Community Outreach Specialist (Full-time)
The Chicago Food Policy Action Council’s (CFPAC) mission is to facilitate the development and
adoption of responsible policies to improve access for Chicago residents to culturally appropriate,
nutritionally sound, and affordable food grown through environmentally sustainable practices.
CFPAC originally formed in 2002 and attained 501c3 status in January 2011. A broad diversity of
organizations participate in CFPAC’s annual Chicago Food Policy Summits and working groups.
• CFPAC provides access for community members to difficult to reach resources- policy
makers, elected officials, funders, other organizations, and institutions.
• CFPAC’s efforts are focused on action oriented work groups tasked to develop and
advocate for policy recommendations.
• CFPAC’s open door and wide yet specific focus on Chicago food policy makes it a unique
and necessary “backbone” or collective impact organization.
Visit www.chicagofoodpolicy.com for more information and history.
CFPAC is entering an exciting new phase in 2017 by growing its staff to add a Community
Outreach Specialist to support CFPAC’s priorities by working in coordination with CFPAC Board
and staff members, local communities, organizations, vendors, suppliers, processors and
producers as well as staff at City of Chicago Departments and Agencies, and national partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Coordinate, build, mobilize and sustain relationships with community and organizational
partners.
● Assist with organizing the annual Chicago Food Policy Summit and other events as
needed.
● Support the efforts and administration of other CFPAC working groups and priorities.
● Maintain and report expenses as required.
● Work with partners to provide individual and group technical support regarding the
Good Food Purchasing Policy.
● Collaborate with local decision makers and elected officials.
● Ensure ongoing reporting occurs and support generating an annual report on
achievements/challenges.
● Present on CFPAC’s work at conferences, colleges & universities, and other
opportunities that arise.
● Assist with identifying and approaching local funding sources to ensure sustainability of
CFPAC’s mission.
● Support online and social media outreach, updates and publicity
Our IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess the following:
Knowledge:
● Basic knowledge of local, sustainable and healthy food systems- including procurement,
urban and sustainable agriculture, community development and other related policies
and issues
● Facility with using common computer software, information databases, internet, social
media, and email
Experience:
● A minimum of 5-years experience in community based organizing, planning and/or
programming
● Experience in coordinating an organizing and/or policy campaign
● Experience building and managing coalitions
● Grassroots and foundation fundraising experience
Skills:
● Good time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks
● Strong writing skills
● Ability to develop innovative strategies and tactics for campaigns
● Detail-oriented, demonstrated management skills, and ability to work under pressure
● Strong interpersonal skills and verbal communication skills
Aptitudes:
● Commitment to building racial and social justice through leadership
development, community organizing and popular education
● Adaptability and flexibility to adjust to often shifting conditions, deadlines and partners
● High levels of self-motivation and independence, as well as the ability to work as a team
● Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours such as nights and weekends
● Ability to travel across Chicago for meetings and occasional out of town events
● Ability to collaborate with a diverse set of partners including fellow staff, CFPAC Board
and partner organizations
● Bilingual (oral and written) in Spanish or another language, desired.
COMPENSATION: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and benefits package.
CFPAC is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, immigrants,
females, and LGBTQ individuals to apply.
TO APPLY:
By May 15, 2017, submit email to cfpacinfo@gmail.com with subject line: CFPAC Specialist
Application. Application should include:
• Resume (including three professional references)
• Cover letter including salary expectation