Job Description

Executive Director – Community Food Justice & Care -- Madras, Oregon  

Hybrid Part-time (approx. 24 hours/week) 

“When a community makes sure everyone eats, it shows what it truly values.” 

Acumen Executive Search is honored to be conducting a pro-bono search for an Executive Director on behalf of the Madras Community Food Pantry in Central Oregon, a deeply trusted nonprofit sustaining nearly 30,000 people and 10,000 families each year through access to nourishing food, dignity, and care. 

What started as providing food out of the window of a church is now a fully realized 501(c)(3), and the need is growing. For nearly three decades, the Pantry has been an anchor in Jefferson County, serving families, children, seniors, farmworkers, and a significant number of Hispanic and Native American households. As public food funding declines and community needs continue to rise, this organization’s role has never been more essential. 

Through the extraordinary generosity of volunteers, donors, and partners, the Pantry transforms limited operating dollars into daily, meaningful impact. The organization is stable, respected, and well-loved, and is now entering an important transition moment. 

About This Moment 

The Pantry’s long-time founder, who led the organization pro-bono for many years, is retiring. With deep gratitude for her stewardship, the Board is seeking a compassionate, grounded leader to guide the organization into its next chapter 

This is a period of renewal: strengthening internal systems, rebuilding staff capacity, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Executive Director will be supported by an engaged, working Board of 11, a volunteer CFO, and existing grant-writing support. 

This is not a “hero” role. It is a shared, hands-on leadership position rooted in collaboration, humility, and food justice. 

The Role 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) provides overall leadership for the mission, operations, and community presence of the Madras Community Food Pantry. The role is scoped at approximately 24 hours per week, with flexibility and some hybrid work available. Regular on-site presence is essential for operations, relationships, and visibility. 

The Executive Director serves as the face and voice of the Pantry, while also ensuring sound operations, financial stewardship, and respectful, dignified service to all who walk through the doors. 

You May Be a Strong Fit If You: 

• Are deeply motivated by food justice, equity, addressing food insecurity, and community well-being. 

• Bring experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, public service, or community-based work. 

• Enjoy being the public face of an organization.  

• Are passionate about supporting families in critical need in Jefferson County 

• Are comfortable leading in a resource-constrained but mission-rich environment. 

• Value collaboration with a working Board and shared responsibility. 

• Are a steady, thoughtful leader who prefers impact over hierarchy or scale. 

• Communicate clearly and compassionately, both in writing and in person (note that they do have a part-time grant writer who is there to support).

• Are seeking meaningful, place-based leadership rather than a traditional career ladder. 

Then this is an opportunity to steward a vital community resource at a pivotal moment.

Key Responsibilities 

Operational & Program Leadership 

• Provide day-to-day leadership for food pantry and distribution operations. 

• Oversee the design, delivery, and quality of programs and services. 

• Ensure compliance with USDA, federal, state, and local regulations 

• Maintain official records, documentation, and operational systems. 

• Strengthen processes and documentation so the organization thrives beyond any one leader. 

Staff & Volunteer Leadership 

• Lead, support, and supervise a small staff during a period of rebuilding. 

• Partner closely with deeply committed volunteers—many of whom are retired—honoring their experience while setting healthy boundaries. 

• Foster a respectful, people-centered culture grounded in dignity and care. 

Financial Oversight & Fund Development 

• Oversee financial health and organizational assets. 

• Works with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and volunteer CFO on budgets and reporting. 

• Ensure operations are conducted within budgetary guidelines. 

• Collaborate with the Board on donor relationships, fundraising activities, and community events. 

• Partner with existing grant-writing support to maintain and strengthen funding stability. 

Board Partnership & Governance 

• Serve as a thought partner to the Board in strategy, planning, and policy development. 

• Assist with board recruitment, orientation, and engagement. 

• Keep the Board fully informed of programs, operations, and emerging needs. 

Community Presence & Relationships 

• Represent the Pantry with warmth, credibility, and professionalism. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government, nonprofit partners, schools, and community coalitions. 

• Attend community meetings and events (some evenings required). 

• Advocate for food access, equity, and dignity within Jefferson County. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrate leadership and management skills. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

• Competent computer skills. 

• Creative problem-solving skills. 

• Fundraising skills, including grant writing. 

What the Madras Community Food Pantry Offers 

• A deeply respected organization with strong community trust. 

• Thousands of dollars in donated food weekly, amplifying every dollar raised. 

• A collaborative, hands-on Board and committed volunteer leadership. 

• Existing grant-writing support. 

• Flexibility for part-time remote work as staffing stabilizes. 

• The opportunity to shape a sustainable future for an essential rural food justice organization. 

A Final Word 

This organization is seeking a partner, not a martyr. Someone who believes that food access is fundamental, that community matters, and that leadership is strongest when it is shared. If this kind of purpose-driven, people-centered work speaks to you, we would love to hear from you. 

Compensation: Approximately $2,700/month; flexibility in structure and FTE 

Compensation reflects current financial realities, not the value of the work. The scope and structure of the role will be revisited as funding evolves and capacity grows. 

Procedure for Applying: 

To apply or see our other positions available, please go to Acumen Executive Search to submit a resume and brief cover letter indicating your interest in the opportunity. If our current open positions are not the right fit for you and you would like us to share relevant opportunities, please send your resume and a brief cover to info@AcumenExecutiveSearch.com. 

 About Acumen:  

Established in 2007, Acumen Executive Search is a three-time recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s “Most Admired” award and is recognized as the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search Partner in the Pacific Northwest with a global clientele. We deliver high-impact results and more than double the national average retention rates while nurturing genuine long-term relationships. Acumen works shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients to provide customized, meaningful, and proven leadership solutions that empower organizational success. 

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