Director, Food & Nutrition

Lifelong Health For All; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous vacation (3 weeks your first year)

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance options

Long-term disability

Mass transit subsidy

15 paid holidays per year

Job summary

Lifelong Health For All is seeking a Director, Food & Nutrition in Seattle, WA, to lead the Chicken Soup Brigade, providing medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling. This role involves overseeing program strategy, operational excellence, financial management, and staff leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree, 5–8 years in related services, and strong leadership skills. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare, generous vacation, 401(k) match, and more.

Qualifications

• Proficient in managing complex, service-oriented programs.
• Ability to motivate and retain staff effectively.
• Skilled in prioritizing and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solutions-oriented approach applying critical thinking.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Anticipates trends and adapts strategies dynamically.
• Commitment to serving diverse communities with respect.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and evolution of program strategy.
• Oversee operations ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Manage budgeting and financial responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Support and develop a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Program & Operations Management

People Management

Organizational Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Strategic Agility

Equity & Inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

5–8 years of experience in food and nutrition services

3–5 years of experience supervising staff

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data systems

Job description

Position Overview

Director, Food & Nutrition leads Lifelong’s Chicken Soup Brigade (CSB), a flagship food and nutrition program that delivers medically tailored meals, culturally relevant groceries, and nutritional counseling to community members facing illness and injustice. The role provides strategic and operational leadership, translating organizational priorities into actionable strategies, high‑quality services, and measurable impact.

Essential Duties

• Strategic Leadership & Program Direction – Lead the implementation and evolution of program strategy, align with organizational priorities, translate strategy into measurable program priorities, outcomes, and growth opportunities; identify revenue‑generating opportunities; contribute to organizational planning as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Operational & Programmatic Excellence – Provide leadership and oversight of operations, ensuring consistent, high‑quality, client‑centered service delivery; establish and maintain high standards for safety and compliance; develop and monitor KPIs to track quality, efficiency, cost, and impact; improve systems, workflows, and procurement practices to increase operational efficiency and consistency.
• Financial Leadership & Sustainability – Partner with Finance and Development on program budgeting and financial management, support cost control, resource optimization, and revenue diversification; oversee contracts and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Program Development, Partnerships, & External Engagement – Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic partnerships; lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of program goals, metrics, and outcomes aligned with Food is Medicine principles; partner with staff to ensure services are evidence‑based, culturally responsive, and tailored to client needs; represent the agency externally through coalitions, partnerships, events, and media opportunities.
• People Leadership & Organizational Culture – Lead, develop, and support a multidisciplinary team; foster a culture of accountability, equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement; oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management practices; support staff through change while fostering a positive, inclusive work environment.

Core Competencies

• Program & Operations Management – Ability to effectively manage complex, service‑oriented programs with attention to detail and quality.
• People Management – Strong management skills with the ability to develop, motivate, and retain staff.
• Organizational Skills – Ability to prioritize, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Communication – Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem Solving – Practical, solutions‑oriented approach applying critical thinking and data.
• Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and builds positive working relationships.
• Strategic Agility – Ability to anticipate trends, navigate ambiguity, and adapt strategies in a dynamic environment.
• Equity & Inclusion – Commitment to serving diverse communities with respect and cultural humility.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or a combination of related education and work experience.
• 5–8 years of experience in food and nutrition services, human services, or a related field.
• At least 3–5 years of experience supervising staff and/or managing programs.
• Experience overseeing operations such as food production, distribution, or client services preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of community‑based services, health disparities, and social determinants of health.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous vacation (3 weeks your first year), sick leave, and 2 personal days a year.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance options.
• Long‑term disability.
• Mass transit subsidy.
• 15 paid holidays per year.

Work Environment

• Requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching; can lift up to 20 pounds.
• Work may be performed in office, kitchen, or warehouse settings, and may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions or loud noises.
• May involve occasional attendance at events or activities outside of normal business hours.

EEO Statement

Lifelong is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, age, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment that recognizes diversity and cultural competence.