In 2025, Food Bank of Iowa will welcome its next leader. At this moment of tremendous opportunity, FBOI is seeking a dynamic and dedicated President & CEO to lead a vibrant and respected organization into its next chapter of impact.
Reporting directly to the Board, the President & CEO will lead overall strategic, operational, financial, and managerial responsibility for FBOI including oversight of an annual budget of approximately $50M, and a talented staff of 50+, including four direct reports (VP of Strategy & Communications, VP of Philanthropy, Chief Operating Officer, and Manager of Executive Administration).
Key responsibilities of the President & CEO include, but are not limited to:
- Provide forward-looking strategic and visionary leadership as Food Bank moves into its next chapter.
- Serve as the chief spokesperson and fundraiser for the organization.
- Establish and grow relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders including donors, sponsors, volunteers, local and state officials, and external partners.
- Build upon the operational excellence of the food bank, continuing to amplify successes in the area of efficient operations.
- Use data and metrics to create goals and accountability for the organization’s success.
- Lead and empower an effective staff and invested group of volunteers.
- Cultivate a culture of active collaboration, deep respect, empathy, inclusion, and results.
- Facilitate governance best practices and collaboration with the Board.
While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill, quality, and characteristic, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile:
An Exceptional Relationship Builder & Collaborator
This leader will:
- Be socially aware, with high integrity and emotional intelligence.
- Excel at building authentic relationships with a breadth of constituents including staff, volunteers, the Board, elected officials at all levels, donors, media, community members, Feeding America network members, and other allies.
- Understand the importance of coalition-building, ensuring FBOI’s role in addressing food insecurity is positive and impactful for both the organization and the community.
- Be approachable and energized by the opportunity to develop lasting partnerships.
An Innovative & Strategic Leader with Business Acumen
This leader will:
- Have the ability and experience to lead a complex and thriving business.
- Be a bold thinker with strategic mindset, and the ability to balance short-term needs and long-term goals.
- Be skilled in navigating dynamic environments, with an agile and adaptable style and an ability to respond to evolving needs, for maximum impact.
- Have a track record of successfully driving organizational change and growth.
A Dedicated, Trusting, & Empathetic Team Leader
This leader will:
- Bring a proven track record in organizational management and servant leadership, with a focus on empowering staff and fostering development.
- Be a trusting and empowering leader with a willingness to delegate.
- Be a level-headed and patient leader, able to set the organizational vision, but also willing to engage in hands-on work.
- Be a listener – with an ability to ask questions and a desire to learn from and leverage the expertise of others.
- Operate with a high degree of empathy in all interactions.
An Ambassador & Advocate
This leader will:
- Have a strong ability to connect and resonate with a range of diverse individuals and audiences.
- Excel as a public speaker and advocate for FBOI, with a willingness to share the spotlight and prioritize the mission.
- Be able to enthusiastically convey the importance of FBOI’s work to existing and potential new funding sources including foundations, major donors, and public agencies.
- Proactively seek out opportunities to increase FBOI’s reputation locally, regionally, and beyond.
A Commitment to the Iowa Community & A Passion for the Mission
This leader will:
- Be a champion for ending hunger throughout Iowa.
- Demonstrate a passion for FBOI’s mission in a way that inspires engagement and action.
- Understand and appreciate the many diverse communities throughout Iowa – both urban and rural.
- Understand that food insecurity is a nonpartisan issue, with the ability to navigate a hyper-political environment in a thoughtful way.
- Lead with unquestioned integrity, ethics, and values; be someone who can be trusted without reservation.
Compensation for the role is anticipated to range from $190,000 – $240,000, commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision (with 100% individual coverage plans offered).
Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led
by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. To learn more, please visit our website: https://www.dsgco.com/search/21676-food-bank-of-iowa-ceo/. Express interest in this role by emailing the search team directly at [email protected].
All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
Since its founding in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa (FBOI) has worked toward the vision of a hunger-free Iowa by providing nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors, and veterans so they can lead full and active lives and strengthen the communities where they live.
Throughout its 42-year history, FBOI has developed a broad range of resources and has earned a strong reputation both statewide and nationally.
FBOI is recognized as a partner food bank of Feeding America, receiving awards of excellence in 2022 and 2023. FBOI also is consistently voted among the metro’s most influential nonprofits. Today, FBOI serves more Iowans facing food insecurity than ever before.