About The Common Grain Alliance (CGA)
The Common Grain Alliance (CGA) is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 working to
elevate regional grain and grain producers in the Mid-Atlantic. Comprised of over 120 members,
Common Grain Alliance connects and supports farmers, millers, bakers, grain artisans, and
consumers to build a vibrant, integrated, equitable, and regenerative grain economy in the
Mid-Atlantic.

We envision an integrated grain economy of local and regional businesses that produce
nutritious, flavorful, and consistent regional grains and staple crops for the communities they
serve. These businesses empower communities by granting control over their supply of staple
crops, stewarding the land, creating livable jobs, and producing delicious food. We do this
through a suite of programming and membership engagement. Please visit our website to
familiarize yourself with our current programming: www.commongrainalliance.org
CGA is an inclusive organization that celebrates differences in identities and thought. We work
to create a culture of compassion and collaboration that fosters a diverse community of
membership and staff reflective of the communities we represent. We value contributions from
applicants who can continue the work to enrich and diversify our organization.

Position Description
Under the supervision of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be a full-time leader
of our organization working with a network of contractors and partners to execute
programming and grow our member services. They will be expected to direct, execute, and
coordinate our programs, operations, and communications, and assist with development and
fundraising. We are in search of a passionate individual who is excited by our mission and is an
organized, creative, and inspirational self-starter. This position provides the opportunity to be
entrepreneurial and gain additional hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, project
management, and leadership.

The CGA Executive Director will do the following.

● Communicate with our members, partners, and community to raise the organization’s
visibility by coordinating with staff on public-facing communications, and maintaining
relationships with donors and partner organizations
● Build new relationships, especially with BIPOC and other underrepresented
communities, in ways that advance racial equity and bring together diverse voices
● Administrate the organization by assisting with reporting, surveying, data tracking, and
other tasks
● Represent CGA at events organized by CGA and partner organizations; moderate
discussions at those events

Executive Director Role and Responsibilities

Financial Performance and Fundraising
– Responsible for the fiscal integrity of CGA, including the submission to the Board
of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately
reflect the financial condition of the organization.
– Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within
the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization, and maintenance
of the organization in a positive financial position.
– Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support
CGA’s mission with support from the Board and Member Finance Committee.
– Seek to diversify revenue through the development of private donors, foundation
relationships, partnerships, and revenue-generating activities.
– Manage all contract and subcontract agreements, bills, and other fiscal
responsibilities of the organization, in partnership with the Board Treasurer and
Board of Directors.

Organizational Strategy and Programs
– Responsible for the implementation of CGA’s programs and execution of the CGA
Strategic Plan.
– Lead the implementation of the CGA USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program
working directly with our core partner, FRESHFARM, to deliver the Mid-Atlantic
Grain Share and Grain Stand programs.
– Expand our member-facing programs, including field days, baker meetups, the
annual Grain Conference, and other educational events.
– Work with the board to create an Annual Strategic Plan of Work, to be approved
by the Board in December for the next calendar year.
– Responsible for the growth and enhancement of the organization as we continue
to increase in size. We currently have 120 members and are expecting continued
growth of 20 members per year for the next few years.
– Establish and maintain relationships with other complementary organizations
throughout the region and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance
CGA’s mission.

Organizational Operations
– Responsible for effective administration of CGA operations.
– Responsible for the hiring and retention of qualified staff, contractors, and
interns, as needed, with oversight and approval from the Board of Directors.
– Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and
entered into and on behalf of the organization.
– Manage all documents and CGA materials in an organized and systematic
manner.

Communications
– Serve as CGA’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the
media, and the general public.
– Represent CGA with the utmost integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm at
speaking engagements, conferences, during educational events, and to the
general public.
– Manage and utilize social media, the CGA website, and other platforms to
increase awareness of the organization’s work.
– Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.

Board Governance
– Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement
in policy decisions and fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of the
organization. Our hope is to develop a close relationship built on trust and
mutual passion for the mission.
– Responsible for leading CGA in a manner that supports and guides the
organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
– Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a
timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to make
informed decisions.
– Expected to prepare Board Meeting Packets and Executive Reports and to work
with the Board of Directors Chair in organizing Board Meetings.
– Seek support from the Board where needed. We understand that as a small
organization, we will be your support and thought partners and we seek to
create a strong communication channel with the new ED.

● Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

Qualifications
● 5+ years of experience within the food system and agriculture sector.
● 1+ years of non-profit experience.
● Entrepreneurial and a self-starter; able to stay engaged while working independently.
● Demonstrated ability to collaborate, motivate, and lead with transparency and integrity.
● Experience developing programs and partnerships.
● Solid, hands-on, day-to-day accounting and budget management skills, including
financial statement preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
● Strong project organizational abilities including planning, delegating, and task
facilitation.
● Comfort speaking and conveying the vision of CGA to members, donors, and the public.
● Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations.
● Experience and expertise with Google Suite. Ability to interface with and engage diverse
members.

Preferred Qualifications
● Experience with farmer, culinary, or food system education is a plus.
● Deep understanding of food and farming, especially related to grains and staple crops.
● Experience and expertise with social media (Instagram in particular).
● Experience with MembershipWorks® platform.
● Experience writing and/or administering federal grants.

Position Details
● This is a Full-Time Exempt Position.
● As the only full-time staff member of CGA, the Executive Director has flexibility in their
work location.
● Some weekend and evening work should be expected for events on location, at member
meetings, fundraisers, and as needed at conferences and speaking engagements.
● Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Submission Instructions

Please prepare an application packet that includes the following:
● Cover Letter including
– Details on how you would engage with CGA membership in the role.
– Brief 2-3 sentence diversity statement stating your views on social justice
and racial equity and how you are fostering change in your community.
● Resume
● Three (3) references including – Name, email, phone, and nature of relationship
● Writing Sample

Email your application packet, all sent as one PDF, to Ben Shorofsky at
ben@stepwellstrategies.com with the subject line: “CGA Executive Director – Your
Name”

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. If interested, we encourage you to submit your
application as soon as possible. No phone calls, please.