Job description
Chief Executive Officer
Reports to
Board of Directors
Location
Woodridge, IL
In 1970, Roger and Barbara Schmith transformed a small pantry in the closet of a local church into a community supported organization. As it gained support, grew in size and earned 501(c)(3) status as the Woodridge Community Pantry in 1992, so too did the recognition of the need across the surrounding counties. In 2010, the organization became the West Suburban Community Food Pantry (WSCP), serving all of DuPage County. Today, the organization also serves Will County.
West Suburban Community Pantry is a leader in the local movement to end hunger:
• increases access to nutritious food through services designed to meet a range of neighbors' needs
• provides resources that help families increase their financial stability through collaboration with community partners
• innovates to reduce food waste through new sourcing and distribution solutions
The need for food assistance continues to grow. The Pantry served over 110,000 individuals and 2.8 million pounds of food in 2023, a 70% increase over the prior year.
As the Pantry continues to evolve to meet community needs, the Board and WSCP leadership have positioned the organization for significant growth and transformation. This evolution will occur at both the strategic and operational levels and brings with it significant opportunities to advance the Pantry's mission in this next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to lead an innovative, collaborative organization impacting thousands of people each year.
The Pantry has a budget of about $2.0 million, a talented staff of 13, a dynamic Board with 14 directors and a robust core of volunteers.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the leader of WSCP and reports directly to the Board of Directors. In partnership with the Board and staff team, this leader is ultimately responsible for the success of the mission of WSCP and the fiscal health of the organization. The CEO will be the primary face of the organization to major constituents including donors, partners, media, government officials, volunteers and the communities the Pantry serves. In addition, the CEO will work closely with the Board and support members in their roles.
The ideal candidate will bring the following attributes and expertise:
STRATEGIC LEADER
The ideal candidate will:
• Be a proven leader with a passion for addressing complex social issues
• Bring significant experience in leading strategic and high-level decision-making, particularly in times of organizational growth
• Have a track record of entrepreneurial problem-solving skills, creating and implementing organizational and operational best practices, and managing people through partnership and collaboration
• Be able to implement best practices to achieve financial objectives
• Be adept at using keen interpersonal skills to coalesce multiple internal and external stakeholders around common goals
• Embody the highest ethical standards and demonstrate a balance of business savvy with a commitment to responsible, people-focused program delivery
STRONG RELATIONSHIP BUILDER
The ideal candidate will:
• Skillfully serve as the primary spokesperson and external representative of the organization and possess strong communication and networking skills to help grow the organization's partnerships and resources
• Have demonstrated ability to develop and maintain impactful relationships with business, civic leaders at the local, state and national levels, and nonprofit leaders as well as donors and volunteers
• Bring significant fundraising experience, including demonstrated skills in major gifts, corporate and foundation grants, capital campaigns and enhancing a culture of giving
• Develop and implement community awareness campaigns to educate the public about food insecurity and promote volunteerism.
• Have experience working closely with a board
COMMITMENT TO THE MISSION AND THE PANTRY
The ideal candidate will:
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the way the Pantry operates internally and in service to the community
• Bring interest and ability to build upon a strong, positive organizational culture and to both lead and manage within complex organizations
• Be a creative thinker with high emotional intelligence, a flexible personality and strong resiliency in sometimes rapidly changing environments
• Be collaborative, communicative and compassionate, with a problem-solving nature
• Embrace a servant leader mindset and a continuous learning approach to developing a cohesive team as well as to mobilizing, encouraging and building capacity of the staff
A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university is required; a graduate degree is desired. Current or prior experience in the field or experiences that would result in a key understanding of the cause is advantageous. Successful candidates may come from the non-profit or for-profit sectors.
The salary range for this position is between $140,000 and 160,000 and will be commensurate with experience. The compensation package will be inclusive of a board-designated annual bonus of up to 20% of base salary. The Pantry offers a benefits package, including but not limited to paid holidays, paid time off and group health and dental.
West Suburban Community Pantry is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. West Suburban Community Pantry's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.
To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/wscpceo (please click Apply at the bottom of the screen). For best consideration, please submit your materials by July 1, 2024.
For more information about West Suburban Community Pantry, Inc., please visit https://wscpantry.org/
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Address
Salary
Woodridge, IL
