Director of Operations

The Newton Food Pantry seeks a full-time Director of Operations to help support the continued growth of the organization. This a new position.

The Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective management of day-to-day operations and the expansion of client services and distribution models. The Director of Operations will work closely with the Executive Director to help shape the organization’s growth and sustainability, enhance its impact throughout the community, and engage key stakeholders. The Director of Operations directly supervises the full-time Pantry Manager and full-time Volunteer/Client Services Manager and will continuously strengthen the Newton Food Pantry’s culture of collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity.

About Us

The Newton Food Pantry, a 501c3 nonprofit, works to alleviate food insecurity in Newton by providing free supplemental food assistance and personal care products to community members in need, serving them with dignity, compassion, and respect.

The Newton Food Pantry supports more than 2,500 Newton residents through its main pantry and home deliveries. The Newton Food Pantry also operates the Newton Community freedge, a 24/7 publicly accessible refrigerator and dry pantry, and supports dry pantries at both Lasell University and William James College in Newton.

Founded in 1983, the Newton Food Pantry is a “choice pantry” through which residents can select for themselves the fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods they need and want. Clients can shop in the pantry any 2 weeks per month and receive a 5- to 6-day supply of food and personal-care products (e.g., baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, etc.) per visit, free of charge.

The organization is led by a staff of 3 1⁄2 and is powered each week by more than 120 volunteers who help support pantry operations and client services. Approximately 60% of our clients speak a language other than English at home.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the operations team to ensure smooth and efficient food/personal-care item distribution services throughout the choice-shopping pantry, as well as the Newton Food Pantry’s 3 off-site initiatives.
• Help develop, operationalize, and implement strategic plans to expand client services, including additional days and hours of service, diversifying modes of food distribution, and enhancing client engagement.
• Lead in the development, monitoring and evaluation of operational performance metrics and systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the Pantry Manager and Volunteer/Client Services Manager to improve workflows, logistics, and customer service.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Directly supervise the Pantry Manager and Volunteer/Client Services Manager, providing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee and support home-delivery services, the Pantry’s client services database (including running and distributing weekly pantry service reports), and coordinate communications to clients and volunteers about changes/updates to the pantry’s operations.
• Foster a team-oriented environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ensure that staffing and volunteer needs are met to support current and expanded services.
• Support pantry operations as needed during client service hours. Currently, they are Wednesdays from 12-7 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Support for Executive Director

• Assist with external communications, including public relations, donor engagement, and community partnerships.
• Contribute to the development and execution of revenue strategies, including fundraising campaigns and corporate partnerships.
• Represent the organization at community events and meetings as needed.

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Work with the Executive Director to develop and manage the operations budget.
• Work with the Pantry Manager to identify and address operational challenges and opportunities, including facility needs.
• Support the Pantry Manager in optimizing food procurement and inventory management, with a focus on sustainable client service growth.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including food safety standards and nonprofit best practices.
• Regularly review and update organizational policies and procedures to maintain operational excellence.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered in place of a degree (e.g., at least 10 years of relevant work experience in operations management, database management, and nonprofit operations).
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities. Proficiency in a language in addition to English (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Russian) is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Pantry staff and volunteers.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.