Executive Director — Good Cheer Food Bank & Thrift Stores (Whidbey Island, WA)

Overview

Good Cheer Food Bank & Thrift Stores is a community-rooted hunger-relief nonprofit serving South Whidbey for 60+ years. What began as a 1962 toy drive has grown into a vibrant, choice-model food pantry, two mission-supporting thrift stores, 1.5+ acres of gardens supplying year-round produce, a distribution center, and a Community Connection program that links guests to additional services. The pantry serves 2,600+ people annually—often 100+ households in a single day—prioritizing nutritious, whole foods and dignity of choice.

The Role

The Executive Director is the chief executive, responsible for organizational strategy, fund development, and operational excellence across food bank, gardens, thrift retail, distribution, and community partnerships. Working closely with a volunteer Board of Directors, the ED ensures financial health, collaborative culture, program quality, and community impact—while honoring Good Cheer’s shared-leadership ethos during the transition from a co-ED model to a single ED.

What They’re Looking For

The ideal candidate has senior nonprofit leadership experience with strengths in financial oversight, fundraising, strategic planning, team development, and cross-sector collaboration. Familiarity with transformational/shared leadership models and excellent organizational and communication skills are essential. A mission-aligned, flexible, and people-centered leader who can guide a medium-sized organization through growth and continuous improvement is required.

Highlights

• Salary range: $100,000–$130,000 + vacation, holiday, and sick leave; optional dental and vision benefits (employer pays a portion); flexible schedule.
• Reports to Board of Directors; manages 21 FTE (31 staff total) and a large, committed volunteer base.
• Sector: Hunger Relief • Social Services • Community Development • Thrift/Retail Social Enterprise.
• $1.4M annual budget (2024); integrated model includes a grocery-store-style pantry (points system), 1.5+ acres of gardens & hoop houses, two thrift stores, a distribution center, and an on-site Community Connection program.
• Core responsibilities: strategy setting; annual planning; philanthropy and financial oversight; staff management; program development/evaluation; partnerships; outreach and communications; collaborative leadership.
• Job Closing Date: Priority deadline September 30, 2025; applications accepted until filled.

👉 To APPLY: please send your cover letter, resume, and two references to board@goodcheer.org

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