Project Manager - Healthy Food Financing Initiative

THE FOOD TRUST • Philadelphia, PA

40d • $55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policymakers across the country to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all. Backed by three decades of research and evaluation, our holistic, community-centered approach to nutrition security weaves together three core programming elements — access, affordability and education — as well as a focus on advocating for public policy solutions. You will help lead state-funded Healthy Food Financing Initiative programs that support small food retailers and expand healthy food access across Pennsylvania. This includes reviewing applications, coordinating program cycles, building relationships in communities, and helping ensure our work is thoughtful, compliant, and effective.

Requirements

• A strong interest in food access and community-based economic development, paired with critical thinking, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset.
• You’re someone who takes ownership, navigates complexity thoughtfully, and looks for ways to improve systems and outcomes.
• A genuine interest in strengthening food access, small business ecosystems, and community-based economic development.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate nuance, complexity, and changing priorities.
• Curiosity and a desire to improve systems rather than simply maintain them.
• A collaborative mindset and comfort working in a team that values open dialogue, shared problem-solving, and continuous learning.
• Minimum Education: BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in public health, urban planning, community and/or economic development, sustainable food systems, business, public administration, social sciences, or other related field of study.
• Minimum Experience: The ideal candidate will have at least four years of relevant work experience OR a BA/BS in food systems, public health, community development, small business finance, economics or relevant field(s) AND at least three years of professional, work, or lived experience directly in one or more of the following areas: community and economic development, food systems development, rural development, small business support and/or technical assistance, outreach and network stewardship, development project evaluation, funding management and/or underwriting, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support key components of state-funded Healthy Food Financing Initiative programs, including application review, outreach, operations, compliance, and reporting.
• Conduct application evaluations and prepare written assessments that inform funding decisions.
• Coordinate application cycles by updating RFAs, managing digital application platforms, and ensuring launch readiness.
• Build relationships with small food retailers, entrepreneurs, community partners, and public-sector stakeholders across Pennsylvania.
• Represent The Food Trust at meetings, site visits, and community events.
• Support data quality, KPI tracking, and funder reporting requirements.
• Draft applicant-facing communications, case studies, reports, and other program materials.
• Collaborate across departments and contribute to strategic planning, program design, and grant development efforts.
• Help strengthen and improve internal systems, workflows, and program delivery processes.

Benefits

• You’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values initiative and continuous improvement, with real opportunities to influence strategy and see your work make visible impact in communities.
• You’ll be part of a collaborative, thoughtful team that values initiative, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and shape how programs evolve over time.
• You’ll gain cross-functional experience spanning outreach, evaluation, operations, and compliance within a nationally recognized nonprofit organization.
• Your work will have visible, community-level impact.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level