The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) was founded in 1982 to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area and offer programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. TASK is committed to responding to the growing food insecurity in the Trenton area. It now serves over 9,000 meals each week at its Escher Street location and through its network of community meal sites across the area. TASK also offers a wide range of supportive programs, including case management services, adult education programs, job search assistance, and creative arts programs.
TASK has become a trusted leader in addressing hunger and poverty across the Trenton region. With an annual budget of $6 million, a dedicated staff of 45, and countless volunteers, TASK is a dynamic organization providing essential services to our neighbors in need. Earlier this year, TASK adopted a strategic plan that sets ambitious goals for the growth of TASK. The growth has created an opportunity for a senior professional to join the organization as its first Chief Innovation and Program Officer. This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven professional to be part of an outstanding team that is changing lives.
Summary
Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Innovation and Program Officer (CIPO) will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and will oversee innovation and program development at TASK. The CIPO will work closely with other senior leaders of the organization to drive strategy and innovation to develop programs to alleviate hunger, further economic empowerment, and advance food security in the Trenton area. Programs and innovations will be data driven and measurable, with TASK’s Manager of Data and Outcomes reporting to the CIPO. The CIPO will work with project teams across the organization to deliver on strategic initiatives and foster the application of innovative ideas to solve key challenges.
Key Responsibilities
• Ensure successful coordination between program areas and project teams.
• Lead the design and development of cutting-edge programs and initiatives to address food insecurity, poverty, and related challenges.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the organization, encouraging creative thinking and experimentation.
• Collaborate with staff, community stakeholders, and experts to identify emerging trends and best practices in food security and poverty alleviation.
• Propose, develop, and implement new program and service initiatives based on data and evaluation.
• Support and strengthen the organization’s capacity for data-driven and evidence-based decision-making.
• Support and strengthen TASK’s program evaluation capacity.
• Ensure that all programs align with the organization's mission and strategic objectives.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with other nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
• In coordination with the CEO, represent the organization in public forums, advocating for policies and initiatives that advance food security and poverty reduction.
• Support the CEO’s efforts to build strong relationships with community leaders, elected officials, and key stakeholders.
• Foster a working environment that values innovation, outcomes, collegiality, and respect.
Education and Experience
Appropriate educational credentials are required that demonstrate the knowledge and competencies needed for this position. The ideal candidate for this position will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (Graduate Degree preferred), five to seven years of experience in program development and innovation in the nonprofit sector. In addition, the following are the qualifications for this position:
• A proven track record of designing and implementing innovative and impactful programs.
• Demonstration of understanding the role of data in program design.
• Exceptional leadership and team building skills, with experience in supervision.
• A strong understanding of food insecurity, poverty alleviation, and related social issues.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic environment.
Compensation:
Salary range: $95,000 - $115,000
Generous benefit packages including medical and dental, vision, life, and hospital indemnity insurances; vacation, sick and personal leave; 401K and employee assistance program.
If you have these qualifications and are interested in exploring this exciting leadership role with TASK, please email your resume and cover letter to Melisa Rivera, Director, Human Resources via email at [email protected]
TASK is committed to modeling what it means to be an equitable nonprofit organization focused on addressing hunger and alleviating the impacts of poverty in the Trenton area. TASK is dedicated to promoting racially equitable practices in all its work and to fostering diversity of its staff, leadership, and board. These are important steps in a longer journey as TASK transforms itself to promote racial equity. As an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.