Community Food Source Manager

JOB TITLE: Community Food Source Manager

STATUS: Full Time

DEPARTMENT: Community Connections

HOURS/WEEK: 40

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Sr. Director of Community Engagement and Education

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Community Food Source Specialists, Home Delivery Specialist, Volunteers/Interns

Vision

To disrupt the generational cycle of poverty for the families we serve.

Mission

Marillac St. Vincent strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resourcesfor a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value andupholding the dignity and value of all people

Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

• Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one's approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.

• A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization's goals.

• Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
• Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one's self professionally.
• Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

General Summary

The Community Food Source Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the Community Food Access programs, overseeing the "Harvest Hub" food distribution centers and the Home Delivery program serving the East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park communities. This role ensures the smooth operation of food distributions, manages food donations and deliveries, oversees the Food Rescue initiative, and coordinates food orders to support individuals and families in need.

The Manager will cultivate and maintain relationships with volunteers, donors, and partner organizations to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability. They will also be responsible for evaluating and improving program efficiency and impact through the development and implementation of key performance metrics.

In collaboration with the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Education, the Manager will contribute to the strategic direction and expansion of the Community Food Source (CFS) team. By continuously refining operations, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing community engagement, this role will ensure that food access services remain scalable, efficient, and impactful in addressing food insecurity in the communities served.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Management

• Oversee Food Distribution and Home Delivery Programs: Lead daily operations of the Harvest Hub food pantries and Home Delivery services in East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park, ensuring equitable and efficient food access for all community members.
• Oversee the Food Rescue Initiative: Assist CFS staff in maintaining partnerships with food retailers, restaurants, and local donors to secure surplus food and reduce waste while increasing food availability.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: Supervise logistics related to food sourcing, receiving, inventory management, delivery coordination, and adherence to food safety standards across all Community Food Source (CFS) programs.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

• Supervise Team Members: Provide direct supervision, support, and performance management for 4–6 staff members, as well as oversight of volunteers and interns involved in food access programming.
• Foster Team Development: Promote a collaborative and trauma-informed team culture through training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Support Volunteer and Intern Engagement: Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and interns to enhance service delivery and create a meaningful volunteer experience.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

• Cultivate Relationships: Build and maintain strong partnerships with food donors, community organizations, local businesses, and philanthropic partners to expand the reach and impact of food programs.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with other program managers and departments to integrate food access services into a broader, holistic approach to community support.

Budget and Financial Oversight

• Manage Program Budgets: Track and monitor program expenses, ensuring financial accountability and the pursuit of cost-effective, high-impact solutions.
• Support Fund Development: Collaborate with leadership and development teams to identify funding opportunities and align program delivery with funder expectations.

Data Management and Program Evaluation

• Implement Evaluation Systems: Establish metrics and reporting tools to assess program effectiveness, guide strategic improvements, and meet reporting requirements.
• Use Data for Improvement: Apply insights from data collection to inform decisions, optimize operations, and scale services based on community needs.

Program Growth and Innovation

• Expand and Scale Programming: Identify gaps in service, pursue innovative models, and lead the development of sustainable strategies to grow food access initiatives.
• Ensure Compliance and Safety: Uphold local, state, and federal food safety guidelines and ensure compliance with internal protocols and health standards.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Represent the Organization: Actively participate in community events, advocacy coalitions, and stakeholder meetings to promote food justice and elevate community voice.
• Raise Awareness: Support outreach and engagement efforts to increase awareness of food resources and empower residents to access available services.

Job Requirements

Experience/Education

Bachelor's degree in a human service or organizational leadership related field required. A minimum of 5 years of food pantry, social services, or related experience preferred. 5+ years of leadership experience required. Within 3 months of hire, must possess a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager license.

Qualifications

Motivated self-starter with a proven ability to work well with details and program delivery both individually and as a team player and leader. Strong problem-solving and interpersonal communication abilities. Excellent written, verbal, computer, and documentation skills. Proven organizational and follow-up skills. Comfortable working with diverse clients, volunteers, staff and other service providers. Ability to handle a range of client and volunteer situations calmly, professionally and respectfully. Ability to effectively and appropriately represent the agency to the public. Valid IL Driver's License and proof of insurance.

Language

Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bi-lingual is a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, and hear.
• Possess the ability to fulfill and any all office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.)
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).
• Must be mobile in order to work in the field and food pantry. Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, climb stairs and ladders required
• The employee may be required to work outdoors throughout the year

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Internal office space.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• External environments may include visits to other facilities and client personal living spaces.