Executive Director, Food Systems Development

The Executive Director for the Yolo Food Hub Network at New Season Development Corporation in Esparto, CA, will lead the implementation of a regional food hub project aimed at improving local food access and economic opportunities. Key responsibilities include strategic oversight, community engagement, fundraising, and partnership management. The role emphasizes advancing equity and supporting marginalized populations. Funding is secured for 16 months starting May 1, 2025.
Position Title: Executive Director – Yolo Food Hub Network (New Season Community Development Corporation)

Organizational Overview

New Season Community Development Corporation (NSCDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Esparto, California, focused on revitalizing the downtown areas of small rural towns in northwestern Yolo County. NSCDC pursues economic development projects that rehabilitate local properties, attract new businesses, and create jobs for community residents. One of NSCDC’s flagship initiatives is the Yolo Food Hub Network, a collaborative project to develop a regional food hub facility in Yolo County. The Yolo Food Hub will aggregate, process, store, and distribute locally grown produce, improving healthy food access, stabilizing local food markets, and expanding employment and training opportunities in the region. This innovative project is being undertaken with multiple partners (such as Capay Valley Farm Shop, Yolo Food Bank, Spork Food Hub, and others) and aims to build a more diverse, sustainable, equitable, and community-driven regional food system.

Job Summary

The Executive Director (ED) of the Yolo Food Hub will provide overall leadership, strategic oversight, and day-to-day management for the successful implementation of the Yolo Food Hub Network project under NSCDC. In this entrepreneurial role, the ED will drive the Yolo Food Hub Work Plan objectives – including establishing the hub’s legal and financial foundations, leading marketing and outreach efforts, overseeing infrastructure planning, management of existing infrastructure, and spearheading job development initiatives. A key focus of the ED’s work is advancing equity by actively engaging historically marginalized and disinvested populations in the Food Hub’s design and programs, ensuring the project creates inclusive economic opportunities for small farmers, food entrepreneurs, and farm/food system workers. The ED serves as the primary coordinator among project partners (e.g. Good Roots, Spork Food Hub, Capay Valley Farm Shop) and stakeholders, and will guide the transition of the Yolo Food Hub into an independent, self-sustaining entity in alignment with NSCDC’s mission.

NSCDC has funding for this position for 16 months beginning May 1, 2025.

Qualifications and Experience (Most Important to Least Important)
• Strategic Leadership & Project Management: Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and complex projects, balancing long-term vision with day-to-day operational execution. Experience successfully launching or growing an organization, program, or business venture is highly desirable.
• Fundraising & Financial Acumen: Demonstrated success in securing funding (e.g., writing grants, cultivating donors, or investors) and managing budgets. Familiarity with public grants and philanthropic funding processes is required; experience managing six- or seven-figure grants or capital projects is a plus.
• Community Engagement & Equity: Significant experience working with diverse communities and building inclusive programs. Demonstrated commitment to equity, with the cultural competency to engage and collaborate with stakeholders from historically marginalized backgrounds (e.g., BIPOC communities, small family farms, low-income residents).
• Partnership Management & Communication Skills: Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills – able to inspire and motivate a team, convene partners, and facilitate collaborative decision-making. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Program/Project Management: Strong project management skills, with experience overseeing construction or infrastructure projects highly beneficial. Ability to coordinate multiple work streams (construction, marketing, operations), manage contractors, and meet deadlines.
• Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of local food systems, agriculture, or food distribution is preferred. Understanding of the challenges and needs of small to mid-sized farmers, food hubs, or food businesses will greatly aid in effectively leading the Yolo Food Hub.
• Board and Governance Experience: Experience reporting to or serving on a nonprofit Board of Directors. Familiarity with nonprofit governance best practices and working with board members in strategic and fundraising roles.
• Personal Qualities: Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. Highly organized and detail-oriented, while able to maintain focus on the “big picture.” Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate a start-up environment.
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge or experience in legal and regulatory compliance for nonprofit organizations and development projects is beneficial.
• Public Relations & Marketing: Ability to develop marketing and branding strategies to promote the Food Hub’s identity. Experience working with media and public communication is helpful.

Time Commitment and Reporting Structure

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Yolo County, California. Initial funding for this salary is 16 months. It is highly desirable that the candidate is a resident of Yolo County. Some travel within the region and occasional evening or weekend hours will be required to attend community events, meetings, or partner engagements. The Executive Director will be an employee of New Season Community Development Corporation and will report to the NSCDC Board of Directors (through the Board President and/or an Executive Committee). The ED will provide regular updates to the Board and seek guidance/approval on major decisions. As the Yolo Food Hub transitions to an independent entity, the reporting structure may evolve, with the ED eventually reporting to a dedicated Yolo Food Hub Board of Directors.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience; a benefits package will be provided in line with NSCDC policies. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a transformative project from the ground up and make a lasting impact on the region’s food system and community equity.

Salary Range: $90,000-$110,000

PTO: 3 Weeks

Medical Insurance: COBRA Reimbursement

IRA after tax contribution: $500 per month

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person