Executive Director - Detroit Food Academy

Mondo Unlimited • Detroit, MI

4d • $100,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Detroit Food Academy is seeking an Executive Director to steward our organizational vision, values, and strategic plan into the next chapter. The ideal candidate is a leader with a proven track record of growing mission-driven organizations and managing multiple sets of stakeholders, including staff, funders, and Board members. You are passionate about youth development, excited to coach and mentor your team, well-organized, skilled in project management, and committed to building sustainable, long-lasting relationships throughout the organization and in our community. You are personable, approachable, receptive to feedback, and eager to grow.

Responsibilities

• Lead DFA in collaboration with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors, ensuring alignment between governance, staff, and mission.
• Facilitate and advance DFA vision, values, and strategic plan, establishing systems that translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Lead the development and implementation of DFA’s annual vision, budget, and strategic planning processes, with structures for accountability and progress monitoring.
• Design and oversee systems that support staff in visioning, planning, executing, and continuously improving high-quality, year-round programming.
• Develop and lead intentional team-building frameworks that strengthen trust, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain systems that foster collaboration and connection across DFA programs, partners, and staff.
• Cultivate a positive and engaging organizational culture through structured practices rooted in mutual respect, continuous improvement, and effective conflict resolution.
• Exercise and model outstanding leadership and communication, supported by systems for feedback, transparency, and organizational learning.
• Drive organizational excellence by implementing processes for evaluation, innovation, and ongoing improvement.
• Oversee and strengthen DFA’s systems of staff accountability, performance improvement, professional development, training, hiring, and human resources policies and procedures.
• Direct and improve systems for marketing and communication to ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging and engagement.
• Oversee organization-wide systems for data collection, analysis, and application to drive decision-making, impact measurement, and strategic growth.
• Develop and execute dynamic fund development goals and strategy, including a robust individual giving program, annual in-person event, and year-round donor stewardship.
• Oversee all fundraising efforts and ensure budgetary needs are met.
• Lead major gifts cultivation and stewardship, building long-term relationships with high-capacity donors.
• Develop corporate and foundation partnerships, securing sponsorships and institutional support.
• Establish and grow a planned giving program (bequests, trusts, legacy gifts) to build long-term sustainability.
• Craft and communicate a compelling case for support through storytelling, presentations, and fundraising communications.
• Oversee the grant writing and management process, ensuring compliance, reporting, and funder engagement.
• Leverage data, prospect research, and fundraising analytics to identify opportunities and evaluate effectiveness.
• Direct and maintain donor database/CRM systems to support accurate tracking, segmentation, and relationship management.
• Inspire, train, and mobilize the Board of Directors and volunteers in fundraising efforts.
• Champion innovative fundraising strategies, including digital campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, and community engagement initiatives.
• Ensure all fundraising activities uphold the highest standards of equity, inclusion, and ethical practice.
• Oversee organizational accounting and financial processes in collaboration with the Board and accounting partners, ensuring fiscal integrity and transparency.
• Serve as the primary representative and public face of DFA, ensuring consistent communication of mission, values, and impact.
• Develop and sustain systems for community engagement and partnership-building, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, coalitions, and networks.
• Advise DFA and staff on strategic partnerships and opportunities for policy engagement, particularly in areas of food policy and advocacy, building processes to track and evaluate impact.
• Participate as a thought leader in stakeholder, community, and network meetings, positioning DFA as a trusted voice and collaborator.
• Oversee and implement structured processes for contracts, agreements, and MOUs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, compliance, and accountability.

Benefits

• Flexible monthly healthcare & wellness stipend ($400 for individual, $800 for family)
• 20 days PTO + 20 paid holidays
• 401K option
• $2,500 professional development stipend
• Paid parental leave
• Technology support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed