Who We Are

Grassroots Grocery (GG) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to use the power of volunteers to expand dignified access to food in the heart of disadvantaged communities.

We currently run two programs - community refrigerators and "rapid rescue" - both of which harness the power of volunteers and hyper-local community partnerships to bring food into the heart of disadvantaged communities throughout Harlem and the Bronx.

Featured on CNN, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Thrillist, News 12, ABC, NBC, Fox 5, NY1, CBS2, Bronx Times, and more, we now distribute to 35 (and growing!) community-led food distribution sites throughout the Bronx and Harlem, reach 1000+ families every Saturday, have engaged 3000+ volunteers, have rescued 750,000+ pounds of fresh produce, and have helped set up eight community refrigerators in the Bronx and Harlem.

We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time - transforming from one community refrigerator on one Bronx sidewalk to a volunteer-powered distribution network.

Who We are Looking For

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join us as our Head of Operations.

As the Head of Ops, you will assume full responsibility for overseeing the operations of our rapidly expanding nonprofit organization. We are seeking a highly capable individual who can seamlessly integrate into our team, adeptly address operational gaps, and establish robust and scalable processes and structures to lay a solid foundation for our future growth. 

You will be a true leader, thought partner, and collaborator, driving operational excellence and ensuring the organization is well-positioned to achieve its goals.

Roles & Responsibilities

As the Head of Ops, you will:

• Take ownership of our day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth functioning and efficient execution of GG's food distribution programs, volunteering events, and community & corporate partnerships.

• Create and refine processes and structures that enable scalability and sustainability.

• Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, and proactively develop and implement strategies to address them.

• Establish performance metrics and measurement systems to monitor and enhance operational effectiveness.

• Lead and inspire a growing operations team, fostering their professional development and ensuring their success.

• Collaborate closely with the Founder & Executive Director and other key stakeholders to shape the organization's strategic direction and drive impactful decision-making.

• Cultivate a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Manage our growing technology solutions, ensuring seamless operational efficiency of our volunteer management system, donor CRM, task management system, and other platforms we use to drive our operations. Excelling in this responsibility requires extreme comfort level with various technology platforms.  

• Oversee our food intake and distribution processes, collaborating closely with food donor suppliers and community partners. Establish metrics and repeatable processes to make both accepting donated food and distributing donated food more seamless and teachable.

• Oversee purchasing and inventory management, ensuring optimal resource allocation.

• Manage event logistics from setup to execution and breakdown, maintaining a high standard of quality and professionalism.

• Oversee and ensure operational efficiency of the systems we use for tracking our relationships with volunteers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders, ensuring we have the foundation we need to nurture the partnerships that advance our mission.

• Conduct regular site visits to community partners, demonstrating a hands-on approach and building strong connections.

Ideal Candidate Profile

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate should:

• Possess a proven track record of driving operational excellence and creating scalable structures within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.

• Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.

• Possess a strong comfort level with technology, particularly in managing and optimizing various software and platforms.

• Exhibit a strategic mindset, with a strong ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

• Thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and be comfortable adapting to new challenges.

• Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Embrace a hands-on approach, willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside the team.

• Be committed to equity and social justice, driving initiatives that promote inclusivity and fairness.

• Have a track record of successfully managing and growing teams, with a passion for mentoring and developing talent.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $90,000 to $110,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive health insurance with 100% of premiums paid.

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization's growth and mission.

• Reimbursement for miles driven on the job with a personal vehicle.

Social Justice Statement

Grassroots Grocery is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to being culturally diverse and committed to empowering a pluralistic environment that advances social justice in the communities we operate and beyond.  We encourage anyone to apply no matter their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

Application Process

If you are interested in the role as presented, please email recruiting@grassrootsgrocery.org with your resume and cover letter - or fill out the form below. Resumes sent without cover letters will not be considered. 

We recognize a candidate may not have all aspects of what we are looking for; however, we urge applicants who are interested and passionate to apply.