Vice President, Food and Benefits Access

United Way of New York City; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable nonprofit organization in New York City is seeking a Vice President for Food and Benefits Access to lead impactful initiatives ensuring equitable access to food and public benefits. The successful candidate will possess a Master's degree and over 10 years of leadership experience in food systems. This role involves building strategic partnerships and guiding major programs while promoting food justice across the city. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to driving significant change for every New Yorker.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in food systems, public health, or community nutrition.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-sector partnerships and government-funded programs.
• Strong team leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for UWNYC’s Food & Benefits Access portfolio.
• Build and sustain partnerships across government, philanthropy, academia, and community sectors.
• Manage major programs including EFSP, HPNAP, and Nourish NY.

Skills

Leadership in food systems

Strategic partnerships

Data-informed decision making

Equity-centered approaches

Communication skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Work, or related field

Job description

United Way of New York City is seeking a visionary and mission-driven Vice President, Food and Benefits Access to lead one of our most impactful program areas.

As a key member of the Community Impact leadership team, this VP will guide strategic initiatives that strengthen equitable access to food and public benefits across New York City — uniting community power with citywide possibility to help all New Yorkers thrive.

If you’re passionate about advancing food security, building innovative partnerships, and leading teams that drive measurable impact, we encourage you to apply.

#FoodAccess #PublicBenefits #UnitedWayNYC #SocialImpact #NonprofitJobs

Vice President, Food & Benefits Access

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $160,000 – $172,000 annually

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About United Way of New York City

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood.

As part of the global United Way network, we believe every New Yorker deserves to thrive where they live. Guided by our core values — Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance — we mobilize communities, drive systems change, and deliver measurable impact for the people who call this city home.

About Food & Benefits Access (FBA)

UWNYC’s Food and Benefits Access (FBA) strategy ensures that all New Yorkers have dignified access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food and the resources they need to build stability. In partnership with more than 500 community-based organizations, the FBA unit leads citywide initiatives like FeedNYC, Connect2Food, Nourish NY, and Food Support Connections. Together, we strengthen the emergency food network, increase SNAP enrollment, support eviction prevention, and advocate for system-level change that addresses the root causes of hunger.

The Opportunity

The Vice President, Food & Benefits Access will serve as a key architect and leader of UWNYC’s work to build a more equitable, resilient, and dignified food system for all New Yorkers. Reporting to the Senior Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, the VP will shape the strategic vision, partnerships, and program portfolio of UWNYC’s FBA initiatives — from emergency food response and nutrition access to policy and systems change.

This role is ideal for a strategic, mission-driven leader with deep knowledge of food systems, public health, and community-based approaches. The VP will guide a talented team, manage multi-million-dollar public and private grants, and represent UWNYC with city, state, and national partners as a thought leader in food and economic security.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for UWNYC’s Food & Benefits Access portfolio.
• Build and sustain partnerships across government, philanthropy, academia, and community sectors to advance equitable food access and system-level change.
• Lead the management of major programs, including EFSP, HPNAP, Nourish NY, Food Support Connections, and Connect2Food.
• Oversee FBA’s FeedNYC data system and leverage data to inform decisions, advocate for funding, and strengthen program performance.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Represent UWNYC as a public champion for food justice and advocate for policies that reduce food insecurity and poverty.

About You

You are a visionary and inclusive leader who thrives on turning strategy into action. You bring:

• A Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Work, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in food systems, public health, or community nutrition.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-sector partnerships and government-funded programs.
• Strong team leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and empower diverse teams.
• Deep understanding of equity-centered approaches, community engagement, and data-informed decision-making.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking skills.

Why Join Us

This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of the country’s most impactful food access initiatives — at a pivotal moment in shaping how our city supports every neighbor’s right to healthy, affordable food. At UWNYC, you will join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to driving lasting change for communities across the five boroughs.