Chief Executive Officer

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania (SHFB) is to provide food to those in need within eleven counties of northwest Pennsylvania while creating awareness and educating the community on the realities of hunger. SHFB distributes 12.5 million pounds of food to a network of over 390 partner hunger relief organizations. These include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other non-profits working to alleviate hunger. All the work that SHFB does for the community is guided by the organization’s core values – collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence, and social justice.

SHFB is affiliated with Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks addressing food insecurity.

Your Role in Our Mission

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SHFB is the public representative of the food bank and the primary link between the Board of Directors, the staff, and the community volunteers. The CEO is responsible for the planning, direction, and administration of the SHFB’s operations while working towards the organization’s primary mission – a hunger-free community. Through trusted leadership and collaboration, the successful CEO will guide and implement SHFB’s strategic vision while upholding their core values and ensuring regulatory compliance. The CEO will help cultivate forward-thinking ideas and lead the successful implementation of new programs that will continue to address the hunger needs of the community.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the board of directors

• Develop, recommend and evaluate policies, programs and services.
• Ensure compliance with the organization by-laws.
• Identify, recruit, and recommend prospective board members.
• Provide training to new and current members.
• Ensure preparation of annual operating and capital budgets for board approval.
• Address current and projected needs through creation of a comprehensive fund development plan.
• Help develop an annual report that outlines the SHFB programs and services’ impact on the community.

Engage with the community

• Represent SHFB to all stakeholders – including corporations, foundations, donors, volunteers, food distribution agencies, and the neighbors they serve.
• Foster relationships within the community to advance the development and resource acquisitions efforts.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with partner organizations, government leaders, vendors, donors, other food banks, and key influencers.
• Become an active participant in national, regional, and affinity groups to stay connected with the Feeding America network and food banking industry.
• Provide engaging appearances in the media to educate and advocate on the food needs within the community.

Oversee food bank operations

• Maintain financial stability though effective resource allocation and financial and program management.
• Ensure the development and training needs of the workforce.
• Exhibit a strong desire to learn by studying current trends within the hunger-relief and food industry fields.
• Continually assess the effectiveness of current SHFB programs and services.
• Conduct ongoing review of SHFB activities and ensure they are aligned with the board-approved strategic plan.
• Provide guidance and leadership to senior management staff.
• Comply with all grants and contracts to ensure the funds are used for SHFB activities as directed by the funding source and within a timely manner.
• Evaluate programs and help establish new programs, as needed.

Desired Skills and Experience

• BA/BS degree and a minimum of five years management experience with organization and program development, management, planning, human relations, reporting and evaluation skills.
• Having demonstrated success working in a food bank is strongly preferred.
• Skilled communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to confidently and effectively communicate in front of large groups of people.
• Experience in the field of nutrition, food production, food equity, hunger, poverty alleviation, or homelessness is preferred (if no prior food banking experience, then it is required).
• A demonstrated passion for the food banking industry with a strong commitment and desire to work towards a hunger-free community.
• Ability to motivate people from all walks of life – such as board members, team staff, volunteers, and community leaders – to support SHFB’s mission.
• Experience working with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of financial management as well as non-profit fund development strategies.
• Experience working with a board of directors and administering policies and procedures.
• Effective networking skills to help achieve SHFB’s goals.
• Able to project an approachable and confident public persona, especially when interacting with elected officials, the media, partners, and key collaborators.
• A willingness to flex and adapt to any changing conditions.
• Able to foresee emerging trends and anticipate future consequences while remaining strategically agile to adapt when necessary.
• Adept at effective team building with a passion for motivating individuals to achieve more.
• Irreproachable trust and integrity with an ability to remain composed in even the most stressful environments.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and online technologies.

Applicant Qualifications

• Onsite only. Any remote candidate must be willing to relocate to Erie, PA.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the SHFB service area as well as some national travel (e.g. Feeding America conferences).
• Ability to traverse the SHFB facilities and property.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Your Benefits

• Medical insurance, including prescription benefits
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health reimbursement account
• Both short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal time
• Family bereavement leave
• Use of a company vehicle
• Use of a company phone