Boyden is proud to be partnering with Food for Free in their search for a Chief Executive Officer. Food for Free is seeking an inspiring, mission-driven, people-centered non-profit leader to advance this impactful human service agency. This transformational leader will oversee a dedicated staff of 32 employees, devoted to supporting the needs of families experiencing food insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts. The CEO will be a collaborative, strategic leader with experience building culture, external partnerships and implementing outcomes-driven strategy to achieve short and long-term sustainability. The next CEO will be a strong decision-maker with a high emotional intelligence, they will be action-oriented and humble, a consensus builder and a lifelong learner.
In the past three years, Food for Free has more than tripled in size, now moving over 7 million pounds of food annually. The incoming CEO will have the opportunity to stabilize growth, develop a sustainable revenue model and advance internal and external relationships.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO for Food for Free will lead the implementation of policies and programs to carry out the organization’s mission, vision and strategic priorities. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in management, community outreach and advocacy, external relations, fundraising, strategic planning, capacity building, finance, human resources, DEIB Principles and Practices, and program development. The incoming leader will partner with the board and senior leadership on vision and strategy to set the direction of Food for Free for years to come.
In partnership with the Board of Directors and Sr. Leadership Team (direct reports), the CEO will create and implement mission, vision, values, strategic plan, measurement and evaluation for the organization; lead community outreach, advocacy, and public relations efforts; serve as the main point of contact for press, government, auditing and monitoring visits; and contribute to local, state and federal level boards, committees, task forces and panels to promote the mission of Food for Free while building strong relationships to bolster efforts around hunger and poverty.
Over 630,000 families in Massachusetts rely on SNAP Benefits. During the Pandemic, these families received an additional $95 per month from federally funding pandemic relief. This spring, those benefits will come to an end. Families across the Commonwealth will be forced to rely heavily on food pantries and organizations providing access to healthy food and nutrition.
Food for Free is a nationally recognized leader in addressing food insecurity. Through partnerships with over 100 organizations, Food For Free provides nutritious food to over 150,000 people each year.
The programs:
Food For Free improves access to healthy food through establishing innovative programming and partnerships to overcome barriers and strengthen the community food system.
They believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right. They envision a future where everyone in their community – regardless of age, income, or ability – has consistent access to fresh, healthy, delicious food.
Through a combination of food rescue and transportation services, they give food programs year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables, while their direct service programs bring food to students, seniors, and others most at risk of hunger. Their programs address not only short-term hunger, but also the long-term health effects of food insecurity and poor nutrition, while reducing food waste.
Food For Free began in 1981 with a focus on “bridging the gap between waste and want” when a group of friends realized that local meal programs were struggling to put food on their tables. With borrowed trucks, these volunteers gathered fruit, vegetables, and bread—food that would have been thrown away—and delivered it to meal programs, pantries, and shelters. Over the next two years, this volunteer effort gained the support of established non-profits and local government. Food For Free was incorporated in 1983 and received 501(c)(3) status in 1985.
Since those early days, Food For Free has grown into a recognized leader in addressing food insecurity whose efficiency and integrity serve as an example to other like-minded organizations, both large and small. Today they use logistics, innovation and their partnerships with donors, volunteers and over 100 organizations to bring nutritious food to 150,000 people in Eastern Massachusetts each year.
Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.
