Program Director

Food for Thought is a Toledo-based and Toledo-focused nonprofit organization that is dedicated to feeding and nourishing our community.  We are committed to feeding the Toledo area in a thoughtful way, and envision a Toledo region where the hunger for food, respect and belonging is met for all people.  We serve through our PB&J program, providing sack lunches to those in need every Saturday morning.  Additionally, we serve through our mobile food pantries, which carry both shelf stable and fresh food choices to those experiencing food insecurity.  We have multiple pantry sites, and target areas where people do not have ready access to a pantry in that neighborhood.

The Program Director will oversee the PB&J and mobile food pantry programs, take the lead on social media, and also be responsible for recruiting and coordinating volunteers, who are the backbone of our organization.  This is a full-time, exempt position and reports to the Executive Director of the organization. This position works closely with our pantry partners, volunteers, community representatives and our patrons.  The incumbent represents Food For Thought throughout our community and is expected to demonstrate strong professional and social skills in a variety of environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

I. Volunteer Management

  1. Ensure all organizational volunteer needs are met and scheduled as needed.
  2. Recruit, train, retain, and acknowledge volunteers.
  3. Orient volunteers to organization and ensure all leads are appropriately trained.      (hold semi-annual volunteer training).
  4. Provide consistent communication about volunteer opportunities to community groups, schools, special needs communities, etc.
  5. Supervise volunteers and capture feedback to shape the volunteer program. 

II. FFT Programs

  • Mobile Pantries       
  1. Coordinate pantry operations with pantry host-site lead to ensure exceptional pantry service for all host sites and patrons.
  2. Assist in the operation and attend, when needed, FFT food pantries.
  3. Work closely with the Executive Director to create a health education component for the pantry patrons. 
  4. Assist Warehouse Manager in maintaining an inventory spreadsheet of shelf stable items. 
  5. Ensure each pantry location has adequate volunteers.
  6. Capture volunteer contact information to pass along to office admin for database entry.
  7. Work with Warehouse Manager to ensure needed food items are available through purchase and/or sourcing for all pantries.  
  • PB&J 
  1. Maintain inventory for Friday night PB&J lunch packing.
  2. Ensure supplies for Friday night and Saturday morning delivery are maintained.

III. Communications

  1. Lead in the development and execution of all donor collateral material, annual report, website, and social media communications. 
  2. Ensure website and relevant social media pages are kept up to date, and aligned with the social media plan in place for FFT.
  3. Ensure FFT is a visible and respected presence in the community.
  4. At the direction of the Executive Director, assist in developing new relationships with individuals, faith-based partners and businesses to widen our fundraising base and volunteer network. 
  5. Represent FFT in a positive manner at community activities to enhance organization’s community profile. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Strong marketing, programming, and public relations experience with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage time efficiently while working on several projects simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Capability to motivate volunteers and cultivate/enhance community partnerships.
  • Ability to work independently, think creatively, solve problems collaboratively, and show good judgement in decision making.
  • Working knowledge of hunger and food equity issues as well as local social services and resources, a plus.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or equivalent workplace experience.

For more information about Food for Thought, please visit www.feedtoledo.org.  Interested parties should forward a resume and any inquires by September 30, 2020 to [email protected]

Food for thought is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.