THE DEADLINE FOR THIS APPLICATION HAS PASSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Deadline for HFS applications and nominations: December 11, 2009
The Hartford Food System is seeking an experienced, energetic, and visionary food policy professional to assume the position of executive director. The organization has over the last 30 years distinguished itself as a leading and innovative force in regional and national movements to promote enhanced community food security and to advocate for viable and sustainable approaches to locally based agriculture. The Board of HFS invites applications from interested individuals as well as nominations from third parties.
Organizational Background
For more than 30 years, the Hartford Food System has promoted long-term, sustainable responses to food problems in Hartford. We strive to connect people with the sources of healthy food through agriculture and to strengthen the local food economy by working with grocery stores, wholesalers, merchant associations, public officials, and consumers. Current projects include a parents committee that is helping to improve school meals, a 24-acre vegetable farm that grows food for families and social service agencies, an urban agriculture project that transforms vacant city lots into productive gardens, a farmers market in the city’s north end, a food policy council that advises municipal officials, and the Health Food Retailer Initiative that partners with 40 corner markets and neighborhood food stores throughout the city to sell healthier groceries. Past accomplishments include helping to create the Working Lands Alliance, Connecticut Farmland Trust, Foodshare, End Hunger Connecticut, and the Community Food Security Coalition.
Job Responsibilities
The Executive Director is responsible for directing and managing all major elements of the organization’s activities:
- Program development and management
- Community relations and marketing
- Policy and advocacy
- Fundraising and development
- Organizational planning, finance and administration
- Governance
Qualifications
The Executive Director is responsible for directing and managing all major elements of the organization’s activities:
- A working knowledge of community organizing, coalition building, and community-based partnerships in diverse community settings, including urban and rural areas, communities of color, and communities that are socially and economically disadvantaged.
- An understanding of public policy’s role in advancing sustainable community-based food systems and community food security and experience mounting public education and advocacy campaigns designed to mobilize public opinion and influence both private choices and public policy.
- Demonstrated interest in food policy and core community food security issues, such as consumer knowledge of and access to nutritious, affordable food and sustainable agriculture.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills including the ability to communicate with multi-cultural audiences.
- At least two to three years’ leadership experience directing and enabling staff and other shareholders to perform at their highest levels, promoting a shared vision among key players, and serving as a model in working toward the vision.
- Experience with multiple fundraising sources and strategies including government grant applications, foundation and corporate donors, individual and grass-roots fundraising, and revenue generating projects.
- An ability to apply knowledge of marketing principles to a nonprofit organization, including image and message building through technology and other means.
- Financial management experience including familiarity with non-profit accounting systems, budgeting and reporting.
Please submit resume, cover letter, and salary requirements, and/or nominations to the attention of:
Hugh F. Murray, III
President
Hartford Food System
86 Park Street, Second Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 296-9325
hmurray (at) murthalaw.com
Fax (860) 240-5877
Tags: connecticut, executive director, hartford, hartford food system, HFS, hunger, Openings by Type, sustainable food, urban
