Market Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA

Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St Joseph•Kansas City, MO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph’s Serve & Lift Food Market is a grocery-style food pantry where individuals and families select food that meets their cultural preferences, dietary needs, and household size. The AmeriCorps VISTA member serves as a capacity-building partner, helping strengthen market systems, expand community partnerships, and improve data-informed decision-making to address food insecurity. This is a one-year, full-time position based on site at the Serve & Lift location at 8001 Longview Rd., Kansas City, MO 64134. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the agency is closed Fridays. The position provides an AmeriCorps living allowance of $957.46 bi-weekly, intended to support a very frugal lifestyle. Upon successful completion, the member receives an education award or end-of-service stipend. Professional development and training opportunities are provided.

Requirements

Commitment to the AmeriCorps VISTA mission of alleviating poverty.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a community-focused environment.
Comfort working with data, documentation, and digital tools.

Nice To Haves

Interest or experience in food access, public health, social services, or community development.
Familiarity with volunteer programs, nonprofit operations, or data tracking systems.
Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and document sustainable systems for market operations, volunteer engagement, and shopper flow in a self-choice model.
Assist with creating or refining policies, procedures, and training materials for staff and volunteers.
Support the integration of trauma-informed and dignity-centered practices into market operations.
Support collection, tracking, and analysis of data related to pantry usage, food distribution, and shopper outcomes.
Assist with grant reporting and outcome measurement aligned with organizational and funder requirements.
Translate data into insights that inform program improvements and strategic planning.
Identify and help cultivate partnerships with local organizations, schools, faith communities, and service providers.
Support outreach strategies to increase awareness of the self-choice market and related resources.
Assist with coordination of referrals to complementary services addressing underlying causes of food insecurity.
Support development of in-kind donation systems and food sourcing strategies.
Research funding opportunities and prepare supporting materials for grants or reports.
Document the impact and story of the Serve & Lift Market for communications and fundraising purposes.
Follow Catholic Social and Moral Teachings while performing job duties.
Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflict for the greater good.
Respect the diversity of others’ talents and gifts and support personal and professional development.
Demonstrate compassion and commitment to helping others improve their lives.
Adhere to the values of Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, and Collaboration.