Food Pantry Program Manager

Community; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

First Community Church | South Campus is seeking an organized, compassionate Program Manager to lead the Heart to Heart food pantry. You will oversee daily operations, support volunteers, and build community partnerships to help people access food and resources in a welcoming environment.

This full-time, exempt role combines pantry duties with volunteer leadership, program administration, fundraising, and community outreach, reporting to the Minister of Mission & Justice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build constructive relationships with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and priorities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar office software.
• Non-profit or pantry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage pantry operations and oversee daily activities.
• Coordinate food, toiletry, and supply ordering with volunteers and partners.
• Oversee donation scheduling, intake, pantry organization and weekly events.
• Develop procedures to ensure reliable, efficient service.
• Build relationships with clients and connect them with resources.
• Coordinate spaces and events with church ministries.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers, including leaders.
• Ensure adequate staffing for shifts and events.
• Manage online sign-ups and volunteer records.
• Train volunteers on policies, pantry procedures and compliance.
• Foster a safe, respectful environment and recognize volunteers.
• Manage pantry budget, income, and expenses; apply for grants.
• Respond to community inquiries about donations and events.
• Communicate with volunteers and donors via email/social media.
• Keep Minister of Mission & Justice informed about needs and issues.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Relationship building

Team player

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Heart to Heart Food Pantry Program Manager
First Community Church | South Campus
Full-time, salaried, exempt | 40 hours per week
Reports to the Minister of Mission & Justice

Who We Are

First Community Church is a forward-thinking part of the global Body of Christ, historically christened “the church of the infinite quest.” We are affiliated with The United Church of Christ and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denominations, two of our nation’s more progressive theological traditions. We welcome people from any spiritual tradition, or from no tradition at all, searching to become a more complete expression of Spirit in the world.

We are an Open and Aff… inclusive of persons of any nation, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political or philosophical outlook, or socio-economic status. We strive to follow the way of Jesus as our guide and model toward becoming more fully human; meanwhile, we “recognize other pathways to the Divine,” and are open to truth from any source, religious, scientific, or otherwise.

The Role

First Community Church seeks an organized, compassionate leader to manage its Heart to Heart food pantry. In this role, you will oversee daily operations, support volunteers, build community partnerships, and help people access food and other resources in a welcoming, respectful environment.

This position combines hands-on pantry work with volunteer leadership, program administration, fundraising, and community outreach.

What You Will Do

Manage pantry operations

• Coordinate food, toiletry, and supply ordering with the volunteer order coordinator and Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
• Oversee donation scheduling and intake, pantry organization, and weekly Pop-Up Pantry operations.
• Develop and improve procedures that support reliable, efficient service.
• Build supportive relationships with pantry clients and connect them with additional resources as needed.
• Coordinate shared spaces, projects, and events with other First Community Church ministries.

Lead and support volunteers

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers of all ages and abilities, including volunteer leaders responsible for specific areas of pantry operations.
• Ensure adequate staffing for pantry shifts and special events.
• Manage online sign-ups and maintain volunteer records, including training, waivers, and service hours.
• Train volunteers on church policies, pantry procedures, and compliance guidelines.
• Foster a safe, respectful environment and coordinate volunteer appreciation efforts.

Manage resources and communications

• Manage the pantry budget and monitor income and expenses.
• Apply for grants, coordinate fundraising, and seek financial and material donations.
• Respond to community inquiries about donations, food drives, and events.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers, donors, and community members through email and social media.
• Keep the Minister of Mission & Justice informed about operations, needs, and emerging issues.

Build community connections

• Strengthen relationships with church staff, members, ministry teams, and community partners.
• Promote opportunities to volunteer, donate, and organize food drives or collections.
• Coordinate presentations and pantry tours with ministry leadership.
• Represent Heart to Heart at relevant ministry meetings and events.

What You Will Bring

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build constructive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other office software.
• Flexibility when responding to changing needs and unexpected situations.
• Sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and respect for personal and professional boundaries.
• Previous food pantry or non-profit experience preferred.
• A commitment to supporting the mission, vision, and principles of First Community Church and Heart to Heart.

Work Environment

This is an active, hands-on role that includes office work, extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, repetitive tasks, and lifting and carrying food and supplies.

First Community Church is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.