Executive Director

Overview

Meals That Connect is seeking a passionate, mission-driven Executive Director to guide our organization into its next chapter of impact. If you’re energized by serving seniors, leading dynamic teams, and shaping community partnerships, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference in San Luis Obispo County.

About Us

Meals That Connect is the official Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County. We deliver nutritious meals, foster friendly visits, and connect older adults to vital resources that sustain independence, dignity, and health.

We operate 10 congregate dining sites, and a robust home delivered meal program, providing 200,000 meals. Our services supply 30% of participants’ daily nutrition and reach 20% of the county’s residents aged 65+, which is far above the state average. Supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners like the Area Agency on Aging, local agencies, foundations, and individual philanthropic support, Meals That Connect combats isolation and promotes well-being every weekday.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and visionary leader of Meals That Connect. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED provides strategic direction, operational excellence, and community leadership. The ED is responsible for all outcomes related to program delivery, financial stewardship, staff development, fundraising, and partnership building to support our organization in its mission to nourish seniors in greatest need.

Leading a staff of 40+ and managing a budget exceeding $2.5 million, the ED ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, fosters innovation in senior nutrition services, and represents Meals That Connect as its public ambassador.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Board to define strategic goals, annual plans, and measurable outcomes.
• Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in respect, integrity and service.
• Oversee program evaluation to ensure quality, compliance, and impact.
• Provide timely fiscal and programmatic reports to the Board to support effective governance.
• Guide organizational change and process improvement.

Operations & Program Oversight

• Oversee 10 congregate dining sites, home-delivered meals, and support services.
• Ensure compliance with nutrition standards, food safety laws, and service priorities.
• Expand outreach to reach more eligible seniors; provide nutrition education and supportive services.
• Implement feedback systems to capture constituent voices and improve programs.
• Represent Meals That Connect in meetings with agencies, funders, and community partners.

Financial Management

• Lead preparation, management and oversight of an annual $2.5M+ budget.
• Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with contracts and grants.
• Manage federal and state grants, including writing, reporting, and monitoring.
• Present clear, accurate financial updates to the Board and stakeholders
• Ensure monthly financial forecasting.

Fundraising & Community Engagement

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Lead donor cultivation, annual campaigns, and special events.
• Act as the public face of Meals That Connect with media, funders, and partners.
• Strengthening community partnerships and volunteer engagement

Staff & Human Resources

• Mentor and supervise functional leads.
• Oversee equitable HR practices and compliant personnel policies.

Qualifications

• Passion for serving seniors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business/Public Administration, Social Services, or related field (master’s degree preferred). Equivalent experience considered
• 5+ years of senior leadership in a nonprofit or related setting
• Proven success managing organizations with 40+ staff, $2M+ budgets, and federal/state grants.
• Strong fundraising and donor cultivation experience; event planning a plus.
• Knowledge of nonprofit management, senior nutrition programs, public health, or food service preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to serve effectively as staff to a Board of Directors
• Comfortable as the public spokesperson and ambassador of an organization
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Primarily office based, with frequent visits to dining sites, kitchens, and community events.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Local travel throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties

Pay: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person