Executive Director - Food Systems Leadership Network

Department: Food Systems Leadership Network

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Remote

Compensation: $125,000 / year

Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:The Food Systems Leadership Network (FSLN) is a national peer learning community that connects and supports food systems leaders working to transform the U.S. food system into one that is just, equitable, and sustainable. Since its launch in 2018, the FSLN has grown into a vibrant network of thousands of practitioners, advocates, and organizations across the country who are driving community-centered food systems change.

Through a diverse suite of programs—including mentorship initiatives, leadership retreats, training and technical assistance, communities of practice, incubators and accelerators—FSLN invests in grassroots leaders and amplifies innovative, community-led solutions vital for systemic change. The FSLN plays a unique role in the broader change ecosystem by convening community leaders working across all sectors and scales of the food system to build relationships, share knowledge and strategies, sharpen skills, and forge deeper collaboration. By providing access to resources, building bridges across issue areas, and nurturing a diverse pipeline of talent for the movement for food systems transformation, FSLN accelerates both individual and collective efforts to build a food system that ensures good food, health, and opportunity for all.

In 2025, the FSLN is embarking on an exciting new chapter — transitioning to an independent entity under the fiscal sponsorship of Multiplier. We are seeking an inaugural Executive Director to guide this next stage of our evolution, steward the network’s vision, and ensure its continued impact and sustainability.

POSITION SUMMARY: The FSLN Executive Director will serve as the FSLN’s first chief executive and provide visionary, facilitative leadership to shepherd the network into its next phase of growth and impact during a time of great shift and transition for both the network itself and the community food systems movement that it serves. They will work in deep partnership with the inaugural FSLN Leadership Council to build a governance model and organizational infrastructure that centers and strengthens member leadership in the network. They will develop a backbone team of staff and partners to realize the mission, vision, and values of the network, and will work closely with the team at Multiplier to develop organizational capacity that enables the network to scale its reach and impact. This role involves high level change management, deep stakeholder engagement, and the development of sustainable organizational structures and resources under a fiscal sponsor framework. The ideal candidate will be a skilled strategist, coalition-builder, and organizational leader who thrives in dynamic, networked environments and is committed to equity and justice in food systems.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic, Emergent Leadership:

• Lead the visioning and implementation of FSLN’s next chapter as an independent network.
• Provide facilitative leadership in developing, communicating, and implementing a compelling and common vision, mission, and overall impact strategy that is centered in the network’s values and commitment to racial equity.
• Cultivate new partnerships, ideas and approaches that will help fulfill the network’s vision and mission.
• Act as a heart-centered thought leader and champion for equitable, community-driven food systems transformation.

Network Stewardship & Field Building:

• Partner with FSLN Leadership Council, network members, funders, and partners to co-design and activate governance and operational frameworks for the network.
• Nurture relationships with FSLN’s diverse membership, ensuring programming, communications, and offerings reflect members’ needs and priorities.
• Foster connection, collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning across the network and with other coalitions, networks and formations in the broader movement.
• Represent the FSLN in national and regional conversations, elevating the voices and experiences of grassroots practitioners.

Organizational and Team Management:

• Build, lead, and support a high-performing, values-driven team that reflects the FSLN’s commitment to equity, collaboration, and inclusion.
• Establish and nurture an organizational culture that fosters trust, creativity, accountability, and shared learning.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Oversee operational systems and processes (finance, HR,