Hybrid Coordinator of Food Access Initiatives en Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:

The Coordinator of Food Access Initiatives is a key member of the Office of Student Advocacy (OSA) team who facilitates and advances the complex operations of various food security initiatives designed to support students experiencing food insecurity including but not limited to:
- creation and oversight of a governance structure and logistics model for food access initiatives,
- management of Ram Pantry, a campus food pantry serving 150+ students weekly,
- transportation and loading/unloading of hundreds of pounds of food weekly on both the Monroe Park and VCU Health campuses,
- supervision of a peer leader team and volunteers who support food security initiatives,
- facilitation of an Emergency Swipe and food donation program with VCU Dine,
- collaboration with existing and prospective campus sponsors of Little Ram Pantries and Ram Fridges across both campuses, 
- partnership with donors and organizations who support current and potential food access initiatives, and
- ensuring requirements are met for various grant and sponsored programs and that information is reported as needed.

Some occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Public Administration, or related field. Equivalent work experience considered.
- Empathetic and student-centered approach with a commitment to timely action and response.
- Strong collaboration, communication, coordination, and supervision skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
- Be at least 19 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of one year OR be at least 20 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of two years (required to drive a university passenger van).
- Acceptable motor vehicle record and ability to safely operate a cargo/passenger van.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time and up to 500 pounds in one session.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

- Prior experience in purchasing, accounting, marketing, general business, operations or similar fields with preference given to those with grocery, pantry, or retail experience.
- Knowledge of best practices in fundraising and donor cultivation.
- Prior experience with grants, proposals, budgets, tracking, and/or reporting.
- Previous experience working with procedures and practices related to student services.
- Administrative experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
- Experience utilizing Google Workspace, Maxient case management software and/or PantrySoft programs.
- Knowledge of university policies and student support systems.
- Experience with conflict resolution or crisis intervention.

Lynanne Jamison Yndestad
[email protected]
804-828-8940