Executive Director
Join 300+ volunteers in supporting our senior community with better access to hot meals.
POSITION TITLE:
Executive Director
REPORTS TO:
Meals that Connect Board Committee
SALARY / PAY RANGE:
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. $100,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Meals That Connect is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.
Benefits:
Paid time off
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and visionary leader of Meals That Connect. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED provides strategic direction, operational excellence, and community leadership. The ED oversees all aspects of program delivery, financial stewardship, staff development, fundraising, and partnership building — ensuring the organization fulfills its mission to nourish seniors in greatest need.
Leading a staff of 40+ and managing a budget exceeding $2.3 million, the ED ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, fosters innovation in senior nutrition services, and represents Meals That Connect as its public ambassador.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Strategy
· Partner with the Board to define strategic goals, annual plans, and measurable outcomes.
· Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in respect and service.
· Oversee program evaluation to ensure quality, compliance, and impact.
· Provide timely fiscal and programmatic reports to the Board to support effective governance.
· Guide organizational change and process improvement.
Operations & Program Oversight
· Oversee 11 congregate dining sites, home-delivered meals, and support services.
· Ensure compliance with nutrition standards, food safety laws, and service priorities.
· Expand outreach to reach more eligible seniors; provide nutrition education and supportive services.
· Implement feedback systems to capture constituent voices and improve programs.
· Represent Meals That Connect in meetings with agencies, funders, and community partners.
Financial Management
· Lead preparation and oversight of an annual $2.3M+ budget.
· Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with contracts and grants.
· Manage federal and state grants, including writing, reporting, and monitoring.
· Present clear, accurate financial updates to the Board and stakeholders.
Fundraising & Community Engagement
· Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
· Lead donor cultivation, annual campaigns, and special events.
· Act as the public face of Meals That Connect with media, funders, and partners.
· Strengthen community partnerships and volunteer engagement.
Staff &Human Resources
· Mentor and supervise functional leads.
· Oversee equitable HR practices and compliant personnel policies.
Knowledge of:
· Excellent verbal and written communication in English, bi-lingual Spanish a bonus
· General purpose, operations, and philosophy of Senior Nutrition
· Basic principles of safe and sanitary food handling
· Reporting Elder Abuse
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Passion for serving seniors.
· Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business/Public Administration, Social Services, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Equivalent experience considered.
· 5+ years of senior leadership in a nonprofit or related setting.
· Proven success managing organizations with 40+ staff, $2M+ budgets, and federal/state grants.
· Strong fundraising and donor cultivation experience; event planning a plus.
· Knowledge of nonprofit management, senior nutrition programs, public health, or food service preferred.
· Excellent written and verbal communication; able to serve effectively as staff to a Board of Directors.
· Comfortable as the public spokesperson and ambassador of an organization.
· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
Primarily office-based, with frequent visits to dining sites, kitchens, and community events.
Occasional evening and weekend work required.
Local travel throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Other Details
Join Us in Leading Change
Meals That Connect is seeking a passionate, mission-driven Executive Director to guide our organization into its next chapter of impact. If you’re energized by serving seniors, leading dynamic teams, and shaping community partnerships, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference in San Luis Obispo County.
About Us
Meals That Connect is the official Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County. We deliver nutritious meals, foster friendly visits, and connect older adults to vital resources that sustain independence, dignity, and health.
We operate 11 congregate dining sites and a robust home-delivered meal program, providing more than 197,000 meals in the 2023–2024 fiscal year. Our services supply roughly 30% of participants’ daily nutrition and reach 20% of the county’s residents aged 65+ — far above the state average. Supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners like CenCal Health and the Area Agency on Aging, Meals That Connect combats isolation and promotes well-being every weekday.