We’re seeking an established and charismatic leader who directly understands the critical role that food education and hands-on experiences play in positive student experiences. The Executive Director at BWP reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization’s development, marketing, programs, and operations. Leading the staff and volunteer network, the Executive Director builds and maintains relationships with key partners including schools, chefs, and donors. They also are accountable for further developing and implementing the organization’s strategic priorities and ensuring that long-term growth, sustainability, and impacts are met.

Key Responsibilities

▪ Collaborate with the Board of Directors to create and implement a multi-year strategic plan.

▪ Guided by the strategic plan, develop, and manage the organization’s annual activities, impact, and budget.

▪ Participate in the recruitment and development of new Board members.

▪ Identify, recruit, train, and develop a talented team of staff including interns/fellows.

▪ Monitor operations and ensure team members and organizational practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements.

▪ Develop the organizational culture and promote transparency, collaboration, and innovation.

▪ Develop and manage relationships with donors, school districts, educational leaders, chefs, community leaders, influencers, and volunteers.

▪ Identify potential risks and opportunities within the organization to advance its mission.

▪ Ensure that quality, results-focused programming is aligned with organizational values, community needs, and a commitment to continual learning and improvement.

▪ Identify potential sources of investment and oversee fundraising efforts in partnership with the BWP staff and the Board of Directors.

▪ Participate in groups and collaborative partnerships that advance the organization's mission and contribute to greater collective impact, where BWP can offer expertise and influence.

▪ Represent the organization through participating in events and speaking engagements in ways that strengthen organizational awareness and drive both engagement and impact.

Qualifications

▪ Have 5+ years of nonprofit leadership and management experience.

▪ Demonstrate a proven track record in donor cultivation and fundraising.

▪ Possess a strong attention to detail and the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.

▪ Have strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and virtual communication skills.

▪ Have strong organizational development, project planning, and time management skills.

▪ Demonstrate an ability to work independently and with a diverse team of internal and external partners.

▪ Manifest professionalism, resourcefulness, solution orientation, and a positive attitude.

▪ Have a reliable source of transportation.

The salary range for this position is $75,000-100,000 plus benefits, based on experience. The Executive Director will have access to an executive coach and strategic planning resources.

To apply, send your cover letter, resume (with an embedded LinkedIn account), and three professional references to jobs@bluewatermelonproject.org. Include the position title in the subject line of your email.

About Blue Watermelon Project:

Blue Watermelon Project (BWP) which was established in 2016, formed to introduce students to fresh foods within the context of school. BWP currently works with 30 partner schools in Phoenix, Tucson, and northern Arizona and plans to grow; by School Year 2026-2027, BWP anticipates doubling its school partnership reach through current programming and is working to launch a new program that better engages with school food professionals. To date, BWP programs focus on food education experiences that leverage the enthusiasm of student learning through hands-on and engaging activities in outdoor learning spaces.

The BWP Founder and Board of Directors envision a future in which all people have a taste for a diverse array of foods, one in which schools serve students fresh and healthy options, families have equitable and culturally appropriate access to foods, and all have the knowledge and freedom to be nourished, ready to learn and poised for academic and social success.

BWP works at the community level with schools and school districts to rethink relationships with food and our environment. We do this by working with three key groups of influencers to integrate taste education and interactive programming into curriculum and everyday life.

● Students - Working with students in grades K-12 is at the core of what we do. We work with teachers and staff to integrate taste education by integrating hands-on growing activities and food preparation techniques into the curriculum to engage all the senses and encourage learning through doing.

● Parents & Families - By equipping students with a more diverse array of food knowledge, we hope they become more empowered to create dishes at home. We make our student recipes and sources accessible, so parents and families can explore seasonal shopping, helping them to build skills, confidence, and increase family interactions around food preparation.

● Community - All funds raised go toward sustaining our non-profit efforts. Feeding the Future, our annual and signature event, strives to bring new and exciting awareness to the school food profession and the wonderful humans that feed kids every day. This event doubles as a culinary classroom for our participating students and as an opportunity to create food awareness for parents, principals, and politicians.

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