Jobs/Internships

JOBS

Posted January 4th, 2016

Job Title:             Manager, Worcester Food Policy Council

Reports To:         Director of Advocacy, Worcester County Food Bank

Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) believes that food is a fundamental right of all people and that hunger is an issue of social justice. WCFB’s mission is to engage, educate, and lead Worcester County in creating a hunger-free community. To that end, WCFB annually collects over 5 million pounds of perishable and non-perishable food and distributes it through a network of 131 Partner Agencies, including food pantries and community meal programs; trains Partner Agencies in food safety; and advocates for systemic and sustainable solutions to support children, families, and senior citizens in being more food secure and healthy.

Job Summary

The Worcester Food Policy Council (WFPC) is comprised of community organizations and stakeholders who align with the Council mission to “engage diverse partners to foster a healthy and just food system” for Worcester.  Members of the Council work together collaboratively to: advocate for policies and systems changes to improve our food system; educate our community and policy makers on food systems issues that impact our communities; eliminate inequity as it relates to food access; collaborate to effect a cultural change towards healthy eating; and celebrate our assets, actions and accomplishments.  This full-time position is funded by the Worcester County Food Bank and reports to the Director of Advocacy at the Food Bank.

Responsibilities:

Communications:

• Manage Council communications including phone, email, list serve, Facebook, Twitter and Blog account. Recruit, train and oversee interns as appropriate to support communications.
• Develop outreach materials that can be used to recruit new members and communicate with policymakers and others including fact sheets and one-pagers about policy initiatives, council overview, etc.

Administration:

• Provide logistical support to the Steering Committee and all Working Groups, including scheduling and siting meetings, facilitation, note taking, dissemination of notes, and follow-up on action items.

Council Development:

• Facilitate and oversee the continued development of the Council, in collaboration with the Steering Committee, with a focus on diversifying and growing the Council as outlined in the strategic plan.
• Update all guiding documents and work plans for the Council annually.
• Identify further opportunities for the development of the Council, including educational opportunities, relevant readings, presentations, or trainings.
• Attend meetings of other food policy councils in Massachusetts as needed.
• Serve as resource for other groups in Worcester County interested in establishing a policy council in their area.

Community Outreach:

• Represent the Council in the Worcester community as well as at events, conferences, etc.
• Attend appropriate coalition meetings to represent the mission of the Council, build relationships, and seek collaboration on shared vision and mission.
• Engage community leaders and members through one-on-one meetings, group meetings, and presentations.
• Engage appropriate public officials, community based organizations and neighborhood groups in Council work.
• Foster positive, inclusive relationships with current partners and identify opportunities for additional collaboration and outreach/engagement.

Research:

• Stay abreast of current issues in food systems, anti-hunger, food justice, public health, and relevant policy.
• Research work of other policy councils around the Country to maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices, successes, and challenges.
• Collaborate with area Universities on research projects that could benefit the work of the Council.

Policy Development:

• Facilitate the development of appropriate policy agenda and platforms for the Council.
• Draft appropriate policy recommendations and model ordinances for advocacy to the City of Worcester.

Policy Advocacy:

• Advocate for appropriate federal, state and local policy to further the mission of the Council.
• Distribute action alerts to the community via electronic communication and social media for the purpose of engaging in the policy process.

Qualifications

Two to four year degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience in project or program management. Knowledge and understanding of and commitment to food systems, food security, food justice, public health, and health equity.  Experience working with coalitions and diverse groups of stakeholders.  Experience working by committee, as well as the ability to work independently with a high level of self-management.  Valid MA driver’s license and reliable transportation.  Some local and regional travel and night and weekend hours may be required infrequently.  Enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Strong skills in the following areas:

• Leadership, self-motivation, and the ability to work cooperatively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Organizing, networking, collaboration, and community relations.
• Verbal communication and professional writing.
• Intercultural and interpersonal communication skills; bilingual skills a plus.
• Technology including email, social media, Microsoft Office; and experience or willingness to learn to use applications such as SurveyMonkey, MailChimp, WordPress, etc.

Application Instructions

Interested and qualified applicants should email cover letter and resume to jobs@foodbank.org.  Please use “Worcester Food Policy Council Manager” as the subject of the email. No phone calls please.