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Backpack Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bucknell

Program Director, Backpack to Briefcase Position Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Categories: Staff Exempt Job Summary: The Program Director for the Backpack to Briefcase Program leads ...

Clarke

Seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician

Roselle, IL · On-site

$19/hr

As a seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician , your primary responsibilities will include applying a ... Program BENEFITS Our positions are fantastic resume builders, and we offer an outstanding FUN ...

Clarke

Seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician

Roselle, IL · On-site

$19/hr

As a seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician , your primary responsibilities will include applying a ... Program BENEFITS Our positions are fantastic resume builders, and we offer an outstanding FUN ...

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Backpack Program information

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$29K

$39.7K

$56K

How much do backpack program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for backpack program in the United States is $39,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $39,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Backpack Program vs Food Service Worker?

AspectBackpack ProgramFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food handling certificationsFood handler permits often required
Work EnvironmentSchool settings, community programsSchools, cafeterias, restaurants
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, educational institutionsSchools, hospitality, food service industry
Job FocusDistributing food to children in needPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food

The Backpack Program primarily involves distributing food to children through community or school-based initiatives, focusing on food security. In contrast, Food Service Workers are involved in preparing and serving food in various settings like schools and restaurants. While both roles may require food safety certifications, the Backpack Program is more community-focused, whereas Food Service Workers operate in commercial or institutional food environments.

What is a Backpack Program?

A Backpack Program is a community initiative that provides children in need with bags of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to take home over weekends or school breaks when they may not have access to regular school meals. These programs are often run by food banks or schools and aim to reduce child hunger by ensuring students have enough to eat outside of school hours. Volunteers typically pack and distribute the food discreetly to protect the dignity of the children. The goal is to support children's overall well-being and academic success by addressing food insecurity.

What are the primary responsibilities and challenges for someone working in a Backpack Program coordinator role?

As a Backpack Program coordinator, your main responsibilities typically include organizing food packing events, managing inventory, coordinating with partner schools, and ensuring that weekend meal bags are delivered to students in need. Common challenges involve maintaining a consistent supply of donated food, scheduling and supervising volunteers, and building relationships with community partners to expand program reach. The role often requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a collaborative approach, as you’ll work closely with school staff, donors, and local organizations to meet student needs effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backpack Program Coordinator, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Backpack Program Coordinator, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in program management or community outreach are essential, often supported by a background in social work or nonprofit administration. Familiarity with inventory management systems, volunteer coordination platforms, and basic budgeting tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help build relationships with partners, volunteers, and families. These skills are crucial for efficiently delivering food assistance, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the program meets community needs effectively.
Infographic showing various Backpack Program job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 53% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,683 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Program Director, Backpack to Briefcase

Bucknell

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Title:

Program Director, Backpack to Briefcase

Position Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Categories:

Staff Exempt

Job Summary:

The Program Director for the Backpack to Briefcase Program leads professional development coursework for students in the Freeman College of Management. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning, this role is responsible for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of foundational experiential learning curricula. The Director creates and teaches classes that help students move from the classroom into the workforce.

Job Duties:

Reporting Relationship:

  • Reports to the Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning

Work Setting/Work Schedule:

  • On campus student facing role

  • 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

  • Staff exempt job

What You Will Do:

  • Design, instruct and continuously improve foundational courses, ensuring student preparation for professional career pathways.

  • Create and lead a comprehensive four-year development program mapped to NACE Career Readiness Competencies to maximize student market readiness.

  • Manage the integration of high-impact learning opportunities to ensure students gain measurable real-world experience.

  • Instruct students on modern career mechanics, including personal branding, technical interviewing (STAR method), and the creation of professional portfolios.

  • Facilitate "Feedback Loops" by helping students analyze assessment data (CliftonStrengths, NACE) to build actionable, developmental plans.

  • Curate industry-leading speaker series and workshops that connect students with alumni and employers for career-readiness training and etiquette.

  • Oversee the full lifecycle of the Freeman Fellow Peer Mentorship Program, including the recruitment, leadership training, and daily supervision of student mentors.

  • Serves as a key liaison between the college, the Center for Career Advancement, and faculty to align student skills with current market needs and placement goals.

  • The job description's listed responsibilities and task are not exhaustive, additional non-essential task and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

What You Will Bring: Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, Counseling or related field.

  • 6 years of experience in Higher Education, Career Services, or a related field that demonstrates a strong ability to coach and support students for professional transitions.

  • Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with internal and external constituents.

  • Ability to craft and deliver clear and engaging content.

  • Demonstrated ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and function autonomously in an entrepreneurial environment.

  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Windows/Microsoft Office, experience with student databases, and receptivity to learning new technologies.

Preferred, but not required:

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with career-tech platforms such as Handshake, BisonReady (Suitable), Hiration, Parker Dewey, and Forage.

  • Graduate degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Education, Counseling, etc.).

  • Assessment Expertise: Experience administering and interpreting professional assessments, specifically CliftonStrengths and NACE Career Readiness Competencies.

  • Instructional Experience: Demonstrated experience teaching at the collegiate level, specifically in areas of professional branding, technical/behavioral interviewing, and LinkedIn optimization.

  • Career Coaching: Experience in career advising and case management, particularly in helping students navigate "failure" and pivot toward experiential opportunities.

  • Familiarity with advanced research or assessment methods and a demonstrated ability to analyze data and summarize findings.

Physical Requirements:

  • Basic office environment. No extraordinary physical demands required.

    Job Exempt:

    Yes

    Salary Range:

    59,760.00-74,700.00

    The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

    This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

    Benefits:

    Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):

    • Flexible scheduling options determined by role;
    • Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
    • An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
    • Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
    • Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
    • A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
    • A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

    To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, clickhere! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

    Inclusive Excellence:
    Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individualsto apply and donot discriminate inadmissions, employment, educational programs and/or activitieson the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

    E-Verify

    Bucknell University participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

    For additional information regarding Bucknell's E-Verify requirements, please contact the office of Talent, Culture & Human Resources (570) 577-1631 or emailhr@bucknell.edu.

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