Food Access Manager

The Food Access Manager (FAM) will support youth in leading efforts to increase equitable access to fresh, culturally relevant food for BIPOC and low-income youth in South Seattle and South King County. The Food Access Manager is responsible for managing emerging culturally responsive food access initiatives, as well as supporting our Youth Organizer program with daily coordination and delivery of food or catering to our partner schools/community events. The FAM will work in collaboration with youth, staff and community partners to advance/increase the distribution of food resources to address food insecurity while basebuilding for youth organizing. The FAM will also play a key role in activating youth to develop strategies and initiatives to address food insecurity, building knowledge of food/environmental justice through educational experiences, and advocating for systemic change in local and school food systems.

Program Management & Operations (40%)

• Establish a team of youth to co-develop culturally responsive food access initiatives that build knowledge of food justice and provide direct access to fresh, culturally relevant food.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of FEEST’s current and future food access initiatives, including but not limited to on-site catering, guest chef pop-up cooking events, mobile food distribution, in-school snack programs, and other food assistance initiatives.
• Ensure efficient food procurement, inventory management, and distribution, maintaining a high standard of food safety and quality.
• Develop and manage program schedules, coordinating youth, staff, and volunteers to meet community needs.
• Track and report on program metrics, including meal distribution data, community engagement, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with other FEEST staff and community organizations to ensure alignment and effectiveness of food access initiatives.
• Regularly evaluate the impact of food access programs and recommend improvements or adjustments to better serve the community.

Community Engagement & Partnerships (20%)

• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, food suppliers, local government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance food access efforts.
• Work closely with high school youth to identify food needs, understand barriers to access, and design solutions that are culturally relevant and accessible.
• Advocate for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to address food insecurity and promote food justice.
• Engage youth and community members in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of food access programs to ensure they reflect the needs and priorities of BIPOC and low-income youth
• Organize and participate in community events, outreach activities, and educational workshops to raise awareness about food access issues and available resources.

Staff, Student & Volunteer Facilitation (15%)

• Manage, train, and support food access staff, youth, and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
• Ensure staff, students, and volunteers adhere to food safety standards, policies, and best practices.
• Manage scheduling and workload to ensure program efficiency.
• Support coordination of professional development opportunities for team members.

Program Development & Strategy (10%)

• Develop and implement long-term strategies to improve food access in the community, in collaboration with FEEST staff, student organizers, and community members.
• Identify new opportunities for food access programs, including innovative models for food distribution, community partnerships, and grant funding opportunities.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase community participation in food programs, focusing on BIPOC and low-income youth.

Administrative & Team Collaboration (15%)

• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to food access programs, including inventory, participant data, receipts and financial reports.
• Collaborate on preparation of regular reports to funders, board members, and other stakeholders on program performance and outcomes.
• Assist with budgeting, and fundraising efforts to support food access initiatives.
• General team collaboration, task management, and time off.

Required Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to food justice, racial justice, health equity, and community empowerment.
• At least 2 years of experience in food access, food systems, community organizing, or a related field.
• Proven experience in managing programs or projects, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse community members, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Certification in food safety or relevant training and maintenance of best practices in food distribution and handling.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and basic data management tools.
• Access to a vehicle is required. Our current program sites are far-reaching across White Center, South Seattle, Rainier Beach and Sea-Tac.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth, in school systems, or in South Seattle/South King County.
• Experience working with youth-led groups or organizations and/or taking leadership from youth.
• Experience working in BIPOC, low-income, immigrant, refugee communities.
• Training and/or experience in trauma informed care.
• Creative facilitation style reflective of a sense of humor and playfulness.
• Familiarity with local food systems, food justice movements, and related policy issues.

Additional Information

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is currently a partially remote-work position but candidates should be prepared to work in the office and on campus at Franklin, Chief Sealth, Rainier Beach, Tyee, and Evergreen High Schools.
• We follow COVID-19 guidelines provided by our school partners and funders in our current contracts, which requires all staff to present documentation confirming they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption.