Network Engagement Specialist

Feeding America West Michigan; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Feeding America West Michigan seeks a Network Engagement Specialist to co-develop and execute initiatives that improve neighbor experiences and life quality across 40 counties. The role focuses on outreach to new partners and populations underserved by the charitable food system, with field work and travel required.

You will collaborate across departments, host listening sessions, present at conferences, and manage data to sustain program impact while expanding partnerships with community and

Qualifications

• Possess education or related experience demonstrating skills in community relations, partnership building, or nonprofit relations.
• Ability, experience, and willingness to work with diverse populations.
• Work or volunteer experience in the charitable food system.
• Experience in initiative or grant management and/or data analysis.
• Sound oral and written communication skills.
• Adept at constructing and executing public presentations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across all food bank departments to develop and execute initiatives that improve neighbor experiences and quality of life.
• Generate outreach to potential food bank partners and populations currently underserved by the charitable food system based on adequacy of service metrics.
• Host listening sessions and other interactions with the public.
• Prepare and present material at partner conferences.
• Organize and track data regarding food bank initiatives.
• Implement grant initiatives across the service area.
• Complete field work throughout the 40-county service area.
• Engage in network conversations with partners regarding services to the whole person.
• Support collaborative efforts with other basic needs organizations, government agencies, and interested community groups to act on planned initiatives.

Skills

Public speaking

Data analysis

Grant management

Partnership development

Job description

As a food bank, Feeding America West Michigan gathers and distributes food to relieve hunger and increase food security in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. This work aims to foster a community in which all neighbors are nourished and empowered within an equitable food system. By becoming a food banker, you can help make this vision a reality!The Network Engagement Specialist will co-develop and execute food bank initiatives to improve neighbor experiences and quality of life for Michiganders. A strong focus will be on generating outreach to new partners and populations currently underserved by the charitable food system. This position will collaborate across food bank departments to complete analysis activities and work to make the best initiatives permanent activities of the food bank. Strengthening external partnerships with neighbors, community partners, and agency partners is an integral part of the role. This is a hybrid position based out of our Kentwood, MI location. The role requires 2-3 days per week in the office, with the remaining days worked remotely. As this role places a large emphasis on field work with community partners and the public, travel will be required throughout the food bank's service area.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Collaborate across all food bank departments to develop and execute initiatives that improve neighbor experiences and quality of life.Generate outreach to potential food bank partners and populations currently underserved by the charitable food system based on adequacy of service metrics.Host listening sessions and other interactions with the public.Prepare and present material at partner conferences.Organize and track data regarding food bank initiatives.Implement grant initiatives across the service area.Complete field work throughout the 40-county service area.Engage in network conversations with partners regarding services to the whole person.Support collaborative efforts with other basic needs organizations, government agencies, and interested community groups to act on planned initiatives.Sustain food bank analysis activities including service area assessments, product sourcing plans, and operational response plans.Promote direct to agency food distribution in collaboration with retailers, the food bank council, and local agriculture suppliers.Further develop partnerships with affiliate food banks and redistribution organizations.Participate in network conversations with community partners, other food banks, the food bank council, and Feeding America national office.This list is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Maintain and adhere to the food bank’s Core Values as stated below.Possess education or related experience demonstrating skills in community relations, partnership building, or nonprofit relations.Ability, experience, and willingness to work with diverse populations.Work or volunteer experience in the charitable food system.Experience in initiative or grant management and/or data analysis.Self-motivated to meet individual and departmental objectives.Possess curiosity and ambition to ask questions and find answers.Sound oral and written communication skills.Adept at constructing and executing public presentations.Mindful of issues related to community and cultural needs.Skilled in collaboration on team projects.Proficiency in speaking languages in addition to English is preferred.You're encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. We welcome diverse perspectives and skillsets.BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEESAffordable family health and dental insurance after 30 days of employment403(b) retirement plan with employer matchingCompany-paid life insuranceShort-term and long-term disability insurance10 paid holidaysGenerous paid vacation and sick timeAnd more!MISSIONWe provide nourishment and hunger relief resources to our neighbors by amplifying the strength of communities through collaboration and advocacy.VISIONAll people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have equitable access to nourishing food.BELIEFWe believe that hunger is unacceptable and that our communities have the power to change lives.VALUESCollaboration: Everyone is on the same team, working together to end hunger.Excellence: We deliver innovative, effective, and efficient service at the highest quality.Integrity: Fostering a culture of trust through honesty and transparency.Dignity: Any neighbor seeking access to food will be treated with empathy, kindness, and respect.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYIt is the policy of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank to provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected genetic information, sexual orientation or any other legally protected category and to promote the full realization of that policy. FAWM will assure equal employment opportunities in all personnel actions and procedures including, but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits.EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTI have read this job description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein. I hereby accept the position of Network Engagement Specialist and agree to abide by the requirements set forth and will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. I understand that this job description does not create a contract of employment and Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank can modify any or all the terms and conditions listed in this job description at any time. I acknowledge that my employment is at-will and that my employment can be terminated with or without notice.