Executive Director, Your Store of the Queen City

Salary: $75,000

Location: Walnut Hills (Shared Administrative Offices), Lower Price Hill (Program Site)

Join us in building equitable food access in Cincinnati! Your Store Queen City (YSQC) seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead our mission of community-based development and food sovereignty.

Do you have experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, collaborative design, project management, asset-based management, and grassroots organizing? Are you ready to grow a dynamic 5-year-old organization with expanding local, regional, and national impact? If you are passionate about community empowerment, cross-sector collaboration, and advocating with data-driven solutions, we encourage you to apply.

About YSQC:

YSQC is a 5-year-old organization with growing local, regional, and national partnerships. We empower marginalized communities by supporting resident-led initiatives that address systemic food inequities. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and ensures the organization’s operational and financial sustainability. We operate with a Liberatory Justice lens, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. The Executive Director leads a team of full-time, part-time, and consultant staff, cultivates philanthropy and development, volunteers, oversees programs and properties, and manages finances.

Key Projects:

• Meiser’s Fresh Grocery & Deli: A community-designed and operated social enterprise food hub in Lower Price Hill combatting food desert conditions. Meiser’s provides affordable groceries, accepts food benefits, and offers free food and community programs. It’s a model for sustainable, resident-driven social enterprise.
• Cross-Community Collaborations: YSQC facilitates neighborhood-based food access development with partnerships that extend across Cincinnati, Ohio’s local communities.
• Research Learning and Advocacy for Health and Wellbeing: YSQC uses a data-informed approach to promote food sovereignty and positive health outcomes.

Executive Director Responsibilities:

The Executive Director’s work is categorized into three key areas:

1. Mission Advancement & Community Governance: Articulate and champion YSQC’s vision, mission, and strategic direction in alignment with Strategic Planning. Oversee community relations, communications, marketing, and brand management. Foster organizational alignment, maintain data collection systems, and support Board development keeping community voice at the core of the work.
2. Philanthropic Development & Asset Management: Cultivate a culture of philanthropy. Implementing fundraising best practices with a view for equity, including grant writing, donor engagement, and fundraising events. Manage donor relationships, build community partnerships, and oversee budgets, resources, and real estate. Collaborate on grants management and program development.
3. Operational Oversight: Ensure compliance with regulations, best practices and policies. Connect program needs with appropriate resources. Oversee health and food safety compliance. Manage human resources, including staffing, performance management, facilities, and safety/security. Develop and implement organizational goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will embody YSQC’s values, possess a “good heart and a community mindset,” and demonstrate adaptability and attention to detail. Knowledge of Cincinnati’s nonprofit and city infrastructure is required.

• Demonstrate success in nonprofit fundraising.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 5+ years of nonprofit experience. Candidates with 5+ years of relevant and demonstrated nonprofit leadership experience will be considered.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong understanding of Executive Director/Board relations.
• Proven experience building strategic partnerships.
• Operational experience (budget, staff management, facilities, policies, outreach).
• Dedication to community-based change with end user-driven design and solutions.

Application Process:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to board@yourstoreqc.org. All applications will be treated confidentially.

YSQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Inquiries: Please direct questions to board@yourstoreqc.org. No phone calls, please.