American Culinary Federation
Overview
POSITION TITLE: Executive Director LOCATION: In-Office Jacksonville, FL STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Board of Directors (President, Officers, and Board) DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Staff Leadership Team and Department Heads (approx. 20 employees plus contracted vendors) Interdepartmental Collaboration: Works collaboratively with all ACF departments, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, national committees, chapter leadership, sponsors, and external stakeholders POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the American Culinary Federation, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all national office activities, programs, and initiatives. This role ensures the organization remains fiscally sound, member-focused, and positioned as the respected voice of the culinary profession. The Executive Director manages staff, contracted vendors, and resources to deliver value to members, chapters, sponsors, and the culinary industry. This includes oversight of membership services, education and accreditation, national events (including the ACF National Convention and competitions), ACF Culinary Team USA programs, communications/public relations, and corporate partnerships. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership: Work with the Board of Directors to set and implement the strategic plan, annual goals, and organizational priorities. Operational Management: Direct and supervise the daily operations of the national office, overseeing staff plus contracted vendors; ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable laws. Fiscal Stewardship: Develop and manage annual budgets for the federation and the ACF Education Foundation (501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3)), ensuring financial sustainability and transparency. Membership Growth & Engagement: Oversee the membership department to maintain and grow the backbone of the federation, its members. Foster strong relationships with chapters and regional leaders. Education & Accreditation: Support the development and delivery of ACFs educational programming, certification, and accreditation initiatives. National Events & Competitions: Lead planning and execution of the ACF National Convention, Board of Governors meetings, national and international competitions, and Team USA activities, ensuring operational excellence and sponsor satisfaction Sponsorship & Partnerships: Build and sustain relationships with educators, employers, sponsors, and policymakers to advance ACFs mission and increase non-dues revenue. Board Relations: Serve as the primary liaison to the ACF Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and the ACFEF Board of Trustees; provide timely reports and recommendations. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure the organization operates in accordance with bylaws, nonprofit regulations, and industry best practices. Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit association, trade group, or comparable organization of similar size and complexity. Proven success in managing staff, budgets, and large-scale events (national conventions, conferences, or competitions). Strong knowledge of membership-based organizations and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, human resources, and vendor contract management. Familiarity with educational programming, workforce development, or accreditation/certification processes preferred. Proven track record of cultivating corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and donor relationships. Education Requirements
Bachelors degree required; advanced degree (Masters, MBA, MPA) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation strongly preferred. Culinary or foodservice industry background highly desirable Skills & Traits
Visionary leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Strategic thinker with hands-on management style and collaborative approach. High emotional intelligence, integrity, and the ability to motivate and empower staff. Strong public speaking and media relations capabilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM databases, and modern association management tools. Work Environment
This is an in-office position at ACF's National Headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. A valid Florida driver's license and dependable transportation are required. DEI Commitment
ACF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and strive to reflect the communities we serve in our workforce. Join Us
The Executive Director must be an effective leader overseeing the operations of the ACF from the National Office located in Jacksonville, Florida. The Executive Director shall oversee and work in partnership with a seasoned and professional staff and contracted vendors. They must possess insight and knowledge of not-for-profit organizations, as well as financial expertise, human resource relations, and actively participate in the operations of our educational and membership departments. Membership is the backbone of the federation. ACF publishes a magazine bi-monthly and has a robust and efficient communications and public relations department. This includes communications via social media and other delivery systems to the membership and the industry. ACF sponsors ACF Culinary Team USA and a National Youth Team, both of which require an approach that includes practices, international travel, and financial resources from membership and corporate sponsorship. The ACF National Convention is ACF's most important and the industry's premier event. The event includes national competitions, the ACF Board of Governors meeting, which at times votes on policies and procedures, and reviews the past year's accomplishments, educational seminars sponsored by our vendors, and a robust Trade Show. The convention requires a strong leader with a proven record of managing events. They must ensure the ACF remains fiscally sound, efficient, and connected to its members. Equally important, the role requires building strong partnerships with educators, employers, sponsors, and policymakers so that the ACF is positioned as the respected voice of the culinary profession. This is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most respected culinary associations into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Bring your expertise, passion, and leadership to ACF and help shape the future of the culinary profession.
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POSITION TITLE: Executive Director LOCATION: In-Office Jacksonville, FL STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Board of Directors (President, Officers, and Board) DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Staff Leadership Team and Department Heads (approx. 20 employees plus contracted vendors) Interdepartmental Collaboration: Works collaboratively with all ACF departments, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, national committees, chapter leadership, sponsors, and external stakeholders POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the American Culinary Federation, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all national office activities, programs, and initiatives. This role ensures the organization remains fiscally sound, member-focused, and positioned as the respected voice of the culinary profession. The Executive Director manages staff, contracted vendors, and resources to deliver value to members, chapters, sponsors, and the culinary industry. This includes oversight of membership services, education and accreditation, national events (including the ACF National Convention and competitions), ACF Culinary Team USA programs, communications/public relations, and corporate partnerships. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership: Work with the Board of Directors to set and implement the strategic plan, annual goals, and organizational priorities. Operational Management: Direct and supervise the daily operations of the national office, overseeing staff plus contracted vendors; ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable laws. Fiscal Stewardship: Develop and manage annual budgets for the federation and the ACF Education Foundation (501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3)), ensuring financial sustainability and transparency. Membership Growth & Engagement: Oversee the membership department to maintain and grow the backbone of the federation, its members. Foster strong relationships with chapters and regional leaders. Education & Accreditation: Support the development and delivery of ACFs educational programming, certification, and accreditation initiatives. National Events & Competitions: Lead planning and execution of the ACF National Convention, Board of Governors meetings, national and international competitions, and Team USA activities, ensuring operational excellence and sponsor satisfaction Sponsorship & Partnerships: Build and sustain relationships with educators, employers, sponsors, and policymakers to advance ACFs mission and increase non-dues revenue. Board Relations: Serve as the primary liaison to the ACF Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and the ACFEF Board of Trustees; provide timely reports and recommendations. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure the organization operates in accordance with bylaws, nonprofit regulations, and industry best practices. Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit association, trade group, or comparable organization of similar size and complexity. Proven success in managing staff, budgets, and large-scale events (national conventions, conferences, or competitions). Strong knowledge of membership-based organizations and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, human resources, and vendor contract management. Familiarity with educational programming, workforce development, or accreditation/certification processes preferred. Proven track record of cultivating corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and donor relationships. Education Requirements
Bachelors degree required; advanced degree (Masters, MBA, MPA) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation strongly preferred. Culinary or foodservice industry background highly desirable Skills & Traits
Visionary leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Strategic thinker with hands-on management style and collaborative approach. High emotional intelligence, integrity, and the ability to motivate and empower staff. Strong public speaking and media relations capabilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM databases, and modern association management tools. Work Environment
This is an in-office position at ACF's National Headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. A valid Florida driver's license and dependable transportation are required. DEI Commitment
ACF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and strive to reflect the communities we serve in our workforce. Join Us
The Executive Director must be an effective leader overseeing the operations of the ACF from the National Office located in Jacksonville, Florida. The Executive Director shall oversee and work in partnership with a seasoned and professional staff and contracted vendors. They must possess insight and knowledge of not-for-profit organizations, as well as financial expertise, human resource relations, and actively participate in the operations of our educational and membership departments. Membership is the backbone of the federation. ACF publishes a magazine bi-monthly and has a robust and efficient communications and public relations department. This includes communications via social media and other delivery systems to the membership and the industry. ACF sponsors ACF Culinary Team USA and a National Youth Team, both of which require an approach that includes practices, international travel, and financial resources from membership and corporate sponsorship. The ACF National Convention is ACF's most important and the industry's premier event. The event includes national competitions, the ACF Board of Governors meeting, which at times votes on policies and procedures, and reviews the past year's accomplishments, educational seminars sponsored by our vendors, and a robust Trade Show. The convention requires a strong leader with a proven record of managing events. They must ensure the ACF remains fiscally sound, efficient, and connected to its members. Equally important, the role requires building strong partnerships with educators, employers, sponsors, and policymakers so that the ACF is positioned as the respected voice of the culinary profession. This is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most respected culinary associations into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Bring your expertise, passion, and leadership to ACF and help shape the future of the culinary profession.
#J-18808-Ljbffr