Program Associate – Nourish ME Nutrition Educator (HCCA)

mcdglobalhealth; Hallowell (ME); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

mcdglobalhealth is seeking a Program Associate – Nourish ME Nutrition Educator located in Hallowell, Maine. This hybrid remote role includes delivering evidence-based nutrition education and implementing Food Is Medicine strategies in collaboration with various health partners.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a health-related field and experience in non-profit settings. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups are essential. Comprehensive benefits are offered, including eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Qualifications

• Experience in a non-profit setting preferred.
• Valid Maine driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based nutrition education curricula.
• Implement Food Is Medicine public health approaches.
• Engage with existing partnerships.
• Increase awareness of RHTP nutrition services.
• Coordinate with healthcare organization partners.
• Ensure program delivery adapts to community needs.
• Support nutrition education infrastructure development.

Skills

Collaboration with diverse partners

Presentation and facilitation skills

Independent work

Professional communication

Data-driven project management

Flexibility to adapt

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Program Associate – Nourish ME Nutrition Educator

Grade Level: 3

Anticipated Salary: $52,000 - $56,000

Reporting Relationship: Executive Director, with oversight from the Nourish ME Senior Program Associate

Location and Work Environment

This hybrid remote position is based at HCCA's office located at 105 Second Street, Suite 2B, Hallowell, Maine and serves communities throughout southern Kennebec County. Regular travel to community organizations, healthcare facilities, schools, and partner sites is required. Occasional overnight travel statewide (approximately 1–2 times per year) may be required for trainings, conferences, meetings, and professional development activities. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based nutrition education curricula aligned with the RHTP Nourish ME goals related to chronic disease prevention and management.
• Implement evidence-based Food Is Medicine public health approaches (e.g. medically tailored groceries, food pharmacies/pantries, F&V Rx, farmers’ market vouchers, gleaning, clinical referrals, and school-based health strategies) aligned with RHTP Nourish ME goals related to chronic disease prevention and management.
• Engage with new and existing partnerships with community and clinical sites for implementation of sustainable FIM strategies.
• Engage in outreach efforts to increase awareness of and participation in RHTP nutrition education services.
• Coordinate with healthcare organization partners (e.g. hospitals, primary care practices, school-based health centers, and FQHCs) to support referral and enrollment into nutrition education programs.
• Ensure program delivery maintains fidelity to evidence-based models while adapting appropriately to local community needs.
• Support the development of sustainable nutrition education infrastructure across community and healthcare settings.
• Participate in training, meetings, and appropriate professional development opportunities both in‑person and online.
• Ensure program implementation follows guidance as set by UNE and fulfill reporting and evaluation processes as set by CMS, Maine DHHS, and UNE.
• Utilize written and electronic media for a variety of community awareness strategies, including promoting mass media campaigns issued by the state.
• Provide technical assistance to community partners to develop model chronic disease prevention policies that support healthy environments, and that align with state laws.
• Provide presentations and training (in person and virtually) to relevant partners and interest holders on evidence-based best practice strategies for chronic disease prevention.
• Serve as a spokesperson for nutrition education and chronic disease prevention, and for HCCA.
• Work closely with HCCA Nourish ME Senior Program Associate and Finance Manager to assure project activity meets budgetary expectations.
• Promote positive relationships between and among HCCA and all potential collaborating partners, including schools, youth-serving organizations, healthcare facilities, age‑friendly community groups, workplaces, behavioral health facilities, etc., and offering support to develop comprehensive chronic disease prevention policies, and finding opportunities to network and establish new relationships to expand or enhance HCCA’s Nourish ME program.
• Be a member of HCCA’s team of public health professionals working collaboratively to implement primary prevention programming and support the organization’s broad public health goals.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a health‑related field is required; however, equivalent related work experience may be considered. Experience working in a non‑profit setting and with grant‑funded projects is a plus.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse project partners, consumers, community partners, and providers of health and behavioral health care.
• Comfort and ability to present to and facilitate diverse audiences, including youth and older adults.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and skill in the management of data‑driven projects.
• Ability to monitor and provide oversight of external local partners’ progress toward deliverables.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, implement, and manage multiple activities at once.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing program needs.
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize a variety of information from many sources.
• Experience developing error‑free, audience‑specific communication materials and messages including flyers, brochures, booklets, social media, etc.
• Understanding of coalition‑building strategies.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based nutrition education and policy, systems, and environmental change strategies is a plus.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace.
• Valid Maine driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference given to Registered Dietitians, Public Health, and Nutrition professionals.
• Experience delivering evidence‑based nutrition education programs across the lifespan.
• Experience with community centered public health interventions such as Food is Medicine.
• Experience in developing policy, system, and environmental change strategies as public health interventions.

Benefits

• Eligible for MCD’s comprehensive benefits package.
• Position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).