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 40 million pounds of food each year to those in need through more than 700 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.

This position is responsible for increasing food distribution opportunities within assigned (Gladwin/Midland) region by preparing effective business strategies to increase food donations and food distribution, create new community partnerships, maintain positive relationships with current business/agency partners and ensure superior customer service to all internal team members and other stakeholders of the organization. All activities will support the organization’s mission, culture and strategic plan objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Create and maintain a positive work environment in alignment with the company core values.
• Conduct outreach and compliance activities within the 22-county service area of the Food Bank.
• Train and manage required certification/reporting processes of feeding partners that meet Feeding America standards
• 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.
• Monitor and report progress of outreach efforts
• 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.
• 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.
• Work effectively with stakeholders from diverse populations, revealing sensitivity, understanding and acceptance of others.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Participate in Agency Orientation and topical training 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.

 EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree with two years of work experience in an area of social services or related field or a combination of education and experience
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Food Safety Certification or the ability to certify

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 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 be familiar with assigned service area
• Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate corporate needs; some overtime and weekends will be required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Highly developed verbal, 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 close 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
• Sensitivity, tact, diplomacy and must honor confidentiality
• Must be able to travel within service area of Gladwin/Midland with occasional meetings in Flint, Michigan

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will carry out the job duties from a standard home 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.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer