Program Assistant (Pantry/Community Market) at Rafiki Coalition – San Francisco, California

Company Description:

Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating health inequities and improving the lives of Black, African American, and marginalized communities in the Bay Area. For over 35 years, we have provided a safe, welcoming space where health, healing, and hope come together. We offer a holistic range of services, including free and low-cost health screenings, HIV prevention and care, mental health counseling, housing and economic support, fitness classes, and nutrition programs. Guided by a belief that wellness is more than the absence of illness, we embrace a whole-person approach that honors the cultural, social, and emotional needs of our community.

At Rafiki, we are more than a service provider. We are a trusted partner, advocate, and resource. Our work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice. Every day, our team stands with our community to dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create pathways to health and opportunity.

If you're looking to join a mission-driven organization where your work directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities, Rafiki Coalition is the place to make a meaningful impact

Job Description:

The Program Assistant, Rafiki Community Market, is responsible for the full operation of Rafiki's Community Market, ensuring participants receive the highest quality service and experience. This role serves as the primary liaison with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank (SFMFB), communicates key updates and participant feedback, and manages volunteers and the market environment.

In addition to market operations, the Program Assistant oversees distribution list management, outreach, and enrollment tracking (via PanDa and Microsoft 365), coordinates with internal teams for communications, and provides backup support for Facilities and Operations tasks as needed. This position plays a vital role in delivering a welcoming, dignified, and community-centered experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Market Operations

• Responsible for the full operation of the market, including setup, deliveries, distribution, and cleanup.
• Manage, train, and supervise a team of volunteers, ensuring adherence to guidelines and safety protocols.
• Ensure proper staging of service areas (unloading, moving, bagging, distributing, storing food appropriately).
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and physical appearance of service areas.
• Assign volunteer tasks as needed.
• Ensure the market is a friendly, positive, and respectful experience for all participants.
• Communicate market updates, needs, and participant feedback to SFMFB and the volunteer team.

Distribution List & Enrollment Management

• Promote enrollment through outreach and communications.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into PanDa system or other designated tools.
• Track enrollment status using Microsoft 365 spreadsheets and coordinate coverage with assigned staff.
• Ensure accountability and follow-up communication with participants.

Outreach & Communications

• Manage outreach channels: palm cards, webpage, QR codes, social media, partner events.
• Coordinate with Development and Programs teams to promote the market and recruit volunteers.
• Serve as internal point person for program updates, ensuring communications are consistent and aligned across teams.
• Support preparation of community-facing announcements, signage, and training materials.

Facilities & Operations Support

• Provide backup support for Facilities tasks (site readiness, vendor coordination, safety checks, event setup) as needed.
• Assist with Operations tasks (space booking, documentation, supply management, digital file organization).
• Collaborate with Ops team on equipment needs, inventory, and other office support.

Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage, prioritize, and multi-task effectively.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to lead and motivate volunteers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, PanDa (or willingness to learn), and digital intake systems.
• Ability to interact with participants, staff, and volunteers in a professional, respectful, and culturally responsive manner.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills; ability to listen, de-escalate, and resolve issues.
• Ability to adhere to safety, confidentiality, and standard operating procedures at all times.
• Basic reading and math (counting) skills.
• Familiarity with food safety, distribution, and inventory management preferred.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work with people from diverse ethnic, socio-economic, educational, religious, sexual, and generational backgrounds.
• Demonstrates Rafiki's values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility in all interactions.
• Maintains confidentiality and compliance with agency and partner requirements.
• Flexible to work designated distribution days and adjust as program grows.
• Supports emergent organizational needs and participates in "all hands-on deck" moments.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Rafiki leadership or SFMFB staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in outreach, volunteer coordination, or food distribution.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Experience working in culturally diverse environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with teams.

Additional Information:

Reports To: Operations Director
Location: On-site San Francisco, CA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Application Instructions:

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