Executive Director, Shepherd’s Table

Shepherd’s Table

Executive Director

Location : Silver Spring, MD

Compensation : $165-185K

About Shepherd’s Table

Shepherd’s Table aims to improve quality of life, create a pathway towards self-sufficiency, and inspire hope for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. Since its founding in 1983, Shepherd’s Table’s Daily Meals program has served hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner to anyone in need, without missing a single day. In 2024, Shepherd’s Table served a staggering 168,900 meals. In addition to meals, Shepherd’s Table offers critical wraparound services, including :

• Beyond the Table , which provides contracted meals to communities beyond those who visit Progress Place;
• Culinary Skills Training Program , which provides career pathways in the food service industry and reduces barriers to employment by providing community members facing barriers to employment with life and work skills, kitchen skills, passage of the ServSafe exam, and a path to pursue a career in the food service industry;
• Clothing closet , which offers gently used adult clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories;
• Resource center , which provides information and referrals to support services, personal mail and telephone use, toiletries and blankets, prescription assistance, crisis intervention, and bilingual services;
• Eye clinic , which provides free vision testing, glaucoma screening, and prescription eyeglass service for patients without vision insurance; and
• Advocacy Program, which provides advocacy on issues relevant to Shepherd’s Table’s clients.

Shepherd’s Table has an annual operating budget of $4M, a passionate and dedicated staff of 33, and is headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, providing support to the most vulnerable communities in Montgomery County and the DMV region.

To learn more about Shepherd’s Table’s impactful work, mission, and values, please visit https : / / www.shepherdstable.org / about .

Position Summary

Shepherd’s Table seeks a collaborative, transparent, and mission-driven leader to drive the organization’s next chapter of impact. The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of Shepherd’s Table, responsible for advancing its mission to meet the basic needs of individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty. This role provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight across all programs and departments. Reporting directly to an engaged Board of Directors, the Executive Director works in close collaboration with internal teams and key external collaborators to maintain organizational sustainability and grow impact in alignment with community needs.

The ED leads a senior management team of five directors and oversees all administrative and programmatic functions, including implementing Shepherd’s Table’s longstanding commitment to providing fresh, hot meals 365 days a year, without exception. The ED will play a key role in strengthening partnerships with local government officials and partner organizations, growing private philanthropic support, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and mission-driven environment for staff, clients, and volunteers.

The ideal candidate thrives in an empathetic, human-centered environment with a deep sense of mission, where staff are working directly with individuals experiencing food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness. They are a visionary servant leader who understands the local community. They will bring significant executive and leadership experience, the ability to serve as an advocate on issues related to Shepherd’s Table’s clients, and a demonstrated ability to raise funds and generate support for the organization’s work.

Additionally, they will have a record of cultivating strategic partnerships and authentic, trust-based relationships with diverse clients, partners, and sponsors, including individuals experiencing food insecurity and homelessness, local and state government officials, community leaders, funders, donors, and other community partners. This is a unique opportunity to work with and lead a talented staff, grow the organization, and ensure continued impact in Montgomery County and across the Washington, DC region.

Shepherd’s Table seeks an accomplished leader with a proven track record in team leadership, mentorship, and cultivating a collaborative, supportive workplace culture. The ideal candidate will also be able to navigate the complex environment of social services, create strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources to meet the needs and challenges necessary to execute Shepherd’s Table’s mission. Prior experience with homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity is valued strongly.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

Team and Internal Organizational Management

External Relations and Partner Management

Fundraising, Development, and Financial Oversight

Board Development

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