Agency Advocate

Description

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger. 

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow. 

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org. 

Position Summary:

The Agency Advocate will serve as a point of contact for Community Food Partner Agencies. This role focuses on strengthening these relationships and supporting their evolving needs. The successful candidate will excel in relationship management and work closely with agencies' staff and volunteers. This role facilitates the effective distribution of emergency food, supports partner compliance and capacity, and fosters strong collaborations across the organization and community.

Essential Functions:

Partnership Development

• Cultivate and steward positive partnerships with Community Food Partner Agencies to understand the varied needs of different communities.
• Collaborate with agencies and new partners to develop and execute thoughtful and innovative strategies that advance equitable access and enhance operational efficiencies across communities.
• Strengthens inter-agency partnerships through the coordination of referrals and service connections.
• Develops a high-functioning support system for program partners by delivering excellent customer service and prioritizing effective training.

On-Site Engagement

• Conduct regular in-person visits with agency staff and volunteers, both announced and unannounced, within the 25-county region OFS serves.
• Drive continuous improvement of agency practices to enhance client experience, increase capacity, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the food security network.
• Incorporate nutrition promotion and outreach into partner practices, including client choice models and incorporation of HER guidelines.

Compliance and Standards

• Counsel agencies on guidelines for grant funding, food safety, and other program requirements.
• Ensure partners complete monthly reports in a timely manner. Assist with data collection as needed.
• Train partners on utilization of the Primarius database and ensure ongoing use of this system.
• Maintain Primarius database and electronic records, ensuring accurate and complete data and service information.

Logistics Collaboration

• Collaborate and communicate with the Donor Relations team to coordinate agency assignment of retail store pick-ups and ensure problems are resolved swiftly.

Internal and External Resource

• Serve as a resource about agencies for internal and external audiences.
• Stay updated on industry trends and identify innovative approaches to service delivery and program efficiency.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, or a related field or equivalent professional experience. We value diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences.
• Experience in relationship management is an asset.
• Experience in the non-profit sector is preferred, particularly in similar community services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven experience in community outreach.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Ability to travel across a 25-county region.
• Knowledge of food safety and compliance standards is an asset.
• Proficiency in developing and executing community engagement strategies.
• Ability to manage