Chief Executive Officer (Denver)
Fifty years ago, hunger was rising in Denver. Despite major progress in public nutrition programs in the 1960s, cuts to benefits and gaps in the safety net brought food insecurity back into everyday life for many families. In response, five local organizations came together to form Metro Caring, originally known as Central Denver Community Services, with a clear and urgent purpose: ensure everyone in the community has access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant food. What began as a small, grassroots effort serving a handful of families has grown into a trusted community anchor supporting more than 1,000 households each week. Yet the challenge has only grown more complex. Today, 1 in 9 Coloradans experience hunger, and Metro Caring has learned that traditional food pantry models alone are not enough to solve it. In response, Metro Caring has evolved into a leading anti-hunger organization working at the intersection of direct service and systems change. On the direct service side, it provides dignified access to fresh food, produce, pantry staples, and culturally relevant items, all shaped by community voice. This is not a one-size-fits-all model. Services are designed to reflect the preferences, cultures, and lived experiences of the people they serve. At the same time, Metro Caring is working to address the root causes of hunger. Through community organizing and policy advocacy, the organization partners with community members to advance solutions that expand access to food, strengthen economic stability, and influence public systems. This work reflects a fundamental belief that lasting change requires shifting the structures that create and sustain inequity. Community voice is central to how Metro Caring operates. For example, when community members identified access to meat as a priority, the organization responded by expanding its local procurement strategy, partnering directly with regional ranchers, including BIPOC, women, and first-generation producers. By sourcing whole animals and building relationships with local producers, Metro Caring is both increasing access to high‑quality protein and strengthening the local food economy. This dual approach, meeting immediate needs while driving long‑term change, is grounded in a core belief: food is a human right. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, income, or ability, deserves access to the food they need to live healthy, dignified lives. With thousands of volunteers, strong community leadership, and growing momentum for anti‑hunger policy, Metro Caring is not just responding to hunger. It is working to end it by building a more equitable, resilient, and community‑driven food system. The next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metro Caring steps into a defining moment for the organization and the broader fight against hunger. With deep roots in Denver, strong community trust, and a model that bridges direct service and systems change, Metro Caring is uniquely positioned to expand its impact and influence in the years ahead. With an annual operating budget of approximately $5.4M, and total budget of $12.8M, a team of approximately 35 staff, and a highly engaged volunteer base, the organization has built a strong foundation. The opportunity now is to build on that momentum, bringing focus, alignment, and ambition to Metro Caring’s next chapter. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO will set a clear and compelling vision for the future and ensure that strategy, culture, and operations are aligned to deliver on that vision. This is a role for a leader who can move seamlessly between big‑picture thinking and execution, empowering a strong senior team while reinforcing clarity, accountability, and results. Internally, the CEO will cultivate a cohesive, high‑performing culture grounded in trust, transparency, and respect. Leading effectively within a unionized environment, this leader will strengthen alignment and collaboration while building on the organization’s deep sense of purpose and commitment. Externally, the CEO will serve as a visible and credible ambassador, deepening relationships with community partners, funders, and policymakers while expanding Metro Caring’s reach and influence. A key priority will be advancing a capital campaign and securing the resources needed to sustain and grow the organization’s work. At the center of this role is the ability to connect and integrate. Metro Caring’s work spans food access, community organizing, and policy advocacy. The CEO will bring these efforts together into a clear, cohesive strategy that drives measurable impact and positions the organization as a leader in rethinking how communities address hunger. This leader will be a values‑driven leader who brings Metro Caring’s commitment to equity to life in tangible ways, from culturally responsive food access to investments in local food systems and community‑led advocacy. The CEO will ensure that mission and values are consistently reflected in how the organization operates, makes decisions, and measures success. Candidate Profile The following reflects an aspirational profile. We welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, especially those with lived experience connected to Metro Caring’s mission. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification. Leadership, Vision, and Strategy Lead the organization in a way that reflects and advances its mission, fostering a culture of impact, inclusivity, and accountability Translate strategy into focused priorities that drive measurable impact Navigate a complex landscape and lead the organization to evolve as needed to meet the moment Inspire alignment and shared purpose across staff, Board, community, and other constituent groups Direct and manage organizational change and build a strong culture of accountability and efficiency Fundraising and External Ambassador Drive a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts and a capital campaign Supports program and development teams in creating and maintaining beneficial relationships with donors, funders, supporters, collaborators, community, and other key constituent groups Serve as a compelling public voice and advocate for Metro Caring Expand visibility, influence, and credibility across local and regional audiences Collaborate with partners to preserve and grow Metro Caring’s presence in coalitions and community Inspire investment in a bold, community‑centered vision for ending hunger Culture Leader and People Development Lead with transparency and integrity, cultivating trust across the organization and encouraging open communication Create and sustain a strong, mission‑aligned organizational culture where staff feel empowered, valued, and connected to the strategic vision Support and develop a strong leadership team with clear goals and accountability Ensure staff feel valued, connected to the mission, and supported in their growth Lead effectively in a unionized environment with clarity, respect, and open communication Recognize and value individual contributions, while fostering a supportive environment where all voices are heard and appreciated Governance and Organizational Stewardship Partner closely with the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic alignment Support Board engagement, recruitment, and ongoing development Maintain clear roles, accountability, and effective decision‑making structures Uphold high standards of ethics, compliance, and organizational integrity Position the organization for long‑term sustainability and impact Operational and Programmatic Excellence Responsible for oversight of financial controls, maintaining financial rigor and transparency Use data and evaluation to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions Lead operational excellence across systems, infrastructure, and facilities Integrate direct service, organizing, and advocacy into a cohesive and effective model In addition, strong candidates will offer: Proven executive leadership experience, ideally in a high‑impact mission‑driven organization Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor engagement Experience leading and inspiring diverse teams, including during times of change Strong communication strategic planning, and organizational development skills Ability to articulate a clear vision and motivate stakeholders around it A deep commitment to equity, community voice, and inclusive leadership Salary for the role is anticipated to range from $200,000 to $220,000, commensurate with experience. Metro Caring offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, a 5% 401(K) match, HSA paid time off, and additional benefits. Relocation assistance will also be provided. Contact DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Alicia Salerno. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential. DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to
