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Anti-Hunger Program Specialist at The Food Group – New Hope, Minnesota

The Food Group
New Hope, Minnesota, 55428, United States
Posted on
Salary:$47000 - $53000

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About This Position

Position Information

Job Title: Anti-Hunger Program Specialist

Program/Dept: Programs

Location: New Hope, MN

Manager: Associate Program Director

This is an exempt position with a competitive benefits package. The hiring range is $47,000-$53,000 per year.

Job Summary

The Anti-Hunger Specialist will serve as the primary contact for Partners (e.g., food shelf, meal program, and community food distribution partners). This position will coordinate and support the programming to ensure that all TEFAP-eligible (The Emergency Food Assistance Program, a federal program of the USDA) comply with federal regulations and provide client-centered, culturally appropriate, and dignified services for people to access food. The Anti-Hunger Specialist position will also use a strengths-based approach to provide technical assistance to partner agencies by linking each agency with the appropriate resources at The Food Group. This position is a key member of the Anti-Hunger team supporting the organization's short- and long-term strategic direction.

Core Job Functions

Agency Support (30%)

  • Responsible for representing food shelves’ experiences and challenges internally and to State partners.
  • Serves as primary contact for agency partner questions, logistics, order and food requests, and concerns regarding TEFAP or other program opportunities.
  • Onboards new agency partners reviewing all initial compliance regulations, requirements and expectations.
  • Develops annual partner agreement in an electronic record version; ensure accuracy in agency partner account information in TFG systems.
  • Communicate TFG updates, changes and program opportunities
  • Ensure that agencies are reporting agency statistics, annual partnership agreements, and all other administrative processes associated with partner agencies.
  • Continually identify unmet partner needs and work with The Food Group staff to develop tools and system and operations assistance to fill gaps
  • Offer agency market ordering support and customer service via phone, email and on site.

    • Agency Compliance & Data Management (25%)

  • Meets all goals related to timely and accurate monitoring of Agency Partner compliance with Food Safety, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and all requirements outlined in The Food Group Partner Agreement.
  • Conduct on-site TEFAP compliance visits to ensure TFG meets contract commitments. Identify problems and ensure resolution of monitoring visit findings.
  • Stay informed and serve as subject matter expert on all regulatory and compliance standards.
  • Ensure that all annual compliance forms are sent and received from TEFAP partners
  • Track and communicate to the Associate Director of Programs any emerging trends in challenges or enhanced efficacy in Agency Partners’ ability to remain in compliance with regulations.

    • Partner Engagement and Systems Change (45%)

  • Conducts on-site visits as needed in response to community trends, needs and changes.
  • Ensures that partner feedback is shared internally with appropriate team members.
  • Works with Sourcing Team to enhance food bank product selection in response to community voice.
  • Hosts quarterly meetings with agency partners
  • Supports grant deliverables and objectives
  • Leads rapid response efforts and communications with agency partners
  • Collaborates with Marketing and Comms Team to share community stories.
  • Facilitates virtual trainings and meetings around topics of interest, sometimes in collaboration with partner organizations.

    • Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  • Must be able to work effectively with partners who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion
  • Must be able to work effectively in an organization that has recognized its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community
  • Demonstrates commitment to hunger relief focused on health, nutrition, and equity
  • Excellent ability to research, analyze, and troubleshoot problems and interpersonal conflicts
  • Ability to train and facilitate groups on cultural competency and equity
  • Ability to work as a team as well as independently with minimal supervision
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation and communication skills
  • Highly motivated, organized, great attention to detail and tendency toward solution-based thinking skills
  • Ability to be punctual and dependable
  • Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Ability to be creative and flexible in responding to changing priorities and emerging needs
  • Bilingual fluency preferred
  • All employees must pass a pre-employment background study

    • Licenses and/or Certifications

  • Valid MN driver’s license and clean driving record. Dependable transportation is required to conduct site visits.

    • Working Conditions and Environment

    This position is located in a dog-friendly office setting. The building is accessible and smoke free. This position works during normal business hours and includes some evening and/or weekend hours. Start times are flexible to adjust to bus, biking, or other transportation schedules. Must have ability to sit for long periods of time and utilize various office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, and calculator) on a continual basis.

    All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.

    People of Color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.

    Organization Overview

    The Food Group (TFG) is a local food equity nonprofit. For more than 45 years we have worked to provide nutritious food to those who need it most in our community. We work at the intersection of food access, equity, and nutrition issues related to food and hunger in Minnesota. We work across the food system and our programs include anti-hunger initiatives, affordable grocery, advocacy, and sustainable farming.

    Our culture and environment can be described as high-trust, cooperative, collaborative, open, and fun. We are team of approximately 60 people with three locations in New Hope, St. Paul, and Marine on St. Croix.

    We are a workplace that is full of people who genuinely appreciate each other and work best when tackling big ideas as a team. We value individuals who bring their life experiences to their work, knowing that the ways that they have experienced racial, economic, or gender injustice drive their passion to create change. We are a team of passionate, dedicated people who work alongside each other.

    Equity is fundamental to our mission to fight hunger and nourish our community. Where we live, how much money we make, or the color of our skin currently influences access to healthy and culturally connected foods. We must address the roots of these inequities so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their best life. We believe in working with our community and organizations to improve food access and make systemic changes. To do so, equity is a part of all aspects of our work. We invite individuals from different abilities, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to take part in and shape the work in the community.

    How to apply

    Interested parties should send a cover letter and current resume via the organization’s website at Job Opportunities - The Food Group (thefoodgroupmn.org).

    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

    Job Location

    New Hope, Minnesota, 55428, United States

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