Neighborhood Market Specialist na Northern Illinois Food Bank

Who We Are:
Are you ready to join a team where your talent creates lasting change? At Northern Illinois Food Bank, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Neighbors, so that everyone in Northern Illinois has the food they need to thrive! Together we are a dedicated and innovative team committed to ending hunger in Northern Illinois. We embrace diverse perspectives, collaboration, and continuous learning, we celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and foster a culture of growth, optimism, and teamwork.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Northern Illinois Food Bank will embrace opportunities to stand in solidarity with our community and center the voices of those most impacted by systematic injustices. We affirm our commitment to anti-racism, to gender equity, to allyship, and to fairness as we work towards a hunger-free future and to create a better and more just world.  

The Opportunity:

The Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks an extraordinarily motivated candidate to join our team as a Neighborhood Community Market Specialist. This role supports daily operations of the Market, manages client registration and data, oversees volunteer staff, and maintains a resource center connecting clients with local services.

This Full-Time position is based out of our Northwest Suburban Center (Rockford) location. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee registration process for indoor and outdoor market distributions, in all weather conditions.
• Coordinate and promote local wrap-around, community-supported social services to increase outreach at the Market. 
• Maintain and monitor monthly distribution and client statistics in custom software (Link2Feed). 
• Able to learn software quickly and efficiently. 
• Maintain Market adherence to matters of compliance with all Emergency Food Program (EFP) requirements.
• Maintain secure and confidential clientele data records, surveys, and calendars in a timely manner.
• Monitor office inventory and supplies and place orders as needed.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Team to recruit and supervise volunteers and volunteer groups, ensuring accurate reporting of volunteer hours. 
• Collaborate with Operations Team members on volunteer needs for the WCM. 
• Assist Philanthropy Team with securing funding for the market by representing the WCM at meetings with donors, the community, and other stakeholders. 
• Maintain safety and cleanliness of the center space, wrap around services cubicles, and client waiting areas.
• Collect and maintain Market documentation and information. Update Market procedures in manual as well as respective folders.  File paper and e-documents for staff to access and utilize, updating as needed.
• Be cross trained for other center duties, as backup if needed.
• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

Who You Are: 
You’re driven, compassionate, and excited to bring your unique skills to a purpose-driven organization. You have a strong commitment to our mission and: 

• Commitment to alleviating poverty through food assistance; ability to promote the food bank’s mission, vision, and values. Passionate about helping others.
• Independent, self-starter, self-motivated, goal oriented. Able to create, organize, and stick to your own schedule.
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Candidate must be familiar with local service area (Winnebago County).
• Food Safety & Sanitation Certification or eligible for training and passing of exam.
• Strong organization, communication and customer service skills are required.
• Ability to work well on a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively train and communicate with volunteers and visitors to the market.
• Familiarity with local resources, public benefits, and special events.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.  Frequent, walking, standing, lifting.

 Why Join Us: 

• Make a Difference: Every role at Northern Illinois Food Bank directly impacts the lives of those we serve. 
• Flexible Work Environment: We value work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. The starting pay range for this position is $16.87/hr - $20.57/hr, based on skills and experience.
• Growth Opportunities: Invest in your career with professional development, career mapping, and leadership training.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team that values equity and belonging.

How to Apply: 

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply online at https://solvehungertoday.org/about/join-our-team/.  Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter that highlights your passion for our mission and your relevant skills.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce where all employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. We intentionally seek out diverse perspectives and skills on our teams, knowing that it makes us stronger as an organization and better equipped to serve our neighbors in need. We encourage individuals from historically under-represented communities and individuals with lived experience of hunger to apply.