Food Systems Program Associate
The Program Associate – Food Systems will:
- Lead HCCA food systems communications including creating and delivering materials to network members.
- Promote HCCA food systems events including but not limited to Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute, Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Summit, Maine Food Convergence, and more.
- Manage MFSN and MEFTI Squarespace website content and additional communications accounts (Canva, Survey Monkey, Constant Contact).
- Draft and distribute HCCA food systems communications materials including but not limited to social media posts, e-newsletters, sponsorship letters, press releases, and infographics.
- Publicize HCCA food systems network partners activities and events and support HCCA food systems fundraising and network development.
- Support HCCA communications including quarterly newsletter and Facebook posts; attend HCCA communications team meetings.
- Support event planning logistics for HCCA food systems events and trainings, including but not limited to coordinating registration, evaluation, volunteers, supplies, and presenters; focusing on farm and sea to school-related programming to facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among interest-holders.
- Work closely with Food Systems Coordinator and other key external partners to plan and implement the Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute, overseeing program development, logistics, participant recruitment, and evaluation to ensure successful implementation and impact.
- Support administration for HCCA food systems committee meetings and leadership meetings as needed, including scheduling, developing agendas, and coordinating meeting logistics.
- Coordinate and deliver trainings and workshops for food producers and school nutrition providers on FSTS principles, best practices, and resources to enhance local food procurement in school meals.
- Attend partner events to promote HCCA food systems including tabling at in-person or virtual convenings.
- Assist with MFSN, MEFTI, and HCCA administrative and organizational support as needed.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, educational institutions, government agencies, and local businesses to strengthen support for local food system initiatives and foster collaborative efforts.
- Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, collect data, and prepare reports to assess the effectiveness of activities and inform future program enhancements.
- Track and report activities and outcomes as required by various project funders accurately and on time.
- Participate in and support HCCA needs like organizational committees.
- Coordinate food systems programmatic work with other HCCA programs, maintaining connectivity across programs.
- Be a member of HCCA’s team of public health professionals, supporting the organization’s broad public health goals.
- Uphold and role model HCCA organizational mission, vision, and values.
MCD Global Health is a nonprofit global health organization recognized in the United States and around the world as a leader, innovator, and trusted partner. MCD partners with Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) to provide HR and employment services. HCCA is a nonprofit public health organization that partners with community members to improve the health and quality of life locally, throughout Kennebec County, the Central public health district, and across the state of Maine.
HCCA’s mission to convene and support people, organizations, and communities to collaborate on quality of life and public health issues supports the organization’s vision of happy, thriving, interconnected people, organizations, and communities who are empowered to improve their quality of life.
Knowledge, Qualifications, and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications or health related field (food systems, nutrition, public health, community health education) is required; A degree in another field along with equivalent experience will be considered.
- Strong communications skills, including writing, grammar, and editing, and ability to manage a variety of digital communication platforms
- Proven experience in project management, event coordination, and/or community outreach, preferably in the fields of food systems, education, and/or public health
- Strong interest in network building and organizational promotion and visibility
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to interact effectively with diverse constituents both remotely and in-person
- Excellent public speaking, presenting, writing, and organizational skills and comfort level in different professional formats: in person, phone, email, text, social media
- Creative thinker
- Ability to work independently and manage time with little direct supervision
- Willing to work within a team and engage all team members
- Diverse people skills relating to farm and food system professional environments
- Strong interpersonal and group problem solving skills
- Self-starter who enjoys new challenges
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload and deadlines
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced non-profit environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive and Google Apps, Zoom, Squarespace website management, Constant Contact or MailChimp, Facebook and/or other social media outlets, and marketing materials development using Canva or other design platform
- Experience managing and delivering communications content to a diverse audience
- Experience developing communication materials, including flyers, brochures, booklets, social media posts, short videos, etc. utilizing easy to read and culturally appropriate methods
- A valid Maine driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary.
- Flexibility to travel locally within the state of Maine and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
$23 - $25/hour and eligible for MCD's benefits package.
MCD Global Health is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. If you are unable to access our career website or need other accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
As a contractor, MCD Global Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. MCD Global Health takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply and receive consideration for open positions.
MCD has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. MCD also adheres to strict child-safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
MCD strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, contractors, and other representatives.
Submit cover letter and resumé at: https://mcdglobalhealth.recruitee.com/o/program-associate-food-systems-hcca
Deadline to apply is 09.02.24 or until suitable candidate is found.