Position Title: Project Coordinator
Supported by: Director of Strategic Partnerships and Programs
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt-Full Time
Our Story
Food Bank for the Heartland has connected our communities with food, resources, and hope since 1981. The fight against hunger is our ongoing, collaborative effort. We work with individuals, organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, grocery stores, the USDA, and Feeding America to procure food and purchase food to supplement donations. Through the collective power of our leadership, employees, partners, volunteers, and donors, we can reach more communities, serve more people, and address food insecurity more directly and effectively. As new needs arise, we are ready.
Our Philosophy
Every service we provide, program we offer, and decision we make is rooted in our core Mission, Vision, and Values.
In Short
The Project Coordinator for the Community Impact Network Relations team is the connector, communicator, and catalyst that ensures partnerships and programs run seamlessly. This role bridges agency partners, internal teams, and community stakeholders, turning complex information and organizational priorities into clear communication, coordinated action, and meaningful outcomes. Focused on coordination, communication, training, and continuous improvement, the Project Coordinator supports the systems, processes, and relationships that allow the Network Relations team to thrive. This position helps ensure agency partners and internal teams have the tools, resources, knowledge, and communication they need to implement programs effectively, navigate processes, and expand access to nutritious food.
The Project Coordinator also serves as a key information translator and facilitator, synthesizing complex policies, procedures, data, and program requirements into clear, accessible information. Through presentations, training, facilitation, and educational resources, this role helps diverse audiences understand not only what needs to be done, but how and why it matters.
Your Mission
- Champion Coordination & Alignment
- Support the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Programs in coordinating agency relations projects, initiatives, and strategic priorities.
- Coordinate project timelines, deliverables, milestones, and follow-up activities to ensure work progresses clearly and with accountability.
- Serve as a central communication hub, coordinating project updates, deadlines, and progress among agency partners, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), internal teams, and leadership.
- Maintain project tracking systems and documentation to ensure priorities, responsibilities, and next steps are clearly communicated and monitored.
- Elevate Agency Relations & Partnership Support
- Support agency partner onboarding, communication, training, and ongoing relationship management.
- Serve as a resource to agency partners and CSRs by helping clarify processes, procedures, program requirements, and available resources.
- Train and coach CSRs on agency projects, processes, programs, and systems to build confidence and consistency in partner support.
- Coordinate site visits, training sessions, CSR learning opportunities, agency meetings, and special events, ensuring effective logistics and meaningful outcomes.
- Gather, organize, and share resources, tools, and best practices that strengthen agency capacity, CSR effectiveness, and community connections.
- Serve as a connector between internal departments and external agencies to promote collaboration, alignment, and shared success.
- Translate Information & Communicate Impact
- Synthesize complex program information, policies, procedures, data, and technical content into clear and accessible information for diverse audiences.
- Develop and deliver engaging training, presentations, and learning opportunities for agency partners, CSRs, and internal teams.
- Facilitate discussions, respond to real-time questions, and adapt training and communication approaches to meet different audiences' needs.
- Develop educational resources and microlearning materials that make complex processes and information easier to understand and apply.
- Create and maintain project documentation, dashboards, reports, and other tools that communicate project progress, outcomes, and impact.
- Support the development of compelling stories, presentations, and updates that demonstrate the impact of agency partnerships and programs.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, communication, and workflows that enhance efficiency and the agency partner experience.
- Gather feedback, data, and insights from agency partners and internal teams to identify needs and opportunities for improvement.
- Recommend and implement process improvements that strengthen consistency, efficiency, and service delivery.
- Contribute to the design, testing, implementation, and evaluation of new programs and initiatives that expand access to nutritious food and community resources.
- Help translate lessons learned and feedback into improved strategies, training, processes, and program implementation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Commitment to Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission and values.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in high-level stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools; comfortable learning new systems and technology.
- Experience or ability to work with tools such as Monday.com, Power BI, NetSuite, Excel, and Power Automate.
- Detail-oriented, solutions-driven, and proactive in problem-solving.
- Ability to foster trust, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders.
- Inclusive, welcoming, and influential.
- Demonstrated relationship-building skills.
- Professional dress and demeanor.
Your Story
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
- 2 years of experience in project coordination, agency relations, or community-focused work.
- Nonprofit, food banking, or community partnership experience is a strong plus.
- Lived experience with the impacts of systemic racism or marginalization is valued.
- A combination of relevant education, certification, and extensive professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
About The Team
Everyone at Food Bank for the Heartland, from our administrative staff and warehouse employees to our team members working in partnerships in the various community locations, shares a common vision: to help eliminate hunger in our service area, one initiative, program, and thoughtful decision at a time. Our culture is committed to welcoming you to our table, supporting your passion and drive, and focusing on diversity, growth, and community involvement.
The Network Relations team is a big heart of our mission, working hand-in-hand with agencies and partners to expand access to nutritious food and address the root causes of hunger. By cultivating strong relationships, driving innovation, and ensuring excellence in program delivery, our team helps build thriving communities across our service area.
When you join the Community Impact team, you’re joining a culture of collaboration, growth, and purpose-driven work. We empower one another, celebrate diversity, and believe the lasting change comes from working together.
We provide an environment to help you succeed
Food Bank for the Heartland is an equal-opportunity employer, and we’re excited to work with talented and empathetic people of all identities. As required by law and in line with our commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity, FBFH does not discriminate based on someone’s identity in any aspect of hiring or employment. Our code of conduct provides a beacon for the kind of company we strive to be, and we celebrate our differences. FBFH will consider all qualified applicants.
FBFH is committed to inclusion. As part of this commitment, FBFH welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will work to provide reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application or interview process, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Vice President of Human Resources, Amber Durr at adurr@foodbankheartland.org.
We support your well-being
We’re committed to caring for the people who make our mission possible. Our benefits are designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being—both on and off the job. Here's a look at what we offer:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to help you and your family stay well.
- Retirement Planning: A Simple IRA retirement plan with employer matching to help you plan for your future.
- Supplemental Benefits: Options for life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave to recharge and rest.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential resources to support your mental health, emotional well-being, financial counseling, and more.
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning opportunities, leadership development, and access to mission-aligned training to support your growth.
- A Purpose-Driven Culture: Be part of a passionate, values-led team working to make a lasting difference across our communities.