Capacity Planner jobs in Connecticut

Description

Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, we help provide nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By joining Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.

What is a VISTA?

Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.

Position Summary:

This position works with the Mobile Pantry and CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) senior box programs to make improvements that will positively impact thousands of people who use these programs every month. The VISTA will collect feedback from program users to inform improvements. The VISTA will develop systems to improve the quality of experience at the sites and increase value of the program to participants.

The ideal candidate would have a passion for helping others with dignity and creating a thriving community free of hunger. The candidate should be an excellent communicator with verbal and written styles and the ability to collaborate in a team setting. The candidate should be a self-starter, organized, and the ability to multi-task.

This position will be assigned to the Wallingford facility and reports to the Director of Community Programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Visit Mobile Pantry and CSFP sites to understand program objectives, practices, and challenges. 
• Collect feedback from program participants to inform program improvements
• Train site volunteers in customer service and creating a welcoming environment
• Improve programs through add-on services and other resources 
• Create tracking system to better coordinate third party resources at sites
• Statewide travel required with mileage reimbursed. Transportation required

Benefits:

• A biweekly living allowance 
• Health insurance
• Childcare assistance
• A choice of either an Education Award ($6,895) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year
• 1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs
• Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country
• 1 year of professional experience with a nonprofit or government organization

Requirements

Minimum Education/Experience:

• High school diploma/GED 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
• Experience with and comfort with public speaking, meeting facilitation and community organizing
• Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
• Some Spanish speaking ability