Executive Director

Trellis Group; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focusing on food systems in Pittsburgh seeks an Executive Director to lead initiatives for a just and sustainable food system. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, mission-driven, and experienced in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. Responsibilities include overseeing operations and advocating for food justice across sectors. Interested candidates should submit their applications via email.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or community-based organizations.
• Background in food systems, advocacy, public health, or community development.
• Experience with fundraising, grant management, and strategic partnerships.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and community voice.

Responsibilities

• Lead PFPC in advancing its mission and strategic plan.
• Serve as a visible advocate and coalition builder.
• Oversee operations, finances, and staff.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Guide and strengthen working groups in food access and equity.
• Represent PFPC publicly on food systems policy.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Food systems knowledge

Fundraising

Communication skills

Equity and inclusion

Relationship-building

Equity & inclusion

Job description

About the Organization

The Pittsburgh Food Policy Council (PFPC) is a collaborative network of over 100 member organizations working to advance a just, equitable, and sustainable food system across Greater Pittsburgh. Founded in 2009 and incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) in 2022, PFPC mobilizes people through listening, education, and advocacy to shift power, expand access to resources, and strengthen the regional food system.

With an annual budget just under $1 million, PFPC convenes partners from community organizations, government, academia, and business to drive collective impact through initiatives such as the Greater Pittsburgh Food Action Plan, Food Justice Fund, and Urban Agriculture and Composting Working Groups.

Signature accomplishments include helping establish the $3M City of Pittsburgh Food Justice Fund, advancing Farm to School and Good Food Purchasing Policy initiatives, and advocating for sustainable land use, equitable food access, and environmental justice.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead PFPC in advancing its mission and strategic plan, ensuring progress toward the Greater Pittsburgh Food Action Plan.
2. Serve as a visible, trusted advocate and coalition builder among partners, policymakers, and funders.
3. Oversee operations, finances, and staff, fostering an inclusive and collaborative organizational culture.
4. Develop and implement fundraising strategies to sustain and diversify revenue streams.
5. Guide and strengthen working groups in food access, urban agriculture, composting, and equity.
6. Represent PFPC publicly as a leading voice for food systems policy and community empowerment.

The Ideal Candidate

This is a leadership role for a collaborative, mission-driven professional passionate about food justice and systems change. The next Executive Director will bring creativity, empathy, and strategic vision to unite partners and amplify impact across sectors.

Qualifications include:

1. Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or community-based organizations.
2. Background in food systems, advocacy, public health, or community development.
3. Experience with fundraising, grant management, and strategic partnerships.
4. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
5. Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and community voice.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and references to:

📧 [e-mail]