Executive Director

Alta Community (dba LocoL) is a nonprofit in Watts, which provides culinary job training and education for young people while addressing food insecurity through the preparation and distribution of affordable, high-quality meals, primarily for local nonprofits. Founded as a nonprofit in 2023 by chefs Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson, LocoL is on the site of the former LocoL restaurant, originally founded by chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson. Position Summary The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and has overall authority and accountability for organizational strategy, personnel, operations, programs, fundraising, and financial management, within policies and budgets approved by the Board. The Executive Director will lead Alta Community/LocoL through its next stage of organizational development, strengthening the systems, partnerships, revenue, team, and strategy required to deliver sustainable community impact. The Executive Director will have overall responsibility for organizational leadership, fundraising and earned-revenue growth, financial stewardship, program quality and impact, team development, and external relationships. This is an opportunity for a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who can move comfortably between long‑term strategy and practical execution. The successful candidate will understand how to build an emerging nonprofit organization while respecting LocoL’s history, community relationships, culinary identity, and commitment to economic opportunity and food justice. In partnership with the board of directors, develop and execute a strategic plan for the next five years of growth and impact. Ensure operational and programmatic alignment with the organization’s values and goals. Engage the Board through quarterly meetings to facilitate effective org governance. Improve and implement HR practices for employee success, including performance management, compensation and staffing, and employee development and retention. Build and develop a high‑performing, inclusive team, ensuring role clarity and fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and teamwork. Ensure compliance with California employment requirements. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION Location: Los Angeles, CA Job Type: Full‑Time, hybrid About LocoL Alta Community (dba LocoL) is a nonprofit in Watts, which provides culinary job training and education for young people while addressing food insecurity through the preparation and distribution of affordable, high‑quality meals, primarily for local nonprofits. Founded as a nonprofit in 2023 by chefs Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson, LocoL is on the site of the former LocoL restaurant, originally founded by chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson. Position Summary The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and has overall authority and accountability for organizational strategy, personnel, operations, programs, fundraising, and financial management, within policies and budgets approved by the Board. The Executive Director will lead Alta Community/LocoL through its next stage of organizational development, strengthening the systems, partnerships, revenue, team, and strategy required to deliver sustainable community impact. The Executive Director will have overall responsibility for organizational leadership, fundraising and earned‑revenue growth, financial stewardship, program quality and impact, team development, and external relationships. This is an opportunity for a hands‑on, entrepreneurial leader who can move comfortably between long‑term strategy and practical execution. The successful candidate will understand how to build an emerging nonprofit organization while respecting LocoL’s history, community relationships, culinary identity, and commitment to economic opportunity and food justice. Key Responsibilities Leadership, Strategy & Administration In partnership with the board of directors, develop and execute a strategic plan for the next five years of growth and impact. Ensure operational and programmatic alignment with the organization’s values and goals. Engage the Board through quarterly meetings to facilitate effective org governance. Improve and implement HR practices for employee success, including performance management, compensation and staffing, and employee development and retention. Build and develop a high‑performing, inclusive team, ensuring role clarity and fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and teamwork. Ensure compliance with California employment requirements. Fundraising, Communications & Financial Management Develop and implement a revenue strategy including earned income meal contracts, grants, and individual giving to raise and sustainably expand ~$700K operating budget. Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and funding partners. Strengthen partnerships with nonprofits, community leaders and hiring partners. Leverage data to enhance organizational storytelling and external communications to grow awareness, convey impact to key stakeholders, and drive fundraising targets. Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for fiscal sustainability, including cash‑flow management, financial controls, monthly financial reporting and forecasting, grant reporting, insurance and risk management and earned‑income margins. Ensure compliance with all appropriate tax and accounting standards, as well as nonprofit regulations, reporting, and best practices. Oversee planning of fundraising and community events, as needed. Program Development Recruit and manage a new Program Manager to ensure organizational alignment and effective program delivery. Program Manager responsibilities include: Manage six program staff members and develop a hiring plan to fill additional capacity needs within the organization. Expand and refine programs that provide culinary training, cooking education, and affordable catering for nonprofits. Ensure operational success for LocoL, including kitchen operations, quality control, menu development, budgets, vendor relationships and customer service. Collaborate with chef leaders at LocoL to develop and implement a job training program, focusing on culinary skills, hospitality, and professional development. Mentor and coach team members, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time, to help them achieve their full potential. Oversee outcome measurement to demonstrate effectiveness. Required capabilities Passion for community and workforce development, food justice, and economic empowerment. Proven executive or senior leadership in nonprofit management, social enterprises, or related fields. Experience partnering with board of directors and leading teams. Strong track record in fundraising, grants, and financial management. Excellent strategic thinking, communication, storytelling, and advocacy skills. Strongly preferred capabilities Social‑enterprise leadership. Food, culinary, hospitality, catering, or production experience. Los Angeles or Watts community relationships. Early‑stage organizational building. Brand and communications experience. Government contracting or institutional meal contracts. Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $90,000-$110,000 (commensurate with experience). Stipend for healthcare. Paid‑time off and paid sick time. #J-18808-Ljbffr