The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFB) seeks a community-centered and collaborative leader to serve as our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO)!  

A qualified candidate for this position will be passionate about the mission of the CFB and have demonstrated effective leadership of complex organizations with multiple programs, diverse funding streams, and a large workforce.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The mission of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.  The CFB responds to the root causes of hunger, and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty.

The CFB was founded in 1975 and is one of the oldest food banks in the country.  The CFB serves five counties in Southern Arizona: Cochise, Graham, Pima, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz in partnership with 412 agency partners.  Last year the CFB distributed nearly 35 million pounds of food.  Our annual budget is $26 million excluding donated food, and $86 million including donated food. The CFB employs a staff of 170 across multiple sites and 160,000 square feet of facilitities.  Volunteers are an essential component to CFB’s work, contributing over 100,000 hours annually. 

The CEO works closely with a Leadership Team of direct reports including Chief Finance Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief People & Culture Officer, VP of Strategic Initiatives, VP of Community Development, VP Advocacy and Policy and Sr. Director of Food Security. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience who bring important perspectives to the guidance of our work.  

The CFB programs include emergency food assistance, free meals, farmers’ market, community gardens, nutrition education, culinary training, support for local growers and food systems, advocacy, a community grants program and more.

The CFB is in the process of completing a yearlong strategic planning process that will refocus work around a new mission, vision and values statements and a set of strategic pillars. Last year, a four-acre site was purchased in Nogales, AZ and plans are underway to build a new 18,000 square foot facility to replace the existing Nogales Resource Center.

The CFB is a proud member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks and hunger relief organizations, and the Arizona Food Bank Coalition. A national leader in the food security and food justice movements, CFB was named Food Bank of the Year by Feeding America in 2018.

More information about the programs and services of the CFB may be found at www.communityfoodbank.org.

POSITION PROFILE

The CEO of the CFB:

• Establishes the CFB as a collaborative leader in the anti-hunger and food justice movements.
• Works in partnership with diverse neighbors, staff, Board of Directors, donors, government agencies, volunteers, and partner agencies to ensure the fulfillment of the CFB mission.
• Advocates locally and nationally for feeding the hungry today and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.
• Works in partnership and collaboration with the Board of Directors, Leadership Team and the community to set the organization’s strategic vision and direction, establish short- and long-range goals, and to ensure the CFB has the resources needed to get there.
• Serves as the chief spokesperson for the CFB and builds relationships with community members, partner agencies, policy makers, government agencies, funders, donors, and the media in order to grow community support for the mission.
• Stewards the health of the organization and the well-being of its employees and volunteers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision
   • Lead the development and implementation of a strategic vision that aligns with the mission, values, and goals of CFB.
   • Stay informed on emerging trends in food security, nutrition, and community development to ensure CFB remains a leader in the field.
   • Cultivate a strong and transparent relationship with the Board of Directors, providing timely updates, insights, and recommendations.
   • Serve as the primary spokesperson for CFB, advocating for policies and programs that address hunger and food system sustainability
2. Organizational & Programmatic Management
   • Oversee the effective implementation and evaluation of CFB’s diverse programs, ensuring they meet community needs and align with strategic priorities.
   • Support and empower the Leadership Team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
   • Promote a positive culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
   • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and nonprofit best practices
3. Financial & Operational Oversight
   • Provide strong fiscal leadership, overseeing an annual budget of nearly $30 million (excluding donated food).
   • Work with the Chief Financial Officer and finance team to maintain financial stability, transparency, and responsible resource allocation.
   • Ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness, leveraging data-driven decision-making and best practices.
   • Oversee risk management and long-term sustainability planning.
4. Fundraising & Resource Development
   • Partner with the Chief Development Officer to drive fundraising efforts, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and government partners.
   • Actively engage in major donor stewardship and high-impact fundraising initiatives.
   • Explore and develop innovative funding streams to enhance financial sustainability.
5. Community Engagement & Advocacy
   • Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to advance food security and food justice efforts.
   • Advocate at local, state, and national levels for policies that support hunger relief, just food systems, and economic security.
   • Represent CFB in the broader community, building trust and deepening relationships with those served by the organization.
   • Serve on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Food Bank Network and foster statewide collaboration and cooperation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Ideal candidates will demonstrate experience and skills in many of the following areas:

• Executive leadership (C-Suite) in a nonprofit, food systems, public health, or social services setting
• Financial management skills, including experience overseeing budgets of $10M+
• Community-based program development and growth
• Fundraising, donor relations, and resource development
• Working with and supporting a Board of Directors
• Fostering a healthy organizational culture across a large workforce that focuses on developing and leveraging existing staff capabilities
• Knowledge of food security, food justice, and sustainable food systems
• Experience or understanding of complex logistics, supply chain and warehouse facilities.
• Leading teams, managing people, developing emerging leaders, delegation, and coaching
• Familiarity or connection with the Southern Arizona region
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Lived experience of hunger or poverty

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Interested candidates must apply through the Indeed website.
2. Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the position, work experience in hunger relief and/or social justice and other relevant background. Applicants without a cover letter will not be considered.
3. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Apply by COB April 15, 2025 to ensure consideration.
4. Highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a screening interview in mid-April, followed by two rounds of Zoom interviews with the Search Committee in late April and early May.
5. Finalists will be invited to a full day site visit and in-person interviews during the first week of June 2025. We hope to extend an offer to our selected candidate by June 15, 2025 and desire a start date by August 2025.