Food Access & Nutrition Security Program Director
The RI Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is a network-based organization, established in 2011 with a mission to promote a more equitable, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable food system in Rhode Island. Making measurable progress toward achieving this mission requires the engagement of food producers, harvesters, processors, distributors, retailers, institutions, direct marketers, composters, nonprofits, and consumers as well as elected officials and other policy makers. We rely upon three key strategies to accomplish our work: (1) Building coalitions that align resources; (2) Promoting good food and agriculture policy; and (3) Executing high-impact projects and programs that fill critical gaps. RIFPC operates with a professional staff, a dedicated board of directors, and 25 engaged council members who represent all sectors of the food system. More information about the RIFPC can be found here: https://rifoodcouncil.org/.
The RI Food Policy Council seeks a Nutrition Security and Equity Program Director to lead the state Hunger Elimination Task Force in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health and RI Commerce, execute a RI Emergency Food Access Plan, coordinate a statewide ‘Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program’ Project, support food access and equity-related elements of the update of the RI state food strategy and undertake other high-priority food security projects as directed. This work is critically important for Rhode Islanders who struggle with food insecurity and those who serve them.
The ideal candidate for this new position will possess the vision, capacity and project management skills to initiate multi stakeholder projects and drive results. Facilitation experience and the ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds is essential. We seek an independent, self-directed leader who is also a good team player. A constant focus on impact and outcomes are essential, as is a high level of organization. Dedication to eliminating hunger and passion for advancing equitable, community-based solutions to entrenched food access problems is required.
The overarching objective for this role is to plan, develop, execute and communicate about high-priority food access projects, including execution of a statewide emergency food security plan and coordination of a statewide ‘fruit and vegetable prescription program’ project.
A full-time position (37.5 hours/week) is offered, but the hours and schedule for this position are negotiable for the right candidate. The position is based in Rhode Island with a home office location and virtual work expected. Regular meetings will take place across the state. The Nutrition Security and Equity Program Director reports to the Network Director, and manages the Nutrition Security and Equity Senior Program Associate. They work regularly with the Program Administrator of the RIDOH Healthy Eating and Active Living Program and the Director of Food Strategy housed at RI Commerce, other state agency staff, all RIFPC staff, RIFPC Council members, and diverse food systems stakeholders on food security-related issues. The Nutrition Security and Equity Program Director will work regularly with leaders in state agencies, nonprofits, healthcare, and in communities. This position is being offered through June 30, 2024, to be extended subject to availability of funds.
Responsibilities
- Lead activities related to the execution of four Hunger Elimination Task Force (HETF) meetings per year in partnership with the state
- Lead the newly launched statewide ‘fruit and vegetable prescription program’ project
- Lead the execution development of a new RI Emergency Food Security Plan
- Liaise regularly with the Program Administrator of the RIDOH Healthy Eating and Active Living Program and the Director of Food Strategy housed at RI Commerce
- Support the Program Administrator of the RIDOH Healthy Eating and Active Living in acting as a primary point of contact between state agencies and non-governmental food access partners including RI Community Food Bank, food pantries, healthcare entities, and other public health and community-based food security entities
- Identify emerging issues/opportunities related to food access, and work across sectors to convene key stakeholders and collaboratively develop action plans to address them
- Participate in RI Food Policy Council staff and Council meetings and activities as requested by the Network Director
- Directly supervise one staff, the Nutrition Security and Equity Senior Program Associate, and the work of several external contractors
Qualifications and Skills
- 10+ years of relevant, progressively responsible project management experience
- 5+ Professional facilitation experience
- Proven ability to identify emerging challenges in complex environments and find stakeholder-driven solutions to address them
- Experience with statewide plan development
- Experience conceptualizing contracted scopes of work and overseeing their execution
- Background in food systems
- Interest in Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Programs
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Key Competencies
- Collaborative and visionary thinker
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Proven ability to move complex projects forward to timely completion
- Ease in working with a broad range of demographically, experientially, and cognitively diverse people
The RI Food Policy Council is offering a competitive salary ($75-80K), full benefits, and a flexible workplace with a collegial environment. Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Qualified candidates will be contacted by email. Employment history and/or background check including 3 references are required of final candidates. The RI Food Policy Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the benefits of a diverse organization. We encourage qualified applicants who have lived experience of food insecurity to apply.