Job: Food Policy Strategist, NYC

THIS JOB HAS BEEN FILLED AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, PLEASE DON'T SEND APPLICATIONS West Side Campaign Against Hunger is New York City’s largest and most innovative emergency food pantry, set up as a supermarket, run as a customer cooperative, and committed to providing low income people with healthy and nutritious food. The Food Policy Strategist performs an essential role at WSCAH by insuring that food received by customers at our pantry is of the highest quality fresh, healthy, sanitary and appealing. The Food Policy Strategist leads a team of employees and volunteers toward the goal of assisting our customers lead healthy lives. The Food Policy Strategist also takes a leading role in WSCAH’s advocacy for change. Hours:  Monday to Friday, flexible 35 hour work week between 7am and 7pm., occasional weekend hours. Supervised by Executive Director Salary:  based on experience

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Responsibilities:

Food Management:
Supervise food pantry staff & volunteers
Monitor food selection for food pantry so that customers always receive healthy and balanced groceries
Monitor pantry sanitation and storage standards
Review existing, and develop protocols for food handling, storage and display
Meet with customers to study how pantry food is currently serving needs and develop new policies based on such studies
Track research in nutrition and food systems to promote good food and health practices at WSCAH

Nutrition Education:
Develop nutrition education programs for customers
Utilizing pantry food,, conduct daily nutrition workshops for customers

Advocacy:
Organize customer and volunteer advocacy training in areas of poverty, hunger and health
Represent WSCAH as an anti-hunger advocate to government agencies, elected officials, foundations, community organizations and the general public
Expand WSCAH advocacy communication in particular through blogging and e-social networking

Training:
Structure and supervise job training program for food pantry volunteers
Develop partnership with neighborhood food stores
Train partner emergency food pantries in the “customer-choice” model
Develop and carry out tailored training programs with partner agencies  converting from “pre-packed bag”  to “customer choice”

Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position:

Bi- lingual, English/Spanish, essential

Project/Resource Management – Establishes plans and priorities; organizes human, physical and financial resources; delegates tasks and responsibilities appropriately; coordinates and multi-tasks; simplifies and clearly communicates complex information to the Executive Director, Board, WSCAH employees, WSCAH volunteers and others needed to accomplish goals

Flexibility and Adaptability – Willing and able to change work tasks when needed; shifts priorities based on work demands. Assesses and balances competing values (i.e. policies and mission needs), and operates effectively in the face of uncertainty and change.

Decision Making and Problem Solving – Reaching sound conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of pertinent/available information. Taking calculated risks in uncertain or ambiguous situations in order to make sound, innovative decisions and to address problems.

Communication – Effectively conveys information both verbally and in writing.  Listens effectively.  Promotes and models effective teamwork. Works well with people of all levels both within and outside of WSCAH; welcomes differing ideas and points of view and encourages participation at the highest levels.

Professional Demeanor – Willing to align professional goals with the needs and priorities of the organization and believes in the importance of doing so. Demonstrates commitment to the job and organization as well as strong initiative and self-motivation to learn, develop, and succeed.  Willingness to accept personal responsibility and be held accountable for outcomes.

The Food Policy Strategist will allow WSCAH to focus on proactively improving the lives of customers and assisting them to advocate for change. This takes WSCAH a further step beyond emergency pantry toward making long-term improvement in lives.

Qualifications:

• Bi-lingual English/Spanish
• An advanced degree in nutrition or a related field, or five years or more of relevant work experience in nutrition, food purchasing, food services or pantry management.
• New York City Food Handlers Certificate, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership and management ability.
• Great communication skills; good public speaker and writer; ability to motivate people to a goal.
• Familiarity with web sites, blogs, social networking; demonstrated competency with Microsoft Word, Excel and other relevant software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Proven ability to set and meet work goals independently and as part of a team.