Surplus Project Lead
Job Description:
Our Mission: Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry’s mission is to work together as a community to reduce hunger locally through
- direct hunger relief services
- hunger awareness education and
- advocacy to influence anti-hunger policy
Job Title: Surplus Project Lead
Reports To: Program Coordinator
Supervises: Volunteers
Job Status/Salary: Full time, exempt. Base salary: low-mid 30’s
This is a one-year grant funded position
Function The Surplus Project Lead will oversee the expansion of the Surplus Project – a program that packages excess cafeteria food into individual meals that are redirected to people struggling with hunger. While it currently operates with one cafeteria and two recipient agencies, The Surplus Project Lead will spearhead efforts among local agencies to expand the project to new cafeteria and recipient locations throughout the Oak Park and River Forest community. The key to the success of this expansion will be the ability to build trust and forge strong relationships. Integrity, patience, perseverance, commitment to collaboration and conflict resolution, attention to detail and meticulous follow-through, willingness to think creatively, problem-solve proactively, and to remain calm under pressure, are all essential skills.
Major Responsibilities:
Program Expansion:
· Assist in design of performance objectives for expansion.
· Develop timeline and communication plan to guide expansion.
· Identify and evaluate risks associated with program expansion and activities, take appropriate action to control identified risks.
· Organize and lead meetings with potential cafeteria and recipient sites including universities, hospitals, and social service agencies.
· Goal: expand to 2 new cafeteria sites and 4 additional recipient sites.
· Liaise with volunteers and staff to ensure effective and efficient program delivery.
· Implement and monitor program to meet desired outcomes.
Project Operations:
· Assess needs and tailor procedural protocols for each site.
· Train site staff/volunteers in procedures as needed.
· Troubleshoot problems immediately and be prepared to provide backup support for volunteers.
· Establish and maintain proactive and routine communication with all sites.
· Develop and track program metrics.
· Oversee ordering of supplies for program.
Staffing & Outreach:
· Develop outreach plan according to program needs and capacity.
· Implement public relations and communications strategies to support program goals and increase community awareness and participation.
· Organize and establish meetings on a regular basis with key stakeholders (including partners and funders) to foster positive relationships.
· Engage volunteers and interns as appropriate to program.
Monitoring & Assessment:
· Develop assessment protocols for the program.
· Solicit participant and community input to improve the program.
· Monitor program activities on a regular basis and direct first annual evaluation of the program.
· Report evaluation findings to the Executive Director and to key stakeholders (Community Foundation, Entrepreneur Leadership Program, etc.)
· Recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate.
Budget:
· Assist in the management of fiscal operations including budget development and modifications.
· Track expenditures and ensure programs operate within the approved budget.
· Continually monitor the program’s fiscal health and make recommendations to the Executive Director.
General:
· Maintain flexibility with time, tasks and priorities.
· Pursue a program of professional self-development, including selected readings, seminars, and workshops.
· Driver’s license and proof of insurance required.
Qualifications & Requirements
- College Degree in health sciences or dietetics preferred
- Related experience in program administration and management
- Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus
- Food Safety Manager certified (or ability to gain certification once hired)
- Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows based computer application and database management
- Creative, strategic, and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Ability to work under pressure and with a wide variety of people
- Passionate about ending food insecurity and reducing food waste
Environment: Multi-level work area. Administrative offices/work space not fully accessible to the mobility impaired. Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment. Equal opportunity employer.
To apply: submit cover letter and resume to info@oprffoodpantry.org by March 25, 2016.
