POSITION PROFILE:

kpCompanies is leading the search for the next Executive Director for The Good Acre. This is an exceptional opportunity for a mission-focused and strategic leader who values community partnerships, truth-telling, and systems change. The Executive Director oversees the administration, staffing, programs, and strategic vision of The Good Acre consistent with the strategic direction and mission set by the Board of Directors.

THE ORGANIZATION:

The Good Acre connects and strengthens farmers, food makers, and communities through good food. We have an unwavering mission of strengthening our food system for generations to come through collaboration and innovation. By providing one-on-one grower support services, cultivating wholesale markets that pay an equitable price to farmers, and assisting the growth and success of small food businesses, we create sustainable partnerships from the ground up. We represent diverse communities, advocate for food justice and policy change, and are a trusted ally of local, independent farmers. Our organization is moving into its next stage of development with a renewed focus on strategy, metrics, and a revived commitment to equity and diversity. In the tumult of 2020, we successfully launched two new initiatives, our VoCul program which addresses the often misunderstood barriers in farm-to-school programs by offering crucial culinary training and internship opportunities, and the Local Emergency Assistance Farmer Fund (known as LEAFF), which supports emerging and BIPOC farmers.

POSITION:

Under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors, the executive director is responsible for the adherence to The Good Acre’s mission. The executive director is responsible for overseeing the administration, staffing, programs, and strategic vision of The Good Acre. The executive director will be responsible for the financial health of The Good Acre and will communicate regularly and effectively with the Board of Directors. The ideal leader for The Good Acre is mission-driven, collaborative, and has a deep understanding of financial and organizational wellness. They know how to weigh efficiency vs impact and choose equitable solutions that support the mission. This leader is a champion for a hardworking and committed full-time staff of 12 and roughly 5 part-time seasonal staff as well as the many partners and partnerships that are vital to our work.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A…

• People Leader. Guides, inspires, trains, develops, and communicates with staff to ensure effectiveness, belonging, and growth.

• Strategy Leader. In conjunction with the board and staff, develops, implements, and monitors long-term strategic plans that are in alignment with TGA’s mission, vision, and farmer-centric values.

• Community Leader. Upholds and advances TGA’s image and role in the community, working closely with partners as well as private, professional, and civic groups and the media.

• Fiscal Leader. Develops and manages resources sufficient to ensure the fiscal integrity and health of the organization, balancing maximum utilization and mission with financial strength and viability.

• Operations Leader. Maintains compliance for safe and thriving facilities and infrastructure (hoop houses, vehicles, food warehousing, kitchen).
• Fundraising Leader. Ensures that revenue goals are met by nurturing strong relationships with existing and potential funding partners as well as exploring new revenue opportunities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director ensures ongoing facilities and programmatic excellence, effective internal and external communications, fundraising, and the proper implementation of systems that optimize staff time and resources to achieve strategic goals. Other accountabilities include:

• Bring in OR rapidly build knowledge of sustainable food systems and food systems policy.
• Provide leadership to develop cohesive organizational, administrative, programmatic, and financial plans, policies, and procedures with the Board of Directors and staff.
• Oversee long-term strategic planning (3-5 years), with regular review to ensure strategy evolves in line with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Use an equity-focused and farmer-centric lens while overseeing and monitoring the design, delivery, and quality of new and existing programs, products, and services.
• Oversee TGA policy and any agreements made on behalf of the organization that impact the facility, programs, and/or mission.
• Explore opportunities to develop TGA into a replicable and sustainable model for impact in regions across the United States.
• Support collaborative opportunities between programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three or more years of non-profit management experience; experience working with a non-profit Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated success in budget preparation, analysis, and reporting.
• Public speaking, fundraising, and donor relation expertise.
• Experience working with multicultural communities.
• History of mission-based decision making, strategic thinking, and visioning.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the American food system through academic education, training, or relevant lived experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations no later than 9:00 pm on Friday, November 05, 2021. You can apply in the following ways:

1. Apply via email Joelle Allen at [email protected]
2. Apply by mail at: The Good Acre Executive Director Search c/o kpCompanies, ATTN: Joelle Allen 5775 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.
3. Apply on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2748238523

All submissions received in strictest confidence. Both kpCompanies and The Good Acre are equal opportunity employers.