Child Nutrition Program Coordinator

Operation Food Search•Overland, MO

7d•$44,000 - $55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization founded in 1981, dedicated to reducing food insecurity and increasing equitable access to food through food provision, nutrition education, and innovative programs. OFS serves 200,000 people monthly across 42 counties in Missouri and Illinois via a network of 330 partners. The organization employs a dual approach of immediate food assistance and supportive services, alongside long-term solutions and systemic change advocacy to combat hunger. OFS's mission is to 'heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow,' with a vision of a region where everyone has equitable access to nutritious food for healthy lives. Their goals include meeting immediate food needs, empowering individuals with nutrition education and budgeting skills, and driving systemic change through advocacy and addressing inequities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public health, nutrition, social work, or another related field.
Two years relevant work experience in community-based programs, program planning, or hunger-relief efforts highly preferred.
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships with OFS team, program partners, and stakeholders.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring the highest standards in quality.
Experience working with underserved populations.
Working knowledge of social service organizations, non-profits, and school systems in the St. Louis region.
Understanding of food insecurity and food access issues in the St. Louis region.
Possess a growth mindset and actively seek out opportunities to learn.
Strong analytical skills and ability to make decisions based on data.
Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to program integrity.
Occasional travel to out-of-town meetings, events, and conferences.
Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend.
Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned.
Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation (mileage is reimbursable).

Nice To Haves

Two years relevant work experience in community-based programs, program planning, or hunger-relief efforts.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with school coordinators, community partners, meal sites, and vendors.
Manage communication and relationships with Operation Backpack partners, including accepting orders, coordinating pickups and deliveries, and providing program updates.
Schedule, recruit, train, and lead volunteers to pack for Child Nutrition Programs.
Conduct regular site visits to participating Operation Backpack schools and conduct annual student participant interviews to collect feedback.
Conduct AfterSchool and Summer Meals site monitoring reviews to ensure USDA program compliance.
Create a high functioning support system for program partners through excellent customer service with an emphasis on effective training.
Resolve significant partner service, delivery, and program-participation issues by evaluating available options and implementing appropriate solutions.
Attend and contribute to various community collaboratives to advance the work of the Child Nutrition department.
Oversee the daily operations of Operation Backpack during the school year to ensure effective program delivery.
Develop and maintain accurate records for Operation Backpack meals distributed on a weekly basis.
Maintain an accurate database with records of participating schools and partnering organizations for Operation Backpack.
Develop weekly menus for the Operation Backpack program in accordance with nutrition standards and available products.
Collaborate with the Child Nutrition Program Manager and Nutrition Access Manager to purchase food within nutrition standards, program budget, and according to program timeline.
Collaborate with the Volunteer and Warehouse teams at Operation Food Search to coordinate the weekly packing needs of the Operation Backpack program.
Maintain and update Operation Backpack inventory records through utilization of the OFS inventory system.
Oversee the development and implementation of Operation Backpack alternative programs, including Satellite, Food Closet, and Fresh Pop-Ups.
Schedule, prepare, and staff Operation Backpack distribution events with community partners.
Effectively communicate with the Operations team regarding incoming and outgoing deliveries and use of the Volunteer Center.
Evaluate program effectiveness of Operation Backpack, AfterSchool Meals, and Summer Meals through distribution of surveys and interviews.
Assist with collection and review of USDA required site documentation for AfterSchool and Summer Meals programs.
Stay updated on program trends and identify innovative approaches to enhance meal quality and program efficiency.
Assist with the grant process by providing program details and data for proposals and reports in a timely manner and participate with funder visits/tours as needed.
Collaborate with internal teams to align Child Nutrition initiatives with the organization's broader mission and goals.
Identify opportunities to expand program reach and increase equitable food access for underserved populations.