Community Food Systems Manager Position Available In Henderson, North Carolina

Community Food Systems Manager MANNA FoodBank Mills River, NC 28759 • Hybrid work

Description:

Mission:

MANNA’s mission is to involve, educate, and unite people in the work of ending hunger in

Western North Carolina Vision:

A hunger-free Western North Carolina MANNA embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity by creating an environment of mutual respect, transparency, and sharing of different opinions and ideas. MANNA’s goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented and diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. The celebration of inclusivity and diversity is essential to helping MANNA achieve its mission to involve, educate, and unite all people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina. Position Summary The Community Food Systems Manager strengthens MANNA’s relationships with local farmers, food hubs, and partners to expand access to fresh, nutritious produce. This role oversees produce procurement from planning through execution, ensuring alignment with budgetary and organizational goals. Key responsibilities include managing farm relationships for donations, managing and coordinating local, regional, and national produce purchasing, and overseeing forecasting and budgeting to support MANNA’s 16-county service area. The manager also collaborates with food hubs through LFPA+ and other funding sources. This is a highly collaborative, community-facing role requiring effective communication skills and a deep commitment to regional agriculture and long-term partnership sustainability. The CFS Manager also represents MANNA in working groups, food councils, and initiatives that advance local food systems and farm-to-food bank efforts.

Note:

This position is currently funded through a three-year grant, with the possibility of extension based on future funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Develop and manage partnerships with local farmers, growers, food hubs, and agricultural organizations to increase access to donated and purchased farm-fresh produce. Create a process of identifying, visiting, and developing relationships with farmers and food hubs and tracking outcomes from those visits and new relationships. Lead outreach and relationship-building efforts with farmers and other agri-businesses to promote the benefits of donating surplus or market-grade food to the food bank. Lead the work of procuring donations from farms, Co-Ops, and other types of produce markets. Identify and pursue opportunities to purchase produce from local farms at fair market or subsidized rates (dependent on budget). Develop and track a vendor purchasing system for produce that includes reporting on cost per pound, variety of produce, produce by county, etc. Utilize MANNA’s ERP system to create item codes as well as to create and track Purchase Orders/Pre-receipts through the system and to their completion. Coordinate and expand farm-to-pantry initiatives that create direct connections between farms and food pantries in the local communities of MANNA’s 16-county service area. Explore the possibility of a Community Supported Agriculture program at MANNA in partnership with local food hubs. Lead community information sessions on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs (if developed). Work with internal teams to align procurement, distribution, and logistics to support local food sourcing efforts. Track and report on donation volumes, purchasing data, and program outcomes related to the food bank’s agriculture partnerships. Monitor and balance purchasing budget to the general ledger. Represent the food bank at local agriculture events, conferences, and community meetings to advocate for collaborative solutions to reduce hunger and food waste. Support grant writing and reporting related to agricultural programs, including gathering success stories, metrics, and testimonials. Provide additional support for departmental or organizational events and activities.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, and organizational skills Active listening skills, empathy, and a deep appreciation for our mission Comfortable working with a diverse group of stakeholders including farmers, food pantries, food hubs and produce suppliers. Experience/knowledge in local agriculture/regional agriculture, food systems or community food access. Degree or robust experience in related fields (e.g. – food systems, agri-business, business administration, community development, food science) of 2 years related experience or combination of degree and work experience. Experience in relationship management, partnership development, procurement—especially within agricultural or nonprofit sectors. Strong project management skills and experience Familiarity with food safety, food banks, produce handling or farm operations is a plus. Organized, self-directed and resourceful, and good at problem solving. Passion for local foods and farm to family foods Ability to multi-task and ability to exercise independent judgment. Demonstrated strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing data and ability to generate clear/concise reports. Must have an acceptable driving record (and Driver’s License) Maintains a professional appearance appropriate to the setting and audience. Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively and communicate well within a remote team. Must possess basic knowledge of, and commitment to, the mission of MANNA FoodBank Must demonstrate sensitivity and passion related to issues of poverty and hunger relief.

Working Conditions:

Works in various environments; office, in the field and in typical farm environments speaking to farmers within the food bank’s 16-county service area with exposure to local travel or further to attend conferences and/or meetings.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands required are representative of those that are required by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The physical demands of this position are medium-demanding work. While performing the job duties the employee is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee needs to be able to occasionally climb or balance. The employee might occasionally lift and move objects up to 25lbs. Specific vision abilities require the visual acuity to operate motor vehicles; close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus close visual acuity to perform activities including but not limited to preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading. Functions also require the ability to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard, and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Travel:

Routine travel may be required within the service area. Current driver’s license required; copy of current auto insurance; and clean MVR required.

Schedule:

This is a Hybrid position with the ability for a combination of work from home/field and office. Availability to work a flexible schedule Monday-Friday to be agreed upon with immediate supervisor. Occasional evening or weekend work as needed for planned events. In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency or order, MANNA FoodBank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all employees may be called upon to perform regular or emergent duties.

Acknowledgement:

A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and requirements are essential job functions. This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervising manager/director. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than “at will” employment relationship.