Outreach Coordinator

COMMON GROUND FOOD CO-OP•Urbana, IL

1d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

At Common Ground Food Cooperative, we support local farmers & producers. We are here to serve the local CU area by providing nutritious groceries, house-made delights, and natural products for body & home. We strive to create a place for all our neighbors to gather & learn. We believe that good people and good food combined with hard work and care for community can bring great things to us all. Common Ground isn't your average employer: we provide competitive wages and benefits, a great work environment, and plenty of opportunity for growth. You can make a difference here.

Requirements

Two (2) years in an outreach, marketing, communications, public relation, events planning, or teaching position preferred.
Outgoing personality and ability to communicate with people of all ages, cultures, and experiences.
Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork and constant communication is essential.
Commitment to superior customer service and to provide the highest quality shopping experience possible.
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Comfortable with public speaking as well as hosting events or meetings of any size.
Outstanding networking skills.
Exemplifies Co-op Ends and Values when engaging with the public.
Demonstrates passion about the Co-op and its ends.
Understanding of business image & community brand.
Strong writing skills.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Organized data collector.
Strong knowledge of consumer shopping habits.
Creative.
Knowledge of social media and web design, as well as email platforms, Jotform, and Adobe Illustrator.
Advanced photography skills.
Project oriented with the ability to communicate project needs and timelines.
Familiarity with natural foods and cooking techniques preferred.
Knowledge and interest in the local food movement & able to speak on food issues.
Comfortable leading cooking classes with community partners.
Actively seeks new ways to engage owners.
Calmness under pressure.
Ability to handle multiple demands.
Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments.
Flexible schedule and availability for being scheduled during any store hours.
Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for transportation to offsite events.
Displayed ability to lift 50#, bend frequently, and stand for long periods.
Regular, predictable attendance.
Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years in an outreach, marketing, communications, public relation, events planning, or teaching position preferred.
Familiarity with natural foods and cooking techniques preferred.
Knowledge and interest in the local food movement & able to speak on food issues.
Comfortable leading cooking classes with community partners.

Responsibilities

Finds and creates creative opportunities to reach new customers targeting students, families, neighborhoods, realty companies, and other outlets to increase customer count and new shoppers.
Creates and organizes quarterly Owner Drives, owner surveys, and other owner initiatives to increase owner equity and engagement.
Maintains all owner records and ownership.
Monitors internal food access programs, and find ways Common Ground can improve food accessibility in our area.
Serves as a vibrant community liaison for staff, board, owners, customers, community partners and develops strong relationships.
Plans & hosts events/workshops/fundraisers with local organizations that align with our ends & cooperative principles.
Builds community contacts and networking opportunities for special events.
Coordinates farm visits with the marketing team to include departments to build relationships and generate local food content for marketing purposes.
Creates and facilitates new community events, grant opportunities, and creative community cooperation.
Represents the Co-op on news and other media (WCIA, radio, and video).
Schedules and leads store tours (prospective or existing shoppers, owners, kids, UIUC, etc.) and adapts tours based on age & interest.
Creates content and presents about Common Ground to staff members, student groups, community organizations, and owner meetings.
Facilitates annual Round Up For Good election and maintains communications with featured organizations throughout the year.
Handles donation requests from community organizations.
Writes, develops, and updates ongoing content and copy writing for co-op website, and ensures timely updates.
Coordinates with Marketing Manager to update website with timely information for our customers.
Works with department managers to develop content for their specific website pages.
Updates website with timely information for our customers including our events calendar, recipes, and announcements.
Creates content for monthly store newsletter, including write-ups on store events and updates, original editorials on food issues, and infographics or other graphical content.
Creates content for Email marketing and social media.
Coordinates, schedules, and executes community events and fundraisers throughout the year both at the store and in the community.
Collaborates with other departments and the Board of Directors to coordinate community events.
Assists in the planning, promoting, ordering, organizing, and facilitation of cooking classes.
Creates annual Promotional Plan with Marketing Manager.
Creates new in-store promotions in coordination with Marketing Manager, Department Managers, and Admin team.
Creates weekly sales flyer.
Plans and facilitates Owner Appreciation Days sales & events in coordination with department managers and creates OAD sales flyers and signage.
Creates in-store signage, digital graphics, and special department signage when requested.
Plans monthly promotional photoshoots, takes photos of products and recipes, and edits photography.
Tracks promotions, product inventory, and customer information.
Understands and adheres to store emergency and safety procedures.
Understands employee safety measures for food handling and preparation.
Uses the most functional and efficient methods that meet all local and federal health codes.
Observes good ergonomic practices.
Uses equipment safely.
Ensures department work areas and aisles are clean and orderly and meets all Health Department and ADA requirements.