planning, coordination, management, and evaluation associated with providing high quality senior nutrition services to the constituents of Foodnet Meals on Wheels throughout Tompkins County.

Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy formation, decisions and review. Draft and review policies for the approval of the Board and implement them.

Program Planning and Implementation

Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs, services and operation to ensure that the programs and services offered contribute to the organization’s mission, are meeting requirements of regulations and contract requirements while being responsive to emergent community needs.

Lead the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services (food preparation, packaging, delivery and coordination of client interactions) of the organization to maintain and/or improve quality.

Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of all programs.

Financial Planning and Management

• Work with staff and Board Committees to prepare a comprehensive budget and ensure compliance with budget in work plans and operations.
• Lead and perform cash management responsibilities for the organization.
• Work with Management team and Board to research, develop applications and proposals for external grant funding and lead/ensure timely and accurate grant reports.
• Manage all contracts, identify new business vendors and negotiate contracts for services.
• Manage and coordinate annual audit with staff and Board.
• Ensure compliance with all contracts and financial requirements.

Human Resources Planning and Management

Evaluate and plan accurate, efficient and functional staffing models for the organization with attention to budgetary requirements.

Maintain a culture at Foodnet which attracts, retains and motivates caring, dedicated people to serve as staff and volunteers. This includes Board.

Serve as the HR resource by conducting all employment and HR administrative activity for all areas of the organization. This includes the day-to-day operation of the Foodnet Meals on Wheels operations, food services, general operations and administration team activity.

Supervise, collaborate with and evaluate management team staff and facilitate their management of others within the organization.

Community Relations/Advocacy/Fundraising

Follow effective fundraising strategies and best practice to develop financial resources necessary to support Foodnet Meals on Wheels’ mission. This includes grant writing, sponsorship development, annual appeals and fundraising event leadership and guidance.

Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors in fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of Foodnet Meals on Wheels throughout the community and state.

Oversee and develop community and agency events to create exposure and generate additional revenues for Foodnet Meals on Wheels including conducting building/operations tours and the Mac N Cheese Bowl.

Oversee marketing and other communications efforts including social media, website and community engagement efforts.

Serve as Foodnet Meals on Wheels’ primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the public with the intent of representing the organization at community activities to enhance the community profile.

Establish and maintain relationships with multiple community organizations and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance Foodnet Meals on Wheels’ mission.

Participate in professional associations, local, state, and national programs and other related activities when appropriate.

Coordinating with Local, State, and Federal Funders including, but not limited, to the following:

Work closely with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to respond to RFP and to negotiate the renewal of the contracts with Tompkins County Office for the Aging to fund the Senior Nutrition Program. An RFP is expected in early 2027.

Submit funding requests and reports (Quarterly and annually) to Tompkins County Office for the Aging for funding reimbursement or reporting and complete the Annual Implementation Plan for NYS Office for the Aging

Implement, maintain and renew all other annual contracts for goods and services in support of operations and program activity.

Oversee the submission and reporting to local municipalities for annual funding requests.

Risk Management

Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks.

Coordinate, evaluate, negotiate, or renew appropriate insurance policies and contracts are in place to support the COFA contract and daily operations while ensuring that the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage for Board and Directors.

Success Factors:

• While performing the work, the Executive Director is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences by these Guiding Principles: Respect for and commitment to the people we serve; Accountability to every employee, client, volunteer, donor or partner; and, Excellence and leadership in non-profit management including quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and impact.
• The role interfaces with: Board of Directors, Foodnet Management Team, all employees and Board members, clients, community stakeholders.
• A bachelor’s degree in foods, nutrition, nutritional management, gerontology, institution management, community organization, social or behavioral sciences, public administration, public health, education, or related field is required. Master level education is welcome or experiences equivalent to demonstrate skills associated with the position.
• Three years of executive experience in managing an organization or departments of 20 people or more for directing personnel and operations, with a demonstrated ability to achieve goals with preferred experience with Tompkins County, NY. Experience in large scale food services industry is a plus as is leadership experience in the nonprofit/mission-driven sector.
• Transparent leadership abilities emphasize mutual respect, integrity, resourcefulness and tact.
• Strong organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
• Ability to think and plan strategically and to convey Foodnet Meals on Wheels’ strategic future to community partners, staff, board, volunteers, funders, and donors.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to Foodnet Meals on Wheels and the non-profit sector and ability to manage development staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and motivate Board members and other volunteers.
• Extensive budget development and management skills, including the ability to prepare, analyze, report and make decisions affecting budget alignment.
• Extensive experience researching, proposal development and reporting external grant programs.
• Hands on awareness of community nutrition programming, experience with food preparation and delivery practices for the safe handling, transportation and delivery of meals.
• Strong written and oral communication and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee, collaborate with, and evaluate staff.
• Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Donor CRM, Google Drive and Documents, social media, and case management software such as Peer Place.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing especially for older adults and vulnerable people we serve and the ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with coworkers and clients.

Executive Director Compensation Information:

• Full time, Exempt Employee
• Flexible work schedules, hybrid options available but in person work is essential
• Paid time off
• Lunch Provided
• Health Benefits, 403B plans
• Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000 annually

The Foodnet Meals on Wheels’ mission is to provide meals and other nutrition services that promote dignity, well-being and independence for older adults and other persons in need in Tompkins County. We envision a community in which senior hunger is eliminated, supportive services are readily accessible, and our neighbors enjoy independence without isolation. Join us!

Learn more at https://foodnet.org

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter including why you are interested in the position and resume to:

Rachel Clarkson, Foodnet Board Chair at Info@foodnet.org or by mail to 2422 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Resumes will be accepted through September 14, 2026.

• Flexible work schedules, hybrid options available but in person work is essential
• Paid time off
• Lunch Provided
• Health Benefits, 403B plans

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