Executive Director

McDowell Local Food Advisory Council

About Us

The McDowell Local Food Advisory Council, based in Marion, NC, is a community anchor working to strengthen the local food system, reduce food insecurity, and expand equitable access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food. McDowell Local Food Advisory Council (LFAC), partners with farmers, food pantries, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure all residents have the resources they need to thrive.

We believe that food is more than nutrition, it is community, culture, and resilience. LFAC is committed to building an equitable food system that lifts up rural communities and addresses historic and ongoing disparities.

The Opportunity

The Board of Directors is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to guide McDowell LFAC into its next stage of community-centered growth and impact. The Executive Director will work closely with the Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, lead collaborative strategic planning, manage staff and budgets, and serve as a trusted public representative of the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow by participating in coaching and capacity-building trainings. This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven leader who is passionate about food justice, nonprofit leadership, and uplifting the voices of rural communities to build a stronger, more equitable future.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

● Provide overall organizational leadership and vision.

● Collaborate with the LFAC Board of Directors to ensure strong governance and strategic direction.

● Lead and facilitate regular board meetings in coordination with the Board Chair.

● Community-centered mindset with openness to growth through coaching, training, and capacity-building opportunities

● Build community relationships and partnerships to ensure community and funder support.

● Guide staff and contractors, fostering a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture.

● Conduct regular employee performance evaluations in accordance with organizational policies

Financial Management & Fundraising

● Oversee and manage organizational budgets of $1M+.

● Manage existing grants and pursue new funding opportunities through grant writing, donor engagement, fund development, and other business service lines.

● Ensure compliance, reporting, and alignment of expenses with grant requirements.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

● Serve as the public face of LFAC at community meetings, conferences, and public events.

● Build and sustain partnerships with farmers, food pantries, schools, businesses, local government, funders, and community groups.

● Advocate for food equity, especially for rural, low-income, and historically marginalized communities.

Operations & Program Oversight

● Work closely with program leads to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

● Monitor program performance, evaluate impact, and implement improvements. ● Ensure compliance with health, safety, and organizational policies.

Qualifications & Ideal Candidate

● Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, agriculture/food systems, social work, or related field (Master’s preferred). Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of formal education. Candidates with demonstrated leadership in non profit management, program development, fundraising or community engagement may meet the qualifications through relevant work history.

● Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofits, food systems, or related fields.

● Strong financial management skills; experience managing $1M+ budgets.

● Successful record in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.

● Experience working with rural communities and diverse partners.

● Excellent communication and public speaking skills.

● Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of organizational work.

● Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally. ● Background check required.

Compensation & Benefits

● Starting Salary: $75,000 per year

● Paid sick time and two weeks paid vacation in the first year

● Professional development support

● Work setting: In person with community-based work throughout McDowell County

Our Commitment to Equity

FFH and LFAC are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, people with working-class backgrounds, women, immigrants,

LGBTQ+ people, and members of other structurally excluded communities