The Location

Boone, home to Appalachian State University, is a vibrant college town located in the Appalachian Mountains, that has won numerous awards for being a great place to live and enjoy a high quality of life. For anyone who loves the outdoors and changing seasons, Boone provides it all. While you get the small town feel, you can also enjoy a rich culture of arts and education, and the amenities for everyday living because Boone serves as a hub for shopping, dining, and medical care for the region. For young families, you also have excellent public schools and a safe community.

The Opportunity

Since the birth of this compassionate organization in January 1982, the Hunger and Health Coalition has grown from a closet into a building that was formerly the Watauga County Health Department. This move allowed for the expansion, renovation, and creation of a myriad of programs designed to assist our neighbors in need.

The Hunger and Health Coalition (HHC) continues to address the needs of vulnerable populations in our area, providing emergency assistance while striving for long-term solutions to the issues facing those we serve. We are seeking our next Executive Director to join our growing team. This position is full time, based in Boone, North Carolina, and reports to our Board of Directors.

The Executive Director is responsible for a myriad of responsibilities which are described below. If you are an experienced nonprofit leader who is self-motivated, passionate, energetic, highly organized and cares deeply about helping their community become a more equitable place for all, you may be our next leader!

As the largest food pantry in the High Country, covering seven counties while based in Watauga County, Hunger and Health Coalition has been a local resource for thousands of families in need for over 40 years. Our integration in 2025 with Community Care Clinic expanded our offerings to include a free medical clinic to complement our food pantry and pharmacy, as well as a safety net of resources. This holistic approach to individual and community health delivers our mission “to transform individual and community health by delivering a continuum of food, medication and comprehensive healthcare that addresses the whole-person’s wellbeing."

This means we are our providing primary medical care, lab work, mental healthcare, free pharmacy, nutrition counseling and healthy produce and food. Our team is inclusive and passionate about helping our neighbors in need and all of our services are free. This is a truly exceptional program and is a model for others in the nation.

Responsibilities

Leading a team of about 30 committed individuals and reporting to a dedicated Board of Directors, this Executive Director will bring stability, vision and mentorship to an organization that has a strong history in the community and has experienced change in recent years.

A successful Executive Director will:

● Lead and develop a mission-aligned staff by strengthening team collaboration, staff support and retention, clear communication, and a shared focus on client needs and organizational impact.

● Steward strategic vision, aligned with the Board approved strategic plan, with the ability to be an innovative leader and embrace our unique model for growth in the industry.

● Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board.

● Develop and administer operational policies and guidelines.

● Oversee the design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of programs, products and services. This includes food and medication supply, access, and distribution.

● Manage organization’s staff including recruiting, hiring, performance management, and compensation.

● Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.

Community Relationships

The Executive Director (ED) will be an important advocate for HHC in the community and will work with other team members who share this responsibility. The ED will:

● Establish sound working relationships and cooperative relationships with community groups and organizations.

● Serve as a public face of HHC by representing the program and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the public.

● Support the Director of Marketing and Communication to ensure a robust website, periodic newsletter, and annual report that summarize the organization’s accomplishments and

recognizes its volunteers and financial donors.

Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with major donors.

● Work in collaboration with the Director of Development to create and execute an annual fundraising plan.

● Assist the Director of Development in seeking funding opportunities.

Financial Leadership

HHC has an experienced Finance Director on staff to support this function. The Board requires the next ED to have a good understanding of nonprofit finance and the financial acumen to guide the organization to stay on a firm financial footing.

The ED will:

● Have a deep understanding of nonprofit finances and reporting responsibilities including grant reporting.

● Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.

● Oversee the maintenance of official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including risks associated with the clinic and pharmacy.

● Work closely with the Finance Committee to understand budget projections such that the fundraising plan aligns to meeting those needs.

● Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.

● Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.

Board Liaison

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the Board Chair to see that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.

The ED will:

● Assist the Board Chair in planning the agenda and materials for Board meetings.

● Initiate and assist in developing policy recommendations and in setting priorities.

● Assist the Governance Committee in the orientation of new board members.

● Work with the Board and Development Director to raise funds from the community.

● Participate in Board committees as an ex-officio member, as appropriate.

● Provide leadership in collaborating with the Board.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

● Must have 5+ years of experience as an Executive Director of a nonprofit.

● Must have graduated from a 4-year university.

● Master's preferred but not required.

To apply, please email your letter of interest and resume to Patti Gillenwater at Elinvar Leadership Solutions at patti@elinvar.com

Please send the following:

— Cover letter

— Resume

— 3 Professional References

Applicants will be reviewed as received. Candidates are encouraged to apply by March 15. 2026. Hunger & Health Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

— Salary Range: $105K annually, depending on experience and qualifications

— Health insurance with stipend up to $400 monthly

— 10 days PTO, 6 days sick leave, 12 paid holidays

— 3% retirement match after 1 year.

Hunger and Health Coalition

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