Executive Director
Dubuque Food Pantry
1 Positions
ID: 92218
Posted On 06/17/2026
Job Overview
The Dubuque Food Pantry seeks a mission-driven leader who is passionate about addressing food insecurity and strengthening ourcommunity.
We look forward to reviewing your application materials.
To apply , please submit the following materials electronically to [email protected] :
Please address:
Why you are interested in leading the Dubuque Food Pantry
Your experience with nonprofit leadership
Your fundraising experience
Your financial management and budgeting experience
Your leadership philosophy
Please include:
Employment history
Education
Certifications
Volunteer and community leadership experience
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of reference checks, background screening, verification of credentials, and maintenance of a valid driver's license.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-JOB DESCRIPTION
Regular Full-Time Exempt Employee
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Dubuque Food Pantry and is responsible for advancing the organization's mission through measurable community impact, financial sustainability, strong organizational leadership, and collaborative community partnerships.
This role requires a mission-driven leader who can balance compassion with accountability, strategy with execution, and relationship-building with operational excellence. The Executive Director is responsible for leading a healthy organizational culture with two employees and 47 volunteers, ensuring sound financial stewardship, strengthening community trust, and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth.
The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, the Feeding America food bank, community organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the pantry remains mission-focused, data-informed, operationally effective, and responsive to evolving community needs.
The Dubuque Food Pantry seeks a leader who is:
Strategic yet hands-on
Compassionate yet accountable
Empowers staff without micromanaging
Community-centered yet operationally disciplined
Able to lead through change while building trust and stability
Comfortable making decisions, solving problems, and elevating organizational performance
Focused on outcomes, not simply activity
PRIMARY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Leadership Responsibilities
Ensure pantry programs and services are responsive to community need and aligned with organizational mission
Foster a culture where all guests are treated with dignity, compassion, respect, and efficiency
Use data, feedback, and trends to improve services and remove barriers to access
Build systems that support measurable outcomes and meaningful community impact
Ensure food distribution practices prioritize nutrition, quality, accessibility, and stewardship
Success Indicators
Increased access to resources, improved food stability, guest satisfaction and community impact
Increased distribution of nutritious and perishable foods
Reduced service barriers and wait times
Strong community trust and reputation
Growth in partnerships and referral networks
Growth in individuals exposed to our services to ensure maximum awareness in the community.
Leadership Responsibilities
Lead the organization with strong financial oversight, accountability, and transparency
Develop annual budgets and long-term financial strategies in partnership with the Board
Ensure sound financial controls, compliance, reporting, and operational stewardship
Diversify revenue streams to strengthen sustainability and reduce organizational risk
Build reserves and long-term financial planning strategies to support future stability Success Indicators
Balanced or surplus operating performance
Growth in unrestricted revenue
Increased operating reserves
Positive audit and compliance outcomes
Budget-to-actual accountability
Diversified funding streams and reduced reliance on single revenue sources
Leadership Responsibilities
Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for the organization
Build meaningful relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, civic organizations, and community leaders
Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization
Lead fundraising strategy including annual giving, grants, events, sponsorships, and major gifts.
Partner with the Board to strengthen donor engagement and community investment
Success Indicators
Growth in annual fundraising revenue
Increased donor retention and stewardship
Expanded major donor and corporate partnerships
Growth in recurring and unrestricted giving
Strong community visibility and engagement
Successful execution of fundraising initiatives and events
Leadership Responsibilities
Build and maintain a healthy, accountable, and mission-focused organizational culture
Lead, develop, support, and retain staff and volunteers
Establish clear expectations, communication systems, and accountability practices
Foster collaboration, professionalism, continuous improvement, and respect across the organization
Address organizational and personnel challenges proactively and constructively Success Indicators
Positive staff and volunteer retention
Improved communication and collaboration
Strong employee and volunteer engagement
Reduced unresolved conflict and operational dysfunction
Leadership development within the organization
Clear accountability systems and role clarity
Leadership Responsibilities
Provide strategic vision and leadership aligned with organizational priorities
Work with the Board to develop and implement strategic goals and measurable objectives
Ensure operational systems, policies, technology, and procedures support organizational effectiveness
Maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and partner requirements
Lead organizational improvement initiatives and proactively respond to emerging community needs Success Indicators
Progress toward strategic plan goals
Improved operational efficiency and effectiveness
Consistent policy and compliance oversight
Strong risk management and organizational preparedness
Effective use of data, dashboards, and reporting
Successful implementation of organizational improvements
Leadership Responsibilities
Maintain strong communication and partnership with the Board of Directors
Support the Board in governance, strategic planning, policy development, and organizational oversight
Keep the Board informed regarding organizational performance, opportunities, risks, and trends
Build collaborative relationships with the food bank, agencies, businesses, and community organizations
Represent the organization professionally within the community and region Success Indicators
Strong board engagement and communication
Positive stakeholder relationships and community trust
Increased strategic partnerships and collaborations
Strong organizational reputation and visibility
Effective governance support and board development
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
The successful Executive Director will demonstrate:
Strategic and visionary leadership
Financial and business acumen
Strong communication and storytelling ability
Relationship-building and collaboration skills
Emotional intelligence and professionalism
Data-informed decision-making
Change leadership and adaptability
Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
Accountability and follow-through
Commitment to dignity-centered service
Ability to lead both strategically and operationally
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree required or equivalent work experience; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of three years of leadership experience
Experience in nonprofit leadership, human services, food systems, community development, operations, or related sectors preferred
Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, fundraising, financial oversight, and team management
Demonstrated ability to speak confidently to community groups, donors, civic organizations, media, and stakeholders.
Experience working with boards, community partnerships, and stakeholder engagement
Strong understanding of organizational systems, budgeting, and operational management
Valid driver's license required.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds with assistance
Ability to navigate office, and pantry environments
Ability to work in indoor and occasional outdoor environments
This position is primarily on-site and requires regular presence at the pantry, community meetings, donor visits, and organizational events, with some weekend and evening requirements.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading the organization in alignment with its mission, strategic priorities, organizational values, and long-term sustainability goals.
BENEFITS AND SALARY
Benefits: The Dubuque Food Pantry offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including health insurance with employer premium support, paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays annually. Employees also receive workers' compensation coverage, mileage and approved travel reimbursement, compassionate leave, and the opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving our community. We value work-life balance, professional growth, and fostering a supportive team environment where employees can make a meaningful impact every day.
The Executive Director position offers flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to lead a respected community organization with a strong history of service and impact throughout Dubuque County.
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The anticipated hiring range is in the mid-$50,000s to $70,000, with consideration given to candidates who demonstrate exceptional leadership, fundraising, financial management, and strategic planning experience.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of reference checks, background screening, verification of credentials, and maintenance of a valid driver's license.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Dubuque Food Pantry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, volunteers, clients, and community partners. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, organizational needs, and business requirements. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply and join us in advancing our mission of serving our community with dignity and respect.
ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The Dubuque Food Pantry believes success is measured not simply by activity, but by meaningful outcomes that improve lives, strengthen the community, and ensure long-term impact.
The Executive Director is expected to lead with integrity, accountability, compassion, professionalism, collaboration, and courage.
Primary Contact
1781645645920
,
Phone
Phone
Phone
Fax
[email protected]
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False
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Job Details
Location
Dubuque, IA
Job Type
Employee
Full/Part
Full Time
Pay/Salary
55,000 to 70,000
Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Qualifications
Education
Associates
Experience
1-2 Years
Company ID
92160
Job REQ #
# Positions
1
Start Date
20260617
End Date
20260715
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Dubuque Food Pantry
About the Company
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide food to members of the community who are experiencing food insecurity.
Our Vision for Now and the Future
Our Vision is to collaborate with other agencies in a way that improves the effectiveness of food distribution, enhances clients' dignity, improves nutrition, and responds to special dietary needs.