Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Food Program Specialist

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

Non-ProfitGovernmentProgram ManagementPublic HealthSocial Services

🎯 Role Definition

The Food Program Specialist is a dynamic and essential role responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic oversight of food and nutrition assistance programs. This individual acts as a subject matter expert, ensuring that all program activities adhere to federal, state, and local regulations while effectively meeting the nutritional needs of the community we serve. The Specialist will drive program success through meticulous planning, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and data-informed decision-making. This position is ideal for a mission-driven professional committed to improving public health outcomes and creating sustainable solutions to food insecurity.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Program Coordinator
  • Nutritionist or Dietitian
  • Public Health Associate
  • Case Manager

Advancement To:

  • Senior Food Program Specialist / Program Manager
  • Director of Food Security
  • Policy Advisor (Nutrition & Food Systems)
  • Grants and Contracts Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Community Outreach Manager
  • Compliance Officer
  • Data Analyst (Public Health)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the comprehensive implementation, administration, and evaluation of federal and state food assistance programs, such as SNAP, WIC, CACFP, or SFSP.
  • Develop, interpret, and disseminate program policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure consistent and effective service delivery across all sites.
  • Conduct regular monitoring, compliance reviews, and on-site audits of partner agencies and distribution centers to ensure adherence to program regulations and food safety standards.
  • Provide expert technical assistance, training, and ongoing support to program staff, volunteers, and community partners on topics including eligibility, reporting, and best practices.
  • Manage and monitor program budgets, track expenditures, and assist in the preparation of grant proposals, financial claims, and renewal applications.
  • Analyze programmatic data to assess performance, measure outcomes, identify trends, and generate detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Foster and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with government agencies, food banks, community-based organizations, and other key partners to enhance program reach and impact.
  • Lead the development and distribution of culturally appropriate nutrition education materials, workshops, and outreach campaigns to promote healthy eating and program awareness.
  • Coordinate food procurement, logistics, inventory management, and distribution schedules to ensure a reliable and efficient supply of nutritious food.
  • Investigate and resolve complex participant and partner agency issues, complaints, and service delivery challenges in a timely and professional manner.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends, legislative changes, and research in the fields of food security, nutrition science, and public health to inform program strategy.
  • Plan and execute community needs assessments to identify service gaps and opportunities for program expansion or improvement.
  • Represent the organization at community meetings, task forces, and professional conferences to advocate for program goals and build strategic alliances.
  • Manage vendor and contractor relationships, including contract negotiation, oversight, and performance evaluation.
  • Develop and implement robust outreach strategies to increase enrollment and participation among eligible and underserved populations.
  • Ensure all program activities and documentation are maintained in a state of audit-readiness.
  • Facilitate advisory committee meetings and stakeholder workgroups to gather feedback and guide strategic program direction.
  • Author comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing program activities, achievements, challenges, and key performance indicators.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to develop content that highlights program success stories and impact.
  • Champion food safety and handling protocols throughout the entire supply chain, from procurement to final distribution.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer critical business questions.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader data strategy and roadmap for community health initiatives.
  • Collaborate with business units and IT to translate data needs into engineering and reporting requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within cross-functional project teams.
  • Assist in developing and piloting innovative program models or new service delivery technologies.
  • Support broader organizational initiatives and events as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Program Management: Deep understanding of the program lifecycle, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Expertise in interpreting and applying federal/state regulations (e.g., USDA, FDA, state health departments).
  • Data Analysis: Proficiency in using tools like Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP), SPSS, or similar software to analyze data and generate reports.
  • Grant Writing & Management: Experience in preparing grant applications, managing grant funds, and completing required reporting.
  • Budget Management: Skill in creating, monitoring, and reporting on program budgets and expenditures.
  • Nutrition Science: Solid knowledge of nutritional principles, dietary guidelines, and public health nutrition.
  • Database Management: Competency in using client or program management databases for tracking and reporting.
  • Inventory & Logistics: Understanding of food procurement, inventory control, and supply chain logistics.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences, from clients to government officials.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with community partners.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to compliance, data accuracy, and record-keeping.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage competing priorities effectively.
  • Public Speaking & Training: Confidence in presenting information and facilitating training sessions for small and large groups.
  • Cultural Competency: A high degree of empathy and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Nutrition Science, or a related field.
  • Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science / Dietetics
  • Social Work
  • Public Administration
  • Human Services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of professional experience in program management, public health, nutrition, or a related field.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience managing government-funded nutrition programs (e.g., WIC, SNAP-Ed, CACFP).
  • Proven track record of successful grant writing and management.
  • Experience working in a non-profit, government agency, or community-based organization.
  • Bilingual/multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish) are highly desirable.
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