Director of Food Access

The Nashville Food Project

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Job Summary

Mission, Vision, and Values
The Nashville Food Project brings people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food, with the goals of cultivating community and alleviating hunger in our city. At The Nashville Food Project, we embrace a vision of vibrant community food security in which everyone in Nashville has access to the food they want and need through a just and sustainable food system. This mission and vision are guided by core organizational values, including hospitality, stewardship, interdependence, learning, justice, and transformation.

Organizational Background
The Nashville Food Project (TNFP) was born from the idea that good food is a matter of basic dignity. Since its start in 2007, TNFP has served thousands of Nashvillians facing food insecurity. In 2011, TNFP was incorporated as an independent nonprofit, shifting the focus of its meals program toward a collaborative partnership model and launching an urban agriculture program. Today, TNFP continues to connect people to nourishing food and to each other through  vibrant urban agriculture projects, made-from-scratch meals, and food shared with local partners working to disrupt cycles of poverty.

Position Summary
The Director of Food Access (DFA) is responsible for leading TNFP’s Share Team, which works to connect individuals and communities experiencing food insecurity with healthy, nutritious food. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer (CPO), the DFA oversees outward-facing aspects of TNFP programs–including partnerships and distribution–and generally supports all programs in logistics, reporting, and compliance. This position dedicates a portion of their time to the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), with the hours allocated determined by the percentage of TNFP meals that are eligible for reimbursement.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership
● Define, implement, and assess the strategic priorities of the TNFP’s community meals and produce sharing programs
● Develop opportunities to scale the community meals and produce sharing programs
● Oversee and streamline compliance with federally-funded programs to include the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
● Develop informational materials, trainings, standard operating procedures, and other documents to communicate programmatic opportunities to internal  and external audiences
● Refine and manage the sliding scale pricing model for TNFP’s programs
● Oversee the Share Team budget and its annual budget planning process
● Support and oversee logistics related to community meals and produce sharing programs, including distribution, site visits, and communications
● Develop and implement effective evaluation tools and reporting systems for tracking KPIs in the community meals and produce sharing programs
● Drive team performance through ongoing, direct, constructive feedback and coaching
● Lead equitable hiring process for full-time and part-time staff on an as needed basis
● Provide coverage as needed for Share Team staff, including meal deliveries, food donation pick-ups, and partner site visits

Partnership Management
● Identify, develop, and manage organizational partnerships with diverse community-based organizations and food donation partners
● Lead TNFP’s partner intake and selection process for all food access programs, including recruitment, communication, and partner selection activities
● Develop, finalize, and manage up-to-date Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and invoicing with partner organizations
● Lead the development and implementation of a volunteer distribution program, coordinating volunteers in driving regularly-scheduled meal delivery routes
● Collaborate with the Community Engagement Team to plan and execute regular partnership events
● Oversee timely and accurate completion of all reporting and compliance requirements for community meals and produce sharing partners

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● High school diploma/equivalent or relevant life experience
● Experience and confidence in managing teams of diverse individuals
● Experience refining and/or developing operational processes and systems
● Experience developing and managing programmatic budgets
● Highly organized and confident working independently and collaboratively
● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate safe and ethical community relationships
● Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and in one-on-one interactions
● Cooperative and collaborative work ethic and a positive attitude
● A valid driver license and safe driving record
● English fluency, oral and written
● Ability to pass a background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree or higher
● Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice
● Proficiency and comfort using computers, with abilities in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
● Comfortable driving cargo vans and completing deliveries in diverse weather conditions
● Experience with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and/or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in our work and mission to info@thenashvillefoodproject.org. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by Friday, May 19, 2023.

In all aspects of its work, The Nashville Food Project strives for a culture of inclusivity and fairness without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Details

• Date Posted: May 12, 2023
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Other
• Service Area: Community Development