YMCA Southcoast is hiring: Executive Director Food Access Hub in New Bedford

Executive Director Food Access Hub

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Executive Director at YMCA Southcoast stewards the Y's cause, promotion and protecting the brand and reputation as a global, inclusive organization within the community. The Executive Director will oversee and provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership to advance the organization's mission of increasing food access across the Southcoast. Oversees the operations of the hub and gives leadership to the annual campaign, facilities, program operations, fiscal management, volunteer and staff, financial development, and collaboration with community stakeholders; all of which support the organizational strategy.

The Executive Director of the Food Access Hub is responsible for the operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and fostering collaborative decision-making among food access organizations, funders, and community collaborators. The leader will serve as the primary point of contact for partners utilizing the facility, coordinate shared resources, and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements. Oversees data-driven program evaluation, maintains partner satisfaction, and facilitates transparent communication across all collaborations, providing direct supervision to the staff leadership of the farm and our full plate project teams.

Essential Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead development and implementation of strategic plans
• Position the organization as a regional food access leader
• Identify growth opportunities for mobile markets and cross-dock services
• Monitor community needs and adjust services accordingly

Operations & Distribution Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of:
• Main food warehouse
• Mobile market sites
• Cross-dock logistics for partner pantries
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Optimize warehouse layout, inventory systems, and distribution routes
• Develop service models to increase efficiency and reduce waste

Cross-Dock & Partner Pantry Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison to smaller Southcoast food pantries
• Coordinate bulk receiving, sorting, and redistribution of food
• Establish fair allocation systems
• Maintain strong communication and collaborative relationships

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual operating budget
• Oversee financial reporting and ensure fiscal accountability
• Diversify funding streams (grants, donors, corporate partnerships)
• Ensure responsible stewardship of public and private funds

Fundraising & Development

• Develop fundraising strategy and donor engagement
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, businesses, and individual donors
• Work closely with grant writer and development
• Represent the organization at community and fundraising events

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build partnerships with:
• Local municipalities
• Schools
• Faith-based organizations
• Healthcare providers
• Regional food banks
• Advocate for policies that improve food access
• Serve as public spokesperson

YMCA Leadership Competencies: Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill a community need. Recruit, volunteer, and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. People Oriented: Seeks first to understand the other's point of view; remains calm in challenging situations. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Results Oriented: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high value experience for members or clients. Embraces innovative approaches and discovers ideas to create a better program participant experience. Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Personal Development Oriented: Accurately assess personal feelings, strengths, and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change; seeks opportunities in the change process.

Bachelor's degree or minimum of 5 years in management, logistics, operations, or a related field.

Strong leadership and supervision skills. Strong leadership and project management. Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in data management, reporting, and evaluation. Knowledge of food safety regulations and operational compliance standards. Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Experience with inventory management systems, information technology, and warehouse operations preferred.

The physical demands of this position are limited and, as such, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with physical disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

The YMCA Southcoast is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.

Compensation: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year