Gloucester, MA | Full-Time

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 hiring@backyardgrowers.org with your resume and a cover letter. Backyard Growers will be accepting applications until this position is filled.