Food Donations Coordinator

Arkansas Foodbank•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Food Donations Coordinator serves as the primary relationship coordinator for assigned food donors, supporting consistent communication, exceptional customer service, and growth in Arkansas Foodbank’s food rescue program. The role involves extensive local travel and building trusted relationships while representing the Foodbank professionally. Team members are expected to understand and communicate the organization’s mission and vision, work with diverse populations, and exemplify its values in public, social, and business settings. The coordinator oversees the development, retention, and enhancement of food donation accounts. In partnership with the Retail Rescue and Procurement Manager, the role develops strategies and work plans to solicit food and products from manufacturers, distributors, farmers, and grocery stores. The coordinator visits donor sites, cultivates existing and prospective donors, addresses barriers to food recovery, monitors donation quality and program progress, and collaborates with agency and Operations staff to improve donation and logistics outcomes. The position also provides training, tours, and guidance related to food safety and donation practices, represents the Foodbank at industry events, and performs related office duties. The role may require irregular hours, including occasional nights and weekends, and travel for up to 75% of the work schedule. The job operates in the community and a professional office environment. The employee may be exposed to wet or humid conditions, extreme cold or heat, and outdoor weather. The role routinely uses standard office equipment and requires sitting, walking, standing, communicating, repetitive hand use, reaching, lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, and frequent vehicle operation.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in the food industry, sales, or marketing.
Familiarity with computer operations, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Valid Arkansas driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Must pass a background check.
Must pass a preemployment drug screening.
Good driving record.
Ability to travel up to 75% of the work schedule.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and frequently operating vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree; other job-related education or experience may be substituted for some or all basic requirements with management approval.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the development, retention, and enhancement of food donation accounts.
Work with the Retail Rescue and Procurement Manager to formulate strategies and implement a work plan to solicit food and products from manufacturers, distributors, farmers, and grocery stores.
Visit donor sites to develop and enhance food donor relationships.
Cultivate current donors to improve donation quality, expand participation, and increase donation frequency.
Identify and cultivate new food donation opportunities within the assigned territory.
Maintain donor files and visit logs.
Maintain donor recognition programs and awards for major food donors, as provided by the Retail Rescue and Procurement Manager.
Investigate and resolve donor concerns, scheduling conflicts, and barriers that may affect successful food recovery.
Stay informed about food safety regulations, donation best practices, and organizational policies, and provide accurate guidance to donors.
Use sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact when handling sensitive situations or difficult conversations.
Help foster relationships between agencies and retail sites.
Collaborate with Operations staff on transportation and logistics for handling donations.
Monitor retail donation program progress, including pounds per store per pickup and donation readiness, including stores enabled to agencies.
Work with the Retail Rescue Manager and Procurement Manager to identify potential issues and improvement opportunities.
Monitor donation quality and the percentage of trash pounds generated by donations.
Provide information and tours of the Foodbank to visitors, donors, and other interested parties.
Provide training or coaching to donors, staff, or agency personnel to promote food safety, best practices, efficiency, and increased donations.
Represent the Foodbank professionally and maintain positive public relations and exceptional customer service.
Represent Arkansas Foodbank at selected food industry events, including food shows, as needed.
Keep up to date on Foodbank-related issues and trends relevant to increasing location donations.
Perform related general office duties as needed, including photocopying, filing, faxing, and preparing and distributing correspondence.
Attend required staff meetings, training, and conferences.
Travel up to 75% of the work schedule and occasionally work nights and weekends.
Maintain a good driving record.