Vermont Fresh Network is hiring a new Executive Director!

Full-time (32 hours/week), based in Richmond, VT (with travel around the state and option for remote work)

The Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership based organization founded in 1996 with the mission of advancing relationships among farmers, chefs, artisans, and consumers to grow markets and eat more locally grown food. VFN has been instrumental in building a flourishing food and farm economy in Vermont by connecting local farmers and producers with chefs, institutions and other new markets. We encourage consumers to purchase from local farms and prioritize restaurants and other Vermont food and beverage businesses  that have ongoing relationships with Vermont farmers.

Our network is diverse and includes a range of culinary professionals, farmers, and food artisans. We support transparency and verification in local foods marketing. We undertake a variety of projects each year, from agricultural and culinary tourism to market development around specific Vermont products to participation in statewide policy initiatives. Our signature public facing event, the Annual Forum Dinner at Shelburne Farms, celebrates the best of Vermont food and drink.

VFN is looking for an Executive Director who is enthusiastic and has the vision to take VFN to the next level of collaboration and vision. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about food, farming, and Vermont as well as possessing leadership skills and experience in business or nonprofit management.

You will work with a small staff and directly with the Board of Directors, which includes leaders of the Vermont food community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with members (chefs, farmers, producers and institutions) to help ensure that VFN is fully meeting their needs and that our criteria for membership are met
• Strategic planning to help VFN grow its membership and its mission
• Communicating the work and benefits of VFN to both membership and the general public
• Developing, organizing, implementing and marketing VFN programs
• Organizing and implementing fundraising events, such as the Annual Forum at Shelburne Farms (July/August) and the Annual Meeting (February)
• Developing, securing funding, organizing, and implementing VFN grant programs
• Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing partner organizations
• Developing, implementing and meeting an annual budget
• Reporting on the impact and the effectiveness of the annual work plan
• The recruitment, employment and release of all personnel, both paid staff and contractors
• Planning, managing, and implementing fundraising strategies in close collaboration with the board
• Developing and executing social media strategy
• Ensuring adherence to 501c3 non-profit (State & Federal) regulations, required funder reporting and VFN Bylaws

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading a non-profit organization or related for-profit
• A strong passion for Vermont’s food and farming community
• Experience in fundraising and development
• Experience with budgeting and accounting principles
• Marketing, digital marketing, and social media expertise
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of or experience with grant writing a plus
• Experience with personnel management
• Five years experience or more in a similar field

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree or higher academic degree preferred

COMPENSATION 

• Anticipated salary range $60k to $65k; commensurate with experience
   

TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@vermontfresh.net with the title format “Last Name, First Name – ED Application.”

ABOUT THE VERMONT FRESH NETWORK

The quality and beauty of Vermont's landscape depend upon working farms and working farmers. The Vermont Fresh Network is a community of agricultural and culinary professionals that uses Vermont-grown and - raised foods to create economic, environmental and social gain. We encourage farmers, food processors and chefs to work directly with each other to build partnerships. Building these regional connections contributes to stronger local economies and communities.  www.vermontfresh.net

The Vermont Fresh Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, veterans, people of color, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals from diverse and often underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and this position will be open until filled.