Community Partnership Specialist

Position Overview The Community Partnership Specialist is a trusted community liaison and strategic relationship builder who serves as the primary connection between Dare to Care and a portfolio of food access partners and programs—including pantries, agency partners, schools, and other programs—within an assigned geographic Zone. This role is vital to connecting neighbors in our community to the resources and support they need to thrive. Guided by our core values of Belonging, Innovation, Respect, and Safety, this role is responsible for overseeing Dare to Care's relationship with food access partners to develop their capacity to provide optimal equitable, accessible, and high-quality food to our food-insecure neighbors. The Community Partnership Specialist also serves as an ambassador in community spaces, a thought partner to agency leaders, with responsibilities spanning agency support, compliance monitoring, data gathering, tracking and reporting, training, community representation, and partnership development. Each Community Partnership Specialist leads their assigned Zone, while also contributing to a unified, organization-wide approach. This position does not include internal direct reports but requires influence leadership, cross-team collaboration, and consistent alignment with the organization's mission, vision, values, and community goals. The ideal candidate for this role brings a strategic mindset, can see the big picture while navigating day-to-day complexities with clarity and intention, is curious, resourceful and solutions-oriented, able to adapt, has a talent for building authentic relationships and influencing without authority. Key Responsibilities Zone Leadership and Relationship Stewardship Maintain a comprehensive understanding of current food bank requirements and processes for food access partner programs, including policies regarding distribution of food from federal, state, and charitable sources. Cultivate inclusive, respectful relationships with food access partners that reflect our value of Belonging , ensuring every partner feels seen, heard, and supported. Serve as the lead representative for an assigned Zone, building agency trust and guiding partners in delivering responsive, equitable food access services. Collaborate with partners to understand their unique strengths and challenges and co-create development strategies that foster innovation and shared learning. Capacity Building & Partner Support Support partners in enhancing their operations using best practices, community feedback, and continuous learning—modeling our commitment to Innovation. Learn about the community we service. Identify and share tools, training, and resources that help partners grow sustainably and serve with excellence. Facilitate inclusive, practical training sessions and create space for diverse voices and lived experiences. This includes training in food insecurity and food safety requirements. Conduct outreach and engagement activities to maintain relationships with partners and other community organizations. Community Engagement & Representation Represent Dare to Care in community forums, coalitions, and neighbor engagements across the Zone, promoting shared solutions and deeper impact. Support Zone-based environmental scans and needs assessments to ensure programs evolve based on local realities and voices, aligned with our value of Respect. Host and participate in trainings and events that prioritize psychological and physical Safety for participants, volunteers, and community members. Compliance & Program Monitoring Stay informed on current food bank guidelines and compliance requirements related to federal, state, and charitable food programs. Conduct regular site visits to review partner program operations and compliance with applicable policies. With coaching and continuous improvement mindset, document strengths and address non-compliance issues respectfully, constructively, and in a timely manner. Champion safe food handling practices and reinforce program integrity to protect the well-being of all involved. Cross-Zone Collaboration & Organizational Alignment Contribute to a coordinated, consistent approach by sharing knowledge, participating in peer check-ins, and serving as a backup across Zones when needed. Share partner insights and Zone developments with internal stakeholders to inform broader strategy and resource planning. Steward data, feedback, and resources with care and transparency, reflecting our values of Safety and Respect in all internal and external communications. Other Duties as Assigned Participate in cross-functional projects, strategic initiatives, and other organizational efforts in service of advancing food equity and neighbor well-being. What it

Takes:

Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Health, Community Development, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in community engagement, organizing/outreach, nonprofit program management, partnership development, or a related field. Experience working with underserved communities Knowledge of food insecurity Skills In Building trust-based relationships across diverse communities and organizations. Facilitating community-based training, workshops, or capacity-building initiatives. Navigating and applying policies, procedures, or compliance standards in a supportive, educational way. Verbal and written communication (strong), including public speaking and presenting to groups. Organizing and prioritizing tasks across multiple projects and timelines with attention to detail. Ability To Work independently and collaboratively within a zone-based structure, while managing multiple DTC programs and cultivating relationships within an assigned zone. Navigate complex community dynamics and demonstrate cultural humility in all interactions. Demonstrate strategic thinking, flexibility, curiosity, and creative problem-solving in an evolving environment. Travel regularly within the assigned geographic Zone and occasionally across Zones; Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation required. Use technology comfortably, including Microsoft Office, data tracking tools, and virtual communication platforms.

Bonus Points:

Experience working with community-based organizations, particularly those addressing food insecurity, poverty, or social determinants of health is strongly preferred. Knowledge of food banking operations, social service networks, or compliance-related work

Bilingual/Multilingual What We Can Offer You:

Medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life insurance and other supplemental policies and programs Paid Time Off including sick days and 11 Holidays Paid maternity and paternity leave Retirement savings with match Anniversary and holiday bonus Casual dress Mileage reimbursement (beyond reporting to work at base location) Working Conditions & Physical Demands While engaged in this position, team members will routinely sit (at least 50% of the time), use hands for tasks, and communicate orally. Standing or walking is frequently required, while occasional demands include reaching with hands and arms, and lifting or moving food items and boxes. Vision requirements encompass close and distance vision. The work environment typically has a moderate noise level. This role may entail a blend of mental and physical capabilities, requiring strong mental acuity, problem-solving skills, and occasional physical tasks such as standing, lifting, or extended computer usage. Some roles may require physical or mental requirements related to driving a personal vehicle to visit community partners and attending events, such as a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive a long-distance. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals as requested. EEO Dare to care is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We participate in E-Verify.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$52,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Health, Community Development, Nonprofit Management, or a related field? Do you have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in community engagement, organizing/outreach, nonprofit program management, partnership development, or a related field? Do you have experience working with underserved communities? Do you have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation?

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person