Outreach Coordinator - Thumb Region

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves as a common solicitor, storehouse and distributor of food on behalf of its Partner Agencies which are non-profit, charitable organizations serving those in need.

Today the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan provides over 25 million pounds of food each year to those in need through more than 415 partner agencies. Partner Agencies consist of local soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries who strive to feed the more than 300,000 people in eastern Michigan who are food insecure. The excellent relationships established within the Food Bank’s 22 county service area and throughout the state has allowed for numerous programs and initiatives to help fight hunger.

Conduct outreach and compliance activities within an assigned area of the 22 county service area of the Food Bank. This position is responsible for increasing opportunities within assigned region, primarily in St. Clair, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac Counties, and surrounding counties by preparing effective business strategies to increase food donations and food distribution, create new community partnerships, maintain positive relationships with current business/agency partners, train and manage required certification/reporting processes that meet Feeding America standards, monitor and report progress of outreach efforts, and work with other stakeholders to support the overall FBEM mission.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with Agency Relations, Children’s and Senior Nutrition/Feeding programs to identify appropriate partners and resources needed to reach strategic goals within assigned service area.
• Identify and be familiar with potential partners, networks and resources and develop county and regional relationships to increase food distribution to areas of need.
• Assist in the development of equitable food distribution plans while searching for greater efficiencies in food distribution.
• Advise agencies on building capacity for food distribution and more effective distribution models; provide ongoing assistance to agencies; and support agencies in the development of new/innovative programs.
• Assist with strategic planning as it relates to organization goals of efficient and equitable food distribution, including Meals per Person in Need and Foods to Encourage.
• Insure that all aspects of supply chain food safety and other compliance guidelines are followed.
• Maintain effective and appropriate communications with agency partners, and FBEM Staff.
• Conduct/ represent at community networking events, county and regional gatherings to promote hunger awareness and collaborative efforts which address the needs of the food insecure.
• Participate in Agency Orientation and topical trainings and workshops to promote hunger awareness, and achieve compliance with government / Feeding America regulations.
• Identify and engage in professional development activities to enhance skills needed for successful job performance.
• Perform all duties and maintain standards in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of proven work experience in an area of social services or related field or a combination of education and experience
• Food Safety Certification or the ability to certify
• Strong interpersonal skills, good time management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze comprehensive demographic data to support enhancement of feeding programs
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences and personalities
• Public Speaking proficiency, including presentation to both small and large groups
• Show initiative, flexibility and a passion for working in a team environment
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Must be familiar with assigned service area
• Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate corporate needs; some overtime and weekends will be required

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Highly developed oral, written and advanced computer skills
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office including Work, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work independently
• Ability to work in partnership with other staff members
• Must have attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills
• Outstanding phone and customer service skills that incorporate a cooperative and friendly attitude
• Genuine appreciation of FBEM’s mission and the ability to communicate it to others potential supporters with passion
• Sensitivity, tact, diplomacy and the ability to honor confidentiality

Working Conditions:

The employee will carry out the job duties from a standard office environment, and will be required to travel to site locations, such as agencies, retail stores, farms, and other food bank locations within assigned area.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, and sit for long periods. The employee will be required to travel within eastern Michigan, with the occasional out of state conference related to the operations of the food bank.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.