Job Summary

Under immediate supervision, the Food Access Coordinator will be responsible for leading and managing programs aimed at increasing food access, improving food security, and promoting nutrition education in the community. In collaboration with leadership, this position involves strategic planning, collaboration with community partners, and overseeing day-to-day operations of food distribution programs. The Coordinator works directly with the Howard County Food Access Alliance. In this role, you will play a critical role in developing and coordinating initiatives that address both immediate food needs and long-term systemic change as well as work to increase awareness of food insecurity and support for food options at the county level. 

What You'll Be Doing:

• Convening and facilitating meetings of the Howard County Food Access Alliance, including developing agendas, preparing content, and presenting updates or information relevant to Alliance goals and strategies 
• Aligning coalition efforts with the Howard County Food Access Action Plan
• Developing and managing timelines, work plans, and deliverables
• Supporting working groups and subcommittees in setting and achieving goals
• Facilitating cross-sector collaboration among partners
• Ensuring accountability through regular communication and status updates
• Identifying gaps and opportunities for increased impact
• Coordinating integration of equity frameworks across all initiatives
• Leading implementation efforts based on the Howard County Food Access Action Plan and related equity frameworks, including ongoing assessment, maintenance, and updates to ensure continued  alignment with community needs and goals
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and food system stakeholders
• Monitoring the progress of the Howard County Food Access Action Plan and related initiatives by collecting and analyzing data aligned with evidence-based and research-informed practices
• Sharing findings and reporting on key outcomes to support transparency, inform stakeholders, and guide continuous improvement
• Collecting and analyzing data on food systems and security including customer habits and program effectiveness
• Preparing reports and presentations to communicate program outcomes and impact to stakeholders and the public
• Developing, updating, and delivering public education programs related to food and nutrition, ensuring content is research-based, culturally relevant, and accessible
• Implementing these programs and monitoring their success and impact
• Supporting future grant development and help identify future funding sources to ensure sustainability of the work
• Assisting in grant writing, fundraising, and budget management to sustain and expand Food Systems initiatives
• Staying informed about relevant local, state, and federal food systems policies, regulations, and funding opportunities

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, transportation management, public health, education, or a related field 
• Knowledge of principles and best practices related to sustainable food systems, equitable food access, community nutrition, and policies addressing food insecurity
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and with others in a team with minimum supervision, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers
• Capable of managing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools
• Access to reliable transportation for travel to schools and community sites. Possession of a valid Indiana Driver’s License and demonstrated safe driving record
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for events and meetings as needed
• Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons
• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements
• Ability to regularly work extended hours, occasionally work weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for meetings and training, sometimes overnight
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply department policies and procedures, and applicable Purdue University guidelines
• Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct

Nice to Have:

• Experience working with community organizations or government agencies on food access, social services, or health initiatives
• Experience working with low resourced, minoritized, and marginalized populations

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This is a grant funded position through June 2027.
  
• This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move up to 50 pounds frequently, and to carry out duties in different environments which may include, cold, hot, dust, and weather.
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A valid driver’s license is required for all Extension Educator positions
• A background check and MVR check is required for employment in this position
• Travel using personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided) and evening and weekend work is an integral part of this position
• Please attach the names and email addresses of at least three (3) references. As the application review process moves forward, an e-Reference form may be sent to the references for completion
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period