Fuel NKU Program Coordinator

NKU Beta Gamma Sigma•Highland Heights, KY

About The Position

The FUEL NKU Program Coordinator provides leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations, programs, and initiatives of FUEL NKU, Northern Kentucky University’s on-campus food pantry. The position ensures effective, sustainable, and student-centered delivery of pantry services, including food procurement, inventory management, distribution, staffing, facilities, programming, and campus and community engagement. FUEL NKU is a student resource within University Connect and Persist (UCAP), supporting NKU’s commitment to student success through coordinated, holistic support. The coordinator reports to UCAP leadership and collaborates with campus and community partners to connect students with essential resources and support. The role oversees pantry operations and food inventory, staff and volunteer coordination, administrative and reporting responsibilities, facility upkeep, and engagement with campus and community partners.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of FUEL NKU, ensuring consistent, effective, and student-centered service delivery.
Develop, implement, and evaluate operational procedures, service models, and program initiatives to support the effectiveness and sustainability of the pantry.
Set operational priorities and coordinate staffing, scheduling, inventory, and resources to meet needs and maintain service continuity.
Develop and maintain processes for program documentation, data tracking, assessment, and reporting.
Communicate operational needs, challenges, accomplishments, and recommendations to UCAP leadership.
Manage assigned program resources and expenditures in accordance with university policies, approved budgets, and established procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, accessibility, efficiency, and the student experience.
Manage food procurement, inventory controls, and distribution, including ordering and receiving food, validating invoices, receiving and recording donations, and preparing food bank reports.
Maintain an adequate food supply to meet student demand, use practices that ensure food quality and minimize waste, and organize food distribution with staff and volunteers.
Implement food pantry safety policies and procedures in accordance with USDA and Northern Kentucky Health Department requirements and best practices, and maintain current food safety certifications.
Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff; coordinate volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and recognition as needed.
Engage with students, volunteers, university staff and faculty, administrators, alumni, and community constituents.
Identify and pursue grant funding and community support opportunities with UCAP leadership, and maintain relationships with donors and foundational support outlets.
Collaborate on approved research, experiential learning, and academic initiatives related to FUEL NKU as appropriate.
Coordinate pantry hours and provide direction and support to pantry staff and volunteers.
Maintain accurate program records and prepare timely data and documents about utilization, demand, inventory trends, accessibility, student feedback, and operational outcomes for appropriate stakeholders.
Attend scheduled meetings with the direct supervisor, campus partners, student groups, and community partners.
Engage in strategic planning for FUEL NKU initiatives.
Serve as the primary contact for FUEL NKU student programs, university events, food drives, and other special engagement opportunities.
Establish and maintain procedures for food storage, stocking, inventory organization, temperature monitoring, and hygienic food handling.
Oversee pantry and storage-area cleanliness, organization, safety, and general upkeep; coordinate cleaning, stocking, and maintenance responsibilities among staff and volunteers.
Monitor facility conditions and equipment and coordinate maintenance, repairs, and service requests with Facilities Management and other appropriate university offices.
Promote awareness of FUEL NKU through campus activities and events, including Produce Pop-Ups, Friendsgiving, tabling, facility tours, and Teaching Kitchens.
Facilitate programming and partnerships that promote coordinated care and holistic support for NKU students.
Engage with local food banks and community organizations and network with food pantry personnel and programs at local and regional colleges and universities.