Executive Director

We are seeking a dynamic Executive Director to guide Meals for Unity into its next phase of growth. In partnership with the Co-Founder, you will drive critical decision-making and lead our management team to effectively execute our mission and organizational strategy. This position is perfect for someone deeply passionate about community service, with a proactive “get it done” mentality and strong leadership skills.

About Meals for Unity:

Meals for Unity was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the AAPI community faced a rise in violence, poverty, and food insecurity. Motivated to give back, our team combined a passion for food with a desire to support the community, leading to a successful one-time event that delivered over 300 meals to elders in need. Since that first event in 2021, we have expanded our efforts to monthly distribution events.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our volunteers and donors over the past three years, and we take pride in being a fully volunteer-run nonprofit organization. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and directors, we have delivered over 18,500 meals to our community since our inception.

Location: New York City, NY

Commitment: Weekly 7-10 hours (Additional hours as needed)

Term: 2 years, with yearly renewal opportunities (unlimited renewal term until further notice and agreement with the Board)

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management

• Serve as the organization’s ambassador, collaborating with the Co-Founder to refine strategic goals, establish a Steering Committee, and represent Meals for Unity in the community.
• Drive the execution of the strategic plan, ensuring sustainable growth and mission advancement through transparent and inclusive leadership.
• Lead and inspire a team of 9-10 Directors, providing direction, support, and accountability through regular check-ins and team-building activities.
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative organizational culture that values teamwork, recognizes individual contributions, and fosters innovation.
• Oversee daily operations, including progress tracking, budget management, and system improvements, to ensure organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
• Manage external communications, directing inquiries to the appropriate directors and ensuring timely responses.
• Facilitate the Executive Steering Committee meetings, keeping the organization aligned with its 5 and 10-year plans.
• Collaborate closely with the Development Director to cultivate strong relationships with donors, ensuring ongoing engagement and support.
• Communicate financial performance and strategic updates to the Co-Founder, funders, and stakeholders, highlighting successes and identifying areas for improvement.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, safeguarding organizational assets while enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of leadership experience managing teams and working with steering committees or boards, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Proven track record in securing funding through donations, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Expertise in program budgeting and financial management, with a strong understanding of nonprofit financial compliance.
• Experience in program development, oversight, and evaluation to ensure alignment with the nonprofit’s goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in marketing, public speaking, and enhancing the nonprofit’s public profile.
• Deep commitment to the mission, with demonstrated experience in building partnerships and advocating for the cause.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and funding opportunities specific to NYC, along with a strong network within the community.
• Passion for combating food insecurity, particularly within the AAPI community, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.