This is an opportunity for an innovative, forward-thinking leader who can see beyond traditional approaches to food banking and turn bold ideas into practical, measurable results. The COIO will focus not only on increasing the amount of food distributed throughout our 21-county service area, but also on improving how effectively we reach underserved communities, reduce barriers to food access, and respond to the evolving needs of our neighbors.
The successful candidate will be an experienced leader of leaders who can develop high-performing teams, strengthen collaboration, drive operational excellence, and identify creative new programs, partnerships, and sustainable revenue opportunities that advance our mission.
Executive Leadership & Strategy
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to establish strategic priorities and translate organizational goals into measurable results.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the directors responsible for Operations, Programs, Culinary Operations, and Kids Cafe.
• Foster a professional, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture built on integrity, mutual respect, and teamwork.
• Champion innovative thinking, organizational growth, and continuous improvement.
Food Distribution & Community Impact
• Develop strategies to increase food distribution, expand community reach, and improve access throughout our 21-county service area.
• Evaluate community impact beyond pounds distributed, identifying underserved populations, service gaps, and barriers to accessing food.
• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to develop more effective and responsive services.
• Use data, community input, and performance measures to guide decisions and improve outcomes.
Programs, Innovation & Growth
• Provide strategic direction for community programs, Kids Cafe, culinary initiatives, and other direct-service efforts.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen existing programs, introduce innovative services, and develop creative solutions to community needs.
• Explore mission-aligned earned revenue, social enterprise, and other sustainable funding opportunities beyond traditional fundraising.
• Ensure programs and operations align with Feeding America and Feeding Georgia priorities, standards, and best practices.
Operations & Organizational Performance
• Provide executive oversight of food distribution, warehousing, transportation, logistics, facilities, and related operational functions.
• Strengthen operational capacity, efficiency, safety, compliance, and organizational infrastructure to support continued growth.
• Establish clear performance expectations, measurable goals, and accountability across departments.
• Oversee departmental financial performance, resource allocation, and long-range operational planning.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, operations, supply chain management, public administration, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and significant leadership experience may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including oversight of multiple departments, programs, or operational functions.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing directors or managers who oversee complex teams and functions.
• Proven ability to translate organizational strategy into actionable plans, measurable goals, and results.
• Strong operational, financial, and business acumen, including budgeting, resource management, and organizational improvement.
• Visionary and entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated success developing innovative programs, partnerships, services, or business opportunities.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in hunger relief, food systems, human services, community development, or another mission-driven environment preferred.
To apply, send an interest letter and resume to [email protected].
Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, headquartered in Savannah, GA, serves as the food safety net for tens of thousands of children, senior citizens, low-income families, and people with disabilities who are at risk for hunger throughout southeastern Georgia. We partner with over 225 faith-based organizations and non-profit agencies to provide food assistance across Coastal Georgia in twenty-one counties. Last year, Second Harvest provided more than 25 million pounds of food to hungry people in our 21-county service area through a variety of programs.
The salary for this position starts at $120,000 and may be negotiable commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.