JOB OPENING:

Food Access & Volunteer Coordinator

JOB CLASSIFICATION:
Part-Time, 20 hrs/week; year round

SUPERVISOR:
Food Access Program Manager

Nourishing the North Shore (NNS) is a small nonprofit organization based out of Newburyport, MA. Through partnerships with farmers, regional food pantries, and community members, NNS programming is working to grow and strengthen reliable channels for middle-and-low-income community members to access local produce. Our flagship program, VEGOUT, redistributes local produce to our emergency food access partners. Through VEGOUT we work within existing channels of food distribution, local farms and pantries, to increase access to local food for community members who may experience barriers to purchasing local food. We envision lasting social, economic, and environmental resiliency made possible by a robust and equitable food system in our region.

The Food Access & Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the successful operation of NNS’s VEGOUT program which typically runs from May through November with some year round programming.  Supporting the Program Manager to determine additional opportunities for increasing access to local food through the lens of equity and inclusion. The operation of VEGOUT includes frequent communication to pantries and farmers, pick up and delivery of produce, inventory management and quality control of donated/purchased produce, and detailed tracking and record keeping. Additionally the coordinator will support the manager in running the NNS mobile markets along with volunteers. Frequent communication with volunteers and participation in volunteer orientation and training activities.

In the “off-season,” the program coordinator will support the manager in completing program reviews, meet with food access leaders in the community to assess impact of collective work, and use this information to plan for the next season. Additionally, the Food Access Coordinator will take an active role in supporting fundraising efforts as well as other programming such as the seedling production for our annual Pay-What-Can Seedling Sale and attending fundraising events for the organization. Nourishing the North Shore is based in Newburyport MA, and has two out-post locations for food aggregation and distribution. (Iron Ox Farm, South Hamilton, MA & Seacoast Food Providers Hub Salisbury, MA)


Primary Responsibilities

Program Support: 75%
VEGOUT: 75%

  • Under the direction of the Program manager, assist in the pick-up and delivery of produce.

  • Support with hands-on pack out, deliveries, and distribution of produce to a wide range of program participants, including home delivery, bulk-orders to pantries/meal programs, and the set up/breakdown of our VEGOUT mobile market at scheduled locations.

  • Ensure high quality of produce, and follow safe handling practices and food safety regulations.

  • Keep detailed and accurate records of all incoming and outgoing distributed produce.

  • Support the manager in maintaining safe operation of the NNS van, being aware of any maintenance needs. Keep fuel records and receipts.

  • Document images and videos of the VEGOUT program operations on a weekly basis and upload to NNS Shared Drive.


Volunteer Program: 25%

  • Recruitment of volunteers

  • Coordinate and participant in volunteer orientations, training, and evaluations.

  • Communicate with volunteers throughout the season including providing support, answering questions, providing information for volunteers to feel welcomed, successful, and appreciated.

  • Post and manage sign ups volunteer schedule using Sign.com

  • Day of management of volunteers for VEGOUT programming and other programming needs such as Seedling Sale.

  • Conduct program evaluation throughout the year and develop recommendations for improvement.

  • Communicate any scheduling changes with manager and programming participants ei: inclement weather, cancellations, etc.


Additional Responsibilities:

  • Support the operation of weekly mobile markets (in season) and pop up markets through the “off” - season.

  • Participate in community outreach events throughout the year to promote NNS’s work.

  • Assist in the execution of the annual seedling sale including seeding and maintaining the health of the plants.

  • Partake in all staff meetings, certain board meetings and professional development opportunities as requested.

  • Support NNS staff in other programming, as needed.

  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Passionate about equitable access to healthy local food

  • Dependable and efficient with strong planning, organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Experience with or interest in small scale farming

  • Ability to execute tasks/procedures with precision and accuracy

  • Enjoys working with a small dedicated team

  • Able to adapt to change, perform multiple tasks, and work independently

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both individuals and teams.

  • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

  • Experience with physically demanding work, ability to safely lift and move 40-50 lbs repeatedly

  • Proficient with Google Workplace

  • Valid driver’s license, safe driving record and a reliable means of transportation to work.

Sick Time

All employees earn 1 hour of paid sick time for each 30 hours of hours worked for a maximum of 40 hours per year in accordance with Massachusetts law. Sick time will be accrued bi-weekly with payroll.

Retirement Savings Plan

All regular employees (not seasonal) are eligible to participate in the company retirement plan. After one year of service, employees are considered vested and eligible for up to a 6% match of employee contributions.

Interested candidates should submit the following items:

  1. Cover letter

  2. Resume

  3. Three references

We will send confirmation of receipt of your application.

Compensation: $24-27/per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer: Nourishing the North Shore is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values diversity in all forms. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission to expand access to fresh, local food for all members of our community.

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Giuliana Cappucci.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20 per week

Benefits: 401(k); Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newburyport, MA 01950

Please contact Giuliana Cappuci with any questions regarding the application process.