Community Partnership Manager, Chicago Food Policy Action Council

Who: 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.

What: The CFPAC Community Partnership Manager will 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. The Community Partnership Manager will serve as a key coordinative and facilitative resource to members and participants in CFPAC’s existing and emerging networks. The position will provide primary coordination with an emerging Black- Brown group of food system community leaders. CFPAC is looking for a person with 7-10 years of experience facilitating, leading and developing networks and collaborations with deep experience, comfort and sensitivity for working in and partnering with diverse communities. Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate network member communication, information sharing, interest clarification, and identification of resolution of differences.
• Support directly – or identify and coordinate with outside resources that can support – members with interest negotiation, conflict resolution, meeting management and other needed skills.
• Work with members to identify and prioritize network tasks that will advance shared network purpose.
• Guide, smooth, and support efficient interactions among members engaged in network’s tasks.
• Facilitate data collection necessary for assessing and evaluating effectiveness of network activities.
• Identify favorable opportunities members can pursue that address and resolve issues critical to network success.
• Locate, help secure and budget financial and other resources needed to support network operations.
• Build the network by helping members identify and bring in new members.
• Facilitate ways to refresh and renew network capabilities, function and focus.
• Work with partners to provide individual and group technical support regarding the Good Food Purchasing Policy.
• Collaborate with local decision makers and elected officials.
• 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.
• 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

Qualifications:
 Knowledge:
• Extensive knowledge of local, sustainable and healthy food systems- including procurement, urban and sustainable agriculture, community development and other related policies and issues
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and masterfully in complex, inter-organizational settings among groups with differing interests.
• Facility with using common computer software, information databases, internet, social media, and email
Experience:
• A minimum of 7-10-years experience in building and managing coalitions including planning, developing and implementing programs, projects and events (food system related ideal)
• Coordinating and/or organizing policy campaigns
• 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.

Benefits: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and benefits package including health, dental, and vision with paid time off.

To apply submit email to cfpacinfo@gmail.com with subject line: CFPAC Community Partnership Manager Application. Application should include:
• Resume (including three professional references)
• Cover letter including salary expectation
Applications due no later than 3/2/18.