The primary role of Food Policy Manager (FPM) is to create and implement a strategic direction for UWWC’s food insecurity programs and investments. The FPM takes a long-range view, sees the "big picture" and identifies with the wants and needs of UWWC's diverse stakeholders (donors, volunteers, advocates, community partners, and others). The FPM will develop strategic plans for the Stamford and Danbury Food Collaboratives, outline ways to achieve the goals and work closely with members of Senior Management Team to ensure staff and volunteers are engaged and support UWWC’s Food Insecurity portfolio. The FPM is a member of the community impact team and works closely with key volunteers to support the CIO and CEO by providing leadership on the issue area of food policy across the organization. This position is based in United Way of Western Connecticut’s Stamford, Connecticut office.
- Crafts strategic plans for Stamford and Danbury Food Collaboratives in collaboration with UWWC team and Food Collaborative co-chairs.
- Manages Food Collaborative members to develop and implement strategic plan within attainable timeframes.
- Has direct responsibility for Food Policy programing and research. Works with the CEO and CIO to manage the design and development of community-oriented, research -based programming that will positively impact our communities.
- Assist in obtaining resources and funds for ongoing financial support.
- In collaboration with CIO, communicates impact stories that would garner favorable coverage, generate content and stories that can be used for communications purposes and fundraising engagement across multi-sectors.
- Responsible for relationship with key community partners including research institutions, foundations and government entities.
- Develops a comprehensive plan to increase community awareness and contributions that support food insecurity initiatives and increase overall giving to UWWC while ensuring departmental compliance with all standards, policies, and practices of United Way Worldwide and UWWC.
- Collaborates with CIO to continuously update community needs data and promote data to public.
- Research national programs that could have positive impact in our communities and bring stakeholders into the process to garner their input and assistance in implementing if deemed appropriate.
Major Responsibilities:
- Maintain positive and supportive agency and volunteer relationships.
Leadership:
- Promote UWWC’s leadership role and mission within the philanthropic community as a strategic partner.
- Sit on community committees representing UWWC.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, which includes one-on-one as well as group presentations.
- Project management skills including the ability to create and adhere to work plans
- Led a planning process; ideally a strategic planning process
- Experience in designing and facilitating community decision-making processes
- Experience in fundraising
- Excellent team building and volunteer management skills
- Senior management experience
- Excellent computer skills
- Strong interpersonal skills; attention to detail; ability to conceptualize and develop strategies
- Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply