Community Nutrition Coordinator - Operation Backpack

Description:

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 42 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

1. Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
2. Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
3. Champion change through advocacy and innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Child Nutrition Program Coordinator is a key member of the Child & Community Nutrition team and shall promote and support the Operation Backpack program in accordance with OFS's mission and goals. The Child Nutrition Program Coordinator will also work with partner schools and volunteers to ensure that the weekend meals program is conducted to its fullest potential as well as nurture the partner relationships formed.

Essential Functions:

• Create and maintain an accurate database with records of participating schools and partnering organizations.
• Develop weekly menus for Operation Backpack and maintain accurate records of food distributed on a weekly basis.
• Maintain food inventory records for Operation Backpack and purchase food according to program timelines.
• Communicate with OFS Warehouse staff regarding incoming and outgoing deliveries, following procedures set by the Operations Team.
• In collaboration with Community Nutrition staff and Procurement Manager, develop meal kits in accordance with nutrition standards and available products.
• Recruit and develop relationships with schools for Operation Backpack through communication with school coordinators.
• Conduct regular site visits to participating schools as well as annual one-on-one student participant interviews.
• Evaluate Operation Backpack.
• Send out nutrition education materials in weekly bags (when applicable).
• Develop and maintain an Operation Backpack volunteer database and communications strategy.
• Recruit and oversee volunteers for weekly packing sessions, providing them with the training and tools necessary to be effective.
• Work with OFS warehouse staff to ensure proper set up and clean-up of volunteer events.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Operation Backpack alternative programs, including satellite programs and food closet programs.
• Attend and contribute to various community collaboratives to advance the work of Operation
• Backpack and the Child & Community Nutrition department.
• Solicit financial and in-kind support for the program as well as actively partakes in fund raising for Operation Backpack and OFS.
• Increase awareness of Operation Backpack and other Child Nutrition Programs through newsletters and other media outlets to the public.
• Complete all relevant administrative work in accordance with OFS standards and in a timely manner.
• Support the Summer Food Service Program when school is not in session.

Requirements:

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, nutrition, social work, or another related field.
• Two years relevant work experience in community-based programs, program planning, or hunger-relief efforts highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships with OFS team, program partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring the highest standards in quality.
• Experience working with underserved populations.
• Working knowledge of social service organizations, non-profits, and school systems in the St. Louis region.
• Understanding of food insecurity and food access issues in the St. Louis region.
• Possess a growth mindset and actively seek out opportunities to learn.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make decisions based on data.
• Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to program integrity.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel to out-of-town meetings, events, and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend.
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned.

Working Condition and Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform tasks that require physical activity such as standing for long periods of time or lifting heavy items with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Frequent local travel required. Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation (mileage is reimbursable).

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

Location: 1644 Lotsie Boulevard, Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.