Nutrition Educator at Penobscot Bay YMCA – Rockport, Maine

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Nutrition Educator – Community Health role supports the Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships (PBCHP) in delivering community-based nutrition education and advancing “Food is Medicine” initiatives throughout Knox county.

This position is funded through Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and focuses on improving population health through prevention, access, and community-based collaboration. The anticipated start date is May 2026, pending grant and contract approval. The Nutrition Educator will work directly with community members, healthcare providers, and partner organizations to deliver evidence-based nutrition education, strengthen food access systems, and support chronic disease prevention.

This is a hybrid, community-facing role requiring in-person program delivery, partnership development, and administrative coordination. This role will evolve as program parameters are finalized and may require flexibility in implementation and partnership development during early phases.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to strengthen communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

• We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.
  
  
• We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
  
  
• We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
  
  
• We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
  
  
• We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
  
  

The Penobscot Bay YMCA strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Deliver evidence-based nutrition education programs in community and healthcare settings
• Implement and support “Food is Medicine” strategies, including nutrition access and referral systems
• Build and maintain partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, schools, and food access programs
• Support development of referral pathways between healthcare systems and community nutrition resources
• Conduct outreach to increase awareness and participation in nutrition and health programming
• Adapt programming to meet local needs while maintaining fidelity to evidence-based models
• Support development of sustainable food access and nutrition infrastructure
• Participate in community coalitions, partner meetings, and statewide trainings
• Track program activities, outcomes, and required reporting in alignment with grant and state expectations
• Maintain consistent communication with the Community Health Promotion Director and program partners
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health, education, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in community outreach, education, or partnership development preferred
• Strong communication and group facilitation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

PREFERED QUALIFICATION:

• Registered Dietitian or background in nutrition or public health
• Experience delivering evidence-based nutrition education programs
• Familiarity with “Food is Medicine” or similar public health approaches
• Experience working with healthcare systems or interdisciplinary partners
• Experience with program tracking, reporting, or grant-funded work

WORK ENVIROMENT & PYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Combination of office, community, and remote work
• Frequent travel throughout Knox and Waldo counties
• Ability to lift and transport program materials (up to 25–50 lbs)
• Regular computer use