Operation Food Search (OFS) is looking for a dynamic and highly organized individual to support our Child Nutrition programs and the overall efforts of the Child & Community Nutrition team. Reporting to the Manager of Child Nutrition Programs, this individual will collaborate with both internal and external partners to accurately maintain program files and reporting data. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, have a passion for supporting children in underserved areas, and connect with our mission to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions.

Position Overview: The part-time Child Nutrition Program Associate will be instrumental in record keeping and reporting in accordance with grant requirements and state and federal guidelines for three Child Nutrition Programs: Operation Backpack, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). As needed, this position will also assist the Child Nutrition Program Coordinators with program operations. Candidates interested in this position must demonstrate strong skills in Microsoft Excel and accuracy in completing and reviewing data. This position requires roughly 25 hours per week with typical working hours falling between 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

Organization Overview: At Operation Food Search (OFS), we envision a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

• Mission: We fight hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.
• Organizational Strategic Pillars:

1) Meet the immediate need for food for children, families, and seniors

2) Build nutrition IQ through culinary programs and nutrition education

3) Champion change through advocacy, community education, and innovative programs

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

Key Responsibilities:

The Child Nutrition Program Associate will primarily assist with record keeping and program operations for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Operation Backpack. During the summer months, this position will also assist with the implementation of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and work to support any additional child and family meal initiatives.

• Create and maintain an accurate database with records of partnering organizations.
• Maintain program partner files to ensure accuracy and completeness, including health department documentation, food safety certifications, background check verifications and more.
• Update data tracking and reporting documents on a daily, weekly, quarterly, monthly, and annual basis, as assigned.
• Follow program guidelines to ensure timely completion of program deliverables.
• Create a high functioning support system for program partners through excellent customer service with an emphasis on training and technical assistance.
• Conduct site visits and monitor for compliance with OFS, USDA, and DHSS guidelines as needed.
• Effectively communicates with the Child Nutrition Program Coordinators and acts as their back-up as needed.
• Support Child & Community Nutrition for special event planning and execution (such as Operation Backpack produce distributions or SFSP mobile distributions)
• Advance program by staying up to date on current trends and program regulations through engagement with industry experts and advocacy groups.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Successful candidates for this position will possess the following:

• Relevant work or educational experience in field related to Social Services, Public Health, Public Policy, Business Administration, Management, Nutrition, or comparable field preferred.
• Proven ability to organize, plan, and carry out activities independently to meet specific timelines with proven record of accuracy in completing and reviewing data.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft programs.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Proven ability to operate as a team player and establish and maintain good relationships with people of various ages, educational, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring the highest standards in quality.
• Experience working with underserved populations is a plus.
• Understanding of food insecurity and food access issues in the St. Louis region.
• Knowledge of federal nutrition programs.
• Possess a growth mindset and actively seek out opportunities to learn.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make decisions based on data.
• Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to program integrity.

Special Requirements

• Frequent local travel required. Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation (mileage is reimbursable).
• Occasional travel to out-of-town meetings, events, and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend.
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned.

To Apply: Please apply via the job link provided.

Location: 1644 Lotsie Boulevard, Overland, MO 63132

Salary: $17 per hour

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.