Description

Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM) is a faith-based organization committed to combating hunger and hardship. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director to provide strategic, fundraising, and operational leadership for the organization.

The Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive officer and works closely with the Board of Directors to advance WARM’s mission, strengthen organizational operations, support staff and volunteers, steward financial resources, and ensure the organization remains compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and funding requirements.

A central responsibility of the Executive Director will be to lead WARM’s fundraising and resource development efforts. The Executive Director will serve as the organization’s primary fundraiser and relationship-builder, personally cultivating major donors, prospective donors, foundations, corporate partners, churches, civic organizations, and other sources of support. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and execute a sustainable fundraising strategy to increase contributed revenue and strengthen WARM’s long-term financial capacity.

This is an opportunity for a collaborative leader who is passionate about serving others and who can effectively balance mission, people, operations, financial stewardship, compliance, and community relationships.

The Executive Director will serve as a principal ambassador and public representative of WARM, working intentionally to strengthen the organization’s reputation for compassion, care, integrity, accountability, and excellence within the local community and, where appropriate, throughout the broader region and beyond. The Executive Director will cultivate relationships and communications that build trust in WARM, reinforce confidence in its mission and stewardship, and ensure that the organization is recognized for treating every person it serves with dignity, respect, and genuine care.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership and direction for WARM’s programs, staff, volunteers, and resources. The position is responsible for ensuring the organization operates effectively and responsibly, and aligns with its mission and faith-based values.

The Executive Director will serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and will represent WARM to donors, community partners, government agencies, volunteers, and the public. A significant component of the position is fundraising as well as community & external relations to strengthen WARM’s impact and donor base.  

Board & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and the Board of Directors.
• Support the Board in strategic planning, policy development, governance, and organizational oversight.
• Implement Board-approved policies and strategic initiatives.
• Provide regular operational, financial, and programmatic reports to the Board.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff and key volunteers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-aligned organizational culture 

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations.
• Provide executive oversight of food pantry programs, warehouse operations, and community outreach initiatives.
• Ensure effective policies, procedures, systems, and internal controls are established and maintained.
• Promote efficient use of organizational resources while maintaining a strong focus on service to the community.
• Ensure accurate organizational records and reporting.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Oversee compliance with USDA, TEFAP, and other grant and funding requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination standards.
• Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Maintain program integrity and ensure required documentation and records are complete and accurate.

Fundraising, Resource Development & Financial Stewardship

• Serve as WARM’s primary fundraiser and chief relationship-builder with donors and funding partners.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising and resource-development strategy in collaboration with the Board.
• Develop and manage the annual organizational budget in collaboration with the Board.
• Oversee financial management, reporting, and internal controls.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational funds and resources.
• Support fundraising and donor engagement initiatives.
• Assist with grant development and management.
• Develop and maintain relationships that strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability.

Community & External Relations
Continue to cultivate, strengthen, and elevate WARM’s reputation, trust & public stewardship in the following manner:

• Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for WARM and its mission to donors, community partners, government agencies, volunteers, and the public.
• Actively cultivate and protect WARM’s reputation for care, compassion, integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
• Develop relationships, partnerships, and communication strategies that strengthen public confidence in WARM and its leadership.
• Ensure that WARM’s interactions with clients, volunteers, donors, community partners, governmental entities, and the broader public consistently reflect the organization’s values and commitment to excellence.
• Identify opportunities to improve awareness and understanding of WARM’s mission, impact, and standards of service within the local community and beyond.
• Represent WARM in a manner that builds credibility, encourages community support, and advances the organization’s reputation as a trusted community resource.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, faith-based organization, public sector, community services organization, or related setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with a Board of Directors and supporting sound governance practices.
• Demonstrated experience in successful fundraising.
• Strong financial, operational, organizational, and administrative management skills.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit compliance and grant-funded programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following experience are especially encouraged to apply:

• Leadership experience specifically with a food pantry, hunger-relief organization, or social services nonprofit.
• Experience or familiarity with USDA programs and TEFAP.
• Experience with grant development and grant management.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting.

The Successful Candidate Will Be

• Mission-driven. You believe service to others is at the heart of effective leadership.
• Strategic. You can see the larger picture while ensuring that day-to-day operations are handled effectively.
• Accountable. You understand the importance of transparency, sound governance, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborative. You are comfortable working with a Board, employees, volunteers, donors, community partners, and government agencies.
• Organized. You can manage multiple priorities, establish effective systems, and follow through on commitments.
• An Effective Communicator. You can clearly communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• A Community Ambassador. You are comfortable representing the organization publicly and building relationships that expand its impact.
• A Builder of Trust. You understand that an organization’s reputation is built through consistent actions, relationships, communication, and stewardship. You will intentionally strengthen WARM’s reputation as an organization known for genuine care, integrity, accountability, dignity, and excellence—and will understand that every interaction is an opportunity to build or diminish public trust.

Work Environment
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for Board meetings, organizational events, community activities, or emergency response. This position operates in an office and community-based environment and includes regular interaction with:

• Employees and volunteers
• Board members
• Donors and community partners
• Government agencies
• Pantry clients and members of the public
• Community partners and service providers

Physical & Mental Requirements
The Executive Director must be able to:

• Sit, stand, and move throughout the office, pantry, warehouse, and community settings.
• Communicate clearly in verbal and written form.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions.
• Review financial, operational, programmatic, and compliance documentation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact hr@warmtx.org.

Salary: $70,000–$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits may include:

• Health insurance, if applicable
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan or employer-sponsored savings option
• Professional development and leadership training
• Flexible scheduling consistent with organizational needs

WARM’s food assistance services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, in accordance with applicable federal law.

Equal Employment Opportunity
WARM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WARM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter demonstrating their qualifications and interest in serving as Executive Director of WARM.

Application materials should be submitted to:
hr@warmtx.org 

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026