Executive Director - Lenoir Soup Kitchen

Address: 1113 College Ave, Lenoir, NC 28645

USPS: P.O. Box 1054, Lenoir, NC 28645-1054

Web Site: lenoirsoupkitchen.org

Founded: 1982

Employees: Two Cook Positions

Reports To: Board of Directors

History

Founded in 1982, the Lenoir Soup Kitchen goal is to provide nourishing meals, fellowship, support and encouragement to any person in need. The Soup Kitchen serves approximately 1,300 meals per month, one meal per day at lunch, five days a week. Volunteer groups provide an afternoon meal on Sundays. The Soup Kitchen provides lunch to anyone who comes through the door, as well as an opportunity for interaction with visitors and volunteers.  In addition, the Soup Kitchen is a place where those within the Lenoir community can volunteer.  The Soup Kitchen is funded by the United Way, Foundations, Individuals, Churches, Civic organizations and others.

Milestones

Since 1991 the Lenoir Soup Kitchen has operated from the community service building of College Avenue Baptist Church.  In the near future, the Soup Kitchen looks to build on its success and advance the organization into the southern end of Caldwell County with an expanded facility.  The organization is seeking to recruit a full-time Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership including community engagement activities.

The Role of the Executive Director

The Executive Director will partner with the Board of Directors to provide vision, leadership, and management for all aspects of the organization.

Leadership

• Lead efforts to assure alignment of staff and volunteers with the organization’s mission, vision and values.
• Foster a creative environment for innovation.
• Delegate tasks to other members of the staff/board as needed.
• Develop, implement and maintain administrative and operational policies and insure efficient and effective day-to-day management.

Daily Operations

• Understand and manage the day-to-day business inside the Soup Kitchen.
• Ensure volunteers are placed in appropriate roles and that each station is appropriately manned.
• Oversee the workings of the cooking stations, the food distribution, food donations, and the organization of the kitchen to ensure that the Soup Kitchen is operating properly.
• Maintain and update the website and social media with timely messages.
• Oversee inventory management and order food and supplies, negotiation with vendors and suppliers to maximize cost-effectiveness.
• Schedule and organize yearly food donation drive within the soup kitchen and with outside organizations to supplement the food pantry.
• Develop and enforce food safety and sanitation protocols to ensure a safe and clean working and dining environment.
• Ensure all operations comply with federal, state and local health, safety and sanitation regulations including obtaining and maintaining proper licenses and certifications.
• Manage the maintenance and security of the kitchen facility and equipment.

Financial Management

• Work with the Board Treasurer to develop an annual operating budget and specific program/project budgets for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Support Treasurer’s oversight of banking, accounts payable, accounts receivables, and provide monthly bank statements to the accounting firm for timely preparation of monthly financial reports.
• Monitor expenses by members of the staff.
• Review monthly income and expense statements with the Board Treasurer in advance of each board meeting.
• Monitor financial performance against the budget; report significant deviations from the budget to the Board Treasurer and obtain approval of significant non-budgeted expenses.

Operational Fund Development

• Manage all donor development and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate and participate in the solicitation of funding from foundations, corporations and businesses, individuals, and through fundraising events.
• Oversee major mailings and solicitations.
• Attend donor events, site visits and grant interviews as needed.
• Work with the Board of Directors to help identify prospective donors and sponsors.
• Supervise the research, preparation and submission of grant proposals.
• Ensure the successful management of the donor database, acknowledgement letters, and other donor related administrative activities.

Public Relations

• Represent the Soup Kitchen during food distribution hours and to the public, and during community activities, public events, and conferences.
• Focus efforts to strengthen awareness of the organization throughout the entire region.
• Work closely with other organizations serving the needs of persons in need, including other human services organizations.

Soup Kitchen Board Relations

• Report to the Board of Directors at the monthly board meetings.
• Work with the Board President to prepare for board meetings.
• Attend board meetings, prepare proper materials, assist with the setup, and report on the organization activity.
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, create clear expectations in regards to fundraising, volunteerism, programming and awareness building.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would have the following capabilities and qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Professional experience with nonprofit management is preferred.
• Understanding and passion for the organization’s mission; empathy and compassion for those living in poverty.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills; high-energy, proactive, self-starting administrator with the disposition to work in a high-paced environment;
• Team player who will be a constructive and collegial partner to the board, staff and external stakeholders; demonstrated experience in delegating and managing up.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with staff, clients, donors, and the public.
• Ability to attend meetings and events outside of normal business hours.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
• The applicant must become Safe Serve certified within 90 days of hire.

To Apply

The Lenoir Soup Kitchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. Employment decisions at the Soup Kitchen are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. The Soup Kitchen encourages candidates of all groups and communities to apply for this position. 

All inquiries, nominations and applications are to be directed via email to lskdropfolder@gmail.com . Applications should include a cover letter and resume.  No phone calls please.

Please note that only those candidates invited for screening will be contacted.