Posted on November 6, 2012

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President and CEO

Martha's Table, Inc. (www.marthastable.org) transforms lives by engaging the community in developing sustainable solutions to poverty. It meets the core needs of its clients with education, nutrition, clothing and family support programs and prepares young people, from infancy through adulthood, for a promising future.

Founded in 1980 in the 14th and U Street corridor of Washington, DC, Martha's Table helps 1,100 people a day deal with the immediate effects of poverty and finds long-term solutions through its family support services. Martha’s Table works to create positive outcomes in the community through:

Education: Preparing young people for life by providing a continuum of high quality educational opportunities from infancy to adulthood that support their academic, social, physical, and emotional development.

Food and Nutrition: Reducing hunger and improving wellness by providing access to healthy food and nutrition education that meets the individual's immediate needs and promotes healthy lifestyles.

Neighborhood Store: Easing the economic burden on low-income households by providing access to affordable household goods and clothing and generating revenue for other programs.

Community Building: Building community by providing structures, supports and collaborations in which neighbors can help neighbors break the cycle of poverty.

Martha's Table recently completed a strategic plan that will guide the growth and development of the organization through the next four years by a) increasing the number of clients and communities served by expanding into new neighborhoods in Washington, DC; b) improving client and community outcomes by further enhancing programs and services; c) maximizing efforts and impact by better integrating its work across the organization; and d) providing a solid foundation for its work by strengthening governance, staffing, infrastructure and operations.

After eight years leading and growing Martha's Table's programs and services, the current CEO, Lindsey Buss, has accepted an appointment to the World Bank, where he will head their philanthropic, volunteer and community outreach initiatives. The Board has formed a Search Committee to manage the search process for his successor, and has appointed Michael Bartscherer, Director of Food Program and Martha's Outfitters (the neighborhood store), as Interim CEO.

Responsibilities

Reporting to and in conjunction with the Board of Directors of Martha's Table, the President and CEO establishes and carries out the mission and strategic vision of Martha's Table. S/he is responsible for the overall success of the organization, leads the senior management team, and supervises each of the program and support areas.

Martha's Table has a 2012 budget of just over $6M and a staff of 82 full and part-time employees, managed through Directors of Finance and Administration; Development; Food Program and Martha's Outfitters; Older Youth Programs (ages 14-24); Children and Bridge Programs (ages 5-13); and the Child Development Center (ages 3 months to 4 years). It has over 10,000 volunteers each year.

The new President and CEO must be a capable administrator and problem solver, with demonstrated leadership experience, excellent organizational skills, financial acumen and proven success in recruiting, building, leading and managing a strong, diverse team within a complex organization. The President must be able to engage external constituencies as spokesperson, community leader and fundraiser, and build positive relationships with partner organizations, funders, policymakers, the media and others. The ability to think and lead the organization strategically and with vision is vital.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, set direction for Martha's Table and lead staff, volunteers, clients, donors, and other stakeholders in carrying it out.
• Serve as the external leader and representative of Martha's Table and promote its mission to a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies, including donors, volunteers, governmental entities, media, other non-profits, and community members.
• Serve as the internal leader of Martha's Table, both in directly supervising the senior management team and leading the entire staff in carrying out its mission.
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors and informed by senior staff, set strategies for Martha's Table's programs, including education, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.
• Fundraising and development from both government and private sources, including supervision of and collaboration with development staff, and personal engagement with funders, especially DC, Federal and major foundation supporters.
• Work with the Director of Development to develop and carry out external communication strategies and to further cultivate its robust volunteer program as an asset of Martha's Table.
• Work with the Director of Finance & Administration to ensure: strong financial controls and compliance with government contracts; proper human resource functions, including staff recruitment, employment, training and evaluation; facilities that are safe and compliant with regulations; and information technology systems that help Martha's Table and its staff operate at a high level.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated executive-level experience in the nonprofit, public or private sectors.
• Experience working collaboratively and effectively with or serving on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization.
• Knowledgeable about the issue of poverty and the wide-ranging needs of the community Martha's Table serves.
• Familiarity with one or more of Martha's Table's program areas – food and nutrition, education and retail sales - is desirable.
• Proven fundraising skills, with demonstrated success in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies and like-minded organizations.
• Excellent oral, written, listening and interpersonal communication skills; in particular, the ability to communicate with and relate to Martha's Table's diverse constituencies, including area residents and clients, staff, volunteers, government officials, community leaders and funders.
• An understanding of and ability to maneuver in the Washington, DC, human services community, as well as District and Federal government agencies, is preferred.
• A track record of recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining a diverse staff.
• Knowledge of the Latino community as well as the ability to speak and understand Spanish is desirable.

Personal Characteristics:

• Personal qualities of honesty, integrity, credibility, and strong moral ethics.
• A relationship builder who conveys integrity and high standards.
• A genuine belief in and commitment to the mission and goals of Martha's Table.
• A visionary, creative and strategic leader.
• Excellent leadership and people skills with experience working collaboratively in a diverse team environment.
• Demonstrated expertise, passion and enthusiasm for positively affecting the lives of others who are most in need.
• A smart, energetic, goal-oriented executive with common sense, sound judgment and a sense of humor.
• A strong organizational manager who engenders trust and confidence, motivates others, and adapts easily to constantly changing situations.
• A firm decision-maker who has the ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility and resilience, with an ability to deal with difficult or unforeseen problems, remain calm, and not give up.
• § Confidence to handle the public pressures of the position.

Compensation

A competitive salary and benefits package will be provided.

Martha's Table, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status or sexual orientation.

Application Instructions

Please submit a position-specific cover letter and resume to (Ms.) Lee Crane Wood, strategies.for.growth@gmail.com or fax (703)765-1125 by November 27, 2012. (Note: e-mail subject line should read "MTCEO" – and include full name.)