Job Description

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Position: Full-Time, On-site. Exempt

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000 annually

About Midwest Food Bank

Midwest Food Bank (MFB) is a non-denominational, faith-based nonprofit founded in 2003 in Bloomington, Illinois. Dedicated to alleviating hunger and malnutrition in the U.S. and internationally, MFB partners with over 2,200 nonprofit organizations—such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters—to distribute food at no cost. In 2022, MFB distributed food valued at over $415 million, much of it rescued from large manufacturers. The organization also supports disaster relief with rapid-response food boxes and produces "Tender Mercies," a nutritious, shelf-stable meal product. MFB operates with exceptional efficiency, directing 99% of donations to its programs and maintaining a four-star Charity Navigator rating since 2011.

MFB’s Pennsylvania division, launched in 2021 and based in Harrisburg, has grown rapidly, supporting over 150 nonprofit agencies and generating more than $1 million annually. As the organization prepares for its next phase—including facility expansion, geographic outreach, and increased fundraising—it seeks a mission-driven, people-centered Executive Director to lead this critical growth and deepen MFB’s impact across the state.

The Role

The Executive Director leads the Pennsylvania Division, and is responsible for advancing the mission through strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fundraising growth. Reporting to the national leadership team and working in close collaboration with a local advisory board, the Executive Director ensures the division operates effectively, efficiently, and in full alignment with MFB’s mission and values.

This is a high-impact, hands-on role for a humble, entrepreneurial, and people-centered leader who thrives in a dynamic and service-driven environment. The Executive Director will guide a passionate team of staff and volunteers, oversee food distribution programs, steward donor and community relationships, and manage compliance with nonprofit governance and financial requirements. As the public face of the division, the ED will cultivate strategic partnerships and lead with humility, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.

Impact Areas

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all areas of the Pennsylvania division, ensuring alignment with MFB’s national mission and values
• Lead the development and execution of a local strategic plan focused on impact, growth, and operational readiness
• Oversee daily operations, including staff management, warehouse and facility use, food procurement and distribution systems, and long-term planning
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all food programs, supporting over $50 million in food and disaster relief annually
• Maintain strong communication with the Divisional Advisory Board and collaborate with peers across Midwest Food Bank’s national network
• Ensure adherence to nonprofit best practices and compliance with tax, legal, and reporting obligations
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and accountable workplace culture

Fundraising & External Relations

• Lead all fundraising efforts to meet and grow the division’s $1.3 million+ annual operational budget
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and faith-based and civic groups
• Partner with the current ED (transitioning into a development role) to grow and diversify MFB’s Pennsylvania donor base
• Represent Midwest Food Bank at fundraising events, media opportunities, and within the broader community
• Oversee marketing and communications strategies to increase brand visibility and financial support

Community & Agency Engagement

• Serve as the public face of the division and a key spokesperson for MFB’s mission and impact
• Strengthen relationships with 240–400 nonprofit partner agencies, ensuring effective collaboration and food distribution
• Develop strategic relationships with churches, businesses, civic leaders, and elected officials to further MFB’s mission across Pennsylvania
• Engage the local advisory board as ambassadors, connectors, and champions of MFB’s work

Volunteer Leadership & Culture Building

• Support the daily work of a strong, dedicated volunteer base, which is essential to MFB’s operational model
• Foster an inclusive, service-oriented environment for volunteers, staff, and partner organizations
• Champion MFB’s core values: Serving Those in Need, Empowering Volunteers, Embracing Our Communities, Working with Integrity, and Executing Through Teamwork
• Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions and support systems for volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and retention
• Lead with humility and authenticity, building a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose

Requirements

• 7+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, mission-driven, or entrepreneurial environments (5 years minimum)
• Proven success in fundraising and donor stewardship, including the ability to secure and grow philanthropic revenue
• Strong team leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop staff and volunteers
• Business and financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, reporting, and operational oversight
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, oversee program implementation, and deliver results in dynamic environments
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency with technology and willingness to learn new systems; experience with tools like Office 365 and Salesforce preferred
• Comfort working in an environment that emphasizes humility, service, and community-centered values
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field

Preferred

• Familiarity with food security, warehouse/logistics operations, or disaster relief
• Experience leading strategic planning, capital campaigns, or facility transitions
• Understanding of volunteer-driven organizations and ability to manage and motivate large volunteer teams
• Knowledge of Central Pennsylvania’s nonprofit or philanthropic landscape

Work Environment

• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer in an office setting; periods of movement in a warehouse setting.
• Minimal travel within community and to agencies; minimal out-of-state and overnight travel as needed; infrequent evening and weekend obligations.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job role. Midwest Food Bank, NFP reserves the right to modify activities, duties, and responsibilities at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Midwest Food Bank has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Orlisha Fox at orlisha@charitysearchgroup.com ​or visit

Midwest Food Bank is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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