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 merger 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.

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 every day 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership of Staff and Operations

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 experience as an Executive Director of a nonprofit.

● Must have graduated from a 4 year university.

● Masters preferred but not required.

SALARY AND APPLICATION

To apply, please email your letter of interest and resume to Elinvar at opportunity@elinvar.com. 

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 is competitive and a 

minimum of $105,000.