Food Donations Specialist

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 40 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.
  For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Food Donations Specialist will cultivate and steward relationships with in-kind donors and prospects to strengthen connections and support the growing needs of the community and OFS’s expansion plans. The successful candidate will excel in relationship management and work closely with OFS staff to identify the right quality and quantity of food needed to support program services.

Essential Functions: 

• Cultivate and steward relationships with in-kind donors and prospects to maximize available local donations and minimize food waste.
• Manage logistics in food sourcing programs related to grocery retailers, branded manufacturers, 3rd party manufacturers, farming, and producer communities.
• Grow OFS’ gleaning efforts with local farms. This may include the supervision of a temporary employee.
• Work with outside partners to facilitate shipping.
• Provide professional, responsive, and appreciative customer service to food industry partners, donors, and team members.
• Collaborate with Agency Relations colleagues to work through logistical challenges between Community Food Partners and Grocery Store Partners.
• Manage food donation apps on behalf of OFS.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and/or Experience:

• Two years of experience in  Relationship management
• Development/fundraising, or project management
• Public speaking
• Business writing
• Researching

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to figure things out.
• Flexible and growth-based mindset and actively seek out opportunities to learn.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and without close supervision.
• Ability to project the mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Proficient computer skills with MS Office, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel required for meetings, events, and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend activities.
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HSA, HRA, and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

To Apply: Please submit your application and include your resume at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2454503/Operation-Food-Search-Inc/Food-Donation-Specialist

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.