Executive Director

About Backyard Growers

Backyard Growers is a community‑based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating healthy, connected, and resilient communities by empowering people to grow their own food. Through home, school, and community gardens–alongside a vibrant weekly farmers market- we expand access to fresh food for families, seniors, immigrants, and children across Gloucester.

At our core, we believe food is more than nourishment–it’s a pathway to connection, dignity, and community strength.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead Backyard Growers into its next chapter. This role is both strategic and hands-on, serving as the organization’s chief executive and revenue‑owning leader responsible for advancing mission impact, financial sustainability, and long-term growth.

In close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will shape vision, drive a diversified revenue strategy, and serve as a visible and trusted ambassador in the community. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization with deep local roots and growing potential for impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
• Provide clear, forward-looking leadership aligned with the organization’s mission, long‑term strategy, and revenue goals
• Serve as a trusted partner to the Board, supporting strong governance, strategic alignment and active engagement in fundraising and growth.
• Present the annual budget and regular financial reports, highlighting organizational performance and progress toward revenue targets.

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Serve as chief revenue strategist, leading a diversified funding model that includes philanthropy, grants, sponsorships, events, consulting, and other earned income.
• Personally engage in high‑level donor cultivation and solicitation, and oversee grant strategy and reporting.
• Identify and develop new revenue opportunities in collaboration with staff leadership and board committees.

Financial, Organizational & People Leadership

• Oversee financial management, budgeting, audits, and compliance to ensure fiscal health and accountability.
• Lead human resources strategy, including hiring, supervision, performance management, and culture‑building.
• Ensure strong operational systems and policies that support organizational effectiveness and growth.

Program Strategy & Community Impact

• Provide strategic oversight of programs to ensure quality, scalability, and alignment with funding and revenue opportunities.
• Strengthen and expand partnerships with nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and businesses to increase impact and sustainability.
• Ensure program evaluation and data collection demonstrate impact and support fundraising and investment.

External Leadership & Visibility

• Serve as the organization’s chief ambassador and spokesperson to funders, partners, and media.
• Position Backyard Growers as a trusted leader in local food systems and food justice through thought leadership and community presence.

Qualifications (Summary)

• 5+ years of senior nonprofit or executive leadership experience
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue growth
• Experience managing budgets of $500K+
• Strong board partnership and financial stewardship experience
• Commitment to equity, community engagement, and local food systems
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $89,000–$94,000, commensurate with experience
• This is an exempt, full-time position at 35 hours per week
• As the organization grows, this position has the potential to grow in responsibility, salary, and benefits
• Unlimited Paid Time Off and Flex Schedule policies; Work from home and Flexible Fridays
• Yearly farm credit ($300 value)
• Two weeks paid vacation while office is closed from the Monday prior to Christmas through the Sunday following New Years Day

How to apply

Email [email protected] with your resume and a cover letter. Backyard Growers will be accepting applications until this position is filled.

Backyard Growers is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Pay: $89,000.00 - $94,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person