Founding Executive Director

About the role

The Founding Executive Director is a contract role responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational management, and organizational direction for YooKatale. This hybrid position is based in Victoria, combining on‑site engagements such as partner meetings and community outreach with remote planning and coordination tasks.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the organization’s growth strategy.
• Build and nurture partnerships with food suppliers, clients, and community organisations.
• Oversee the development and scaling of YooKatale’s mobile and digital platforms.
• Manage budgets, fundraising efforts, and resource allocation in line with the mission and values.
• Lead, mentor, and set performance goals for a small team.
• Represent YooKatale in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and media engagements.

Required profile

• Demonstrated leadership experience in startups, social enterprises, or mission‑driven organisations.
• Background in food systems, agriculture, FMCG, or related sectors, preferably in African or emerging markets.
• Strong strategic planning, business development, and partnership‑building skills.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and fundraising (grants, impact investment, donor relations).
• Ability to manage hybrid physical/digital operations, including familiarity with mobile platforms and digital marketplaces.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and community relationship abilities.
• Proven capacity to recruit, lead, and develop teams while fostering a customer‑centric culture.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities with resilience and curiosity.