The Manager of Government Programs for Older Adults is responsible for ensuring approximately 200 partners across Cook County are equipped with the education, training and resources needed to successfully operate in service and in solidarity with the community. As the Food Depository navigates an unprecedented demand for food (+50%), there has been an increase in demand from organizations looking to provide food access points and we have been working to meet that need. The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing programs across sites serving older adults. The Manager leads a team responsible for establishing partner relationships, developing training, and updating materials that meet the needs of older adults and consistently representing the mission and vision of the Food Depository. The Manager of OA is responsible for program oversight, reporting, evaluation, budget management and ongoing strategic development. In addition, the Manager supports relationships with local and national collaboratives and other large system partners to develop and coordinate support and resources to the communities we serve.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Oversee staff providing day to day administrative coordination of government programs to ensure program partners are operating in accordance with the organization’s food service standards and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines where applicable
•Work across teams to support the planning, development, and implementation of programming to promote health and nutrition in Cook County, specifically targeting older adults
• Develop tools to track and document processes for all partner sites
• Manage budgets with support from other teams
Work with Partner Services & Training team to develop a training plan, reference library, and policies & procedures manual for partners that aligns with USDA and Food Depository guidelines and protocols
•Create program materials and marketing collateral for internal and external audiences.
• Alongside Director of Government Programs, develop plan to increase awareness of SNAP at older adult partner sites.
• Optimize and accelerate the adoption of Link2Feed as the client intake tool where applicable
• Train staff in effective techniques for new partner orientations and relationship building
• Develop dynamic new reporting and dashboards to analyze impact
• Collaborate with community partners and internal Food Depository programs to develop strategies and resources that advance shared goals, food security and health/nutrition improvement.
• Develop and administer evaluation tools in coordination with the research and evaluation department.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance and other resources to organizations
• Develop in-depth knowledge of programs serving older adults at the Food Depository and across Cook County and stay up to date on the latest developments including researching best practices and new innovations.
• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Assist with the development and execution of new program innovations
• Represent the Food Depository at various community groups and meetings.
• Assist with community events as needed (health fairs, program partner presentations, etc.)
• Assist with department or agency wide events, as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• At least 5 years of experience in relationship management, project management, program implementation, and/or community health,
• Ability to lead and direct work of individuals and teams in collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Solid foundation in food access needs for older adults and/or other high-risk populations
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and implement solutions.
• Ability to take directions, deal with ambiguity and adapt to changing environments.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and assess follow-up. Excellent project management and organizational capabilities.
• Aptitude for building relationships across internal and external stakeholder groups
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Proficient in MS Office suite Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to balance short and long term priorities and strategy.
Exposure
•Normal office environment with some exposure to warehouse environment
•Some evening and weekend work may be required, depending on program partner schedules
•Occasional out of office meetings and events
•Some travel throughout Cook County may be required
•Interacts with Food Depository staff; partners; governmental agencies; volunteers; funders and general public.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, believes a healthy community starts with food. We are at the center of a network of more than 700 partner organizations and programs – food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile distributions, and other partners – working to bring food, dignity, and hope to our neighbors across Chicago and Cook County. The Food Depository addresses the root causes of hunger with job training, advocacy, and other innovative solutions.