Providing nutritious food for people in need with compassion, dignity and respect.

“In my area, there are other food banks to help families, but not the way that FISH Food Bank helps.

The FISH Food Bank has kind volunteers that make me feel happy to come inside. I do not feel that other food banks look at me as a person, but just a burden.

I will keep coming back to the FISH Food Bank when I need help.” -Anonymous

Executive Director Position Summary

The FISH Food Banks Board of Directors seeks a strategic, compassionate, positive and experienced leader to shape, inspire and manage the organization. The new ED will take this passionate organization to the next level of excellence and encourage greater community support. Overview of FISH Food Banks of Pierce County Founded in the mid-1970’s as an ecumenical organization of volunteers and program of Associated Ministries, FISH (Friends in Service to Him) was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 1983. Through the generosity of thousands of dedicated supporters and communities of faith, in 2013, we provided enough nutritious food for more than 562,000 client visits, and provided enough food to make more than 5,058,000 nutritious meals. Our mission at FISH Food Banks is to provide nutritious food to people in need with compassion, dignity and respect. We operate seven fixed food banks and a large mobile food bank, also with seven locations currently. Every month, we serve approximately 45,000 client visits, providing enough food for clients to prepare more than 405,000 meals. Our staff consists of nine full-time and two part-time employees who work side by side with more than 700 volunteers. Two FISH food banks have clothing banks and four have “Connection Centers,” a partnership with South Sound Outreach in which SSO staff occupy an office inside the food bank to provide assistance with SNAP, utilities, rent, free tax preparation and other services year-round.

FISH Food Banks’ 2014 cash budget is $1,274,726, and including the value of in-kind food, our largest resource, the budget is $10,374,726. Our revenue comes from individuals, communities of faith, foundations, United Way of Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, the City of Lakewood, Pierce County CDBG, organizations, businesses and government grants. In-kind food comes from Emergency Food Network, Northwest Harvest, Food LifeLine and local food drives. FISH is governed by a passionate and engaged 12-member volunteer Board of Directors who are truly dedicated to the mission of the organization. We have a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of diversity and cultural competency. For more information on the work of FISH Food Banks of Pierce County please visit:

www.fishfoodbanks.org Organizational Assets

Strong recognition in the community

Numerous effective food bank locations

Dedicated paid and volunteer staff

Dedicated volunteer Board of Directors

Strong partnerships and collaborations

Ability to fulfill mission

Dedicated donors Short-Term Vision

Develop positive working relationships between new ED and community leaders and funders

Develop constructive relationships between new ED and paid and volunteer staff

Get to know donors and expand donor base

Mid- to Long-Term Vision

Evaluate staffing for both paid and volunteer needs of the organization

Assess infrastructure needs of the organization including facilities, equipment and technology

Begin strategic planning process with Board of Directors

Assess and evaluate program strengths, weaknesses and opportunities

Continue to broaden donor base

Increase fundraising activities Long-Term Vision

Engage community support to relocate a food bank facility

Develop strategic partnerships with other local food banks to enhance service delivery

Develop effective partnerships with distribution centers

Continue to build a solid financial base

Create new funding opportunities

About the Position

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the day-to-day operations of FISH Food Banks of Pierce County. Along with the Board of Directors, the ED will set the strategic direction for the next level of growth and effectiveness. The ED is responsible for leadership, vision, communication, management and fiscal accountability of the organization. Through a strong work ethic, moral compass and demonstrated leadership abilities, the ED will inspire paid and volunteer staff and create strategic opportunities for the organization.

Competencies

Skilled Leadership – Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and motivate staff to ensure highest quality services are provided on a consistent basis; develop high-performing team

Vision and Strategic Thinking – Informed of food bank (pantry) trends; develop long-range goals and objectives to achieve realistic results

Collaboration Builder – Possesses strong interpersonal and human relationship skills with an exceptional ability to foster a spirit of cooperation with external partners

Superior Communicator – Demonstrated ability to speak and write in a persuasive and passionate manner to a broad variety of audiences, and to actively listen and engage in thoughtful conversations

Proficient Growth - Demonstrated experience in expanding agency programs, managing growth of an organization and upward mobility within an organization accepting increased levels of responsibility

Personal Attributes

Passionate about mission

Visionary

Excellent communicator

Honest and ethical

Energetic

Problem solver Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this full time exempt position is competitive with like-sized human service organizations in Pierce County. A generous employee benefit plan is also provided. Affiliations A professional public presence is essential. The ED actively interacts with partner organizations, local organizations, communities of faith, funders and individual donors, news media, local, county and state government officials and human service professionals, food bank clients and volunteers, and members of the general public. Requirements A bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration or proportionate experience in a related field is required. A minimum of four years of successful progression to more responsible management experience is required.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume. Full consideration is assured if letters and resumes are received no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014. Letters and resumes must be sent via email to: info@fishfoodbanks.org. For further information please contact: Emily Happy at (253) 383-3164 or emilyhappy@fishfoodbanks.org.