Director Food Research Development Jobs in Bothell, WA

Lifelong is a community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible. We remove barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone.

We lead with heart. Our respect for people drives our mission. For 40 years, Lifelong has fought health inequities so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive services include food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support, and connection to housing and other vital resources.

Position Overview:

Chicken Soup Brigade (CSB) is Lifelong’s food and nutrition program, providing medically tailored meals, culturally relevant groceries, and nutritional counseling & education to community members facing illness and injustice.

The Director, Food & Nutrition provides strategic and operational leadership for one of the organization’s core programs, ensuring the effective delivery and ongoing evolution of food and nutrition services that advance health equity and improve community outcomes.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Programs, this role partners closely with leadership to translate organizational priorities into actionable strategies, high-quality services, and measurable impact. The Director leads a multidisciplinary team and oversees all aspects of program implementation, including operations, partnerships, and financial management.

This position plays a critical role in strengthening program effectiveness, enhancing client experience, and identifying opportunities to adapt and grow services in response to community needs. The Director also serves as a key connector across internal teams and external partners, helping to ensure that food and nutrition services are coordinated, sustainable, and aligned with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

This regular, full-time, exempt, non-union role is based in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, with onsite presence required 08:30AM - 5PM Monday - Friday.

Essential Duties:

Strategic Leadership & Program Direction

• Lead the implementation and evolution of Food & Nutrition program strategy, aligning with organizational priorities and community health needs in partnership with the SVP, Programs.
• Translate strategy into measurable program priorities, outcomes, and growth opportunities that advance health equity and community benefit.
• Identify revenue generating opportunities to enhance, expand, and adapt services to better meet unmet or emerging community needs.
• Contribute to organizational planning and cross-functional alignment as a member of the Leadership Team.

Operational & Programmatic Excellence

• Provide leadership and oversight of food and nutrition operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality, and client-centered service delivery.
• Establish and maintain high standards for safety and compliance in alignment with contract requirements, funder expectations, and applicable regulations (including food safety, workplace safety, and HIPAA).
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track quality, efficiency, cost, and program impact.

• Improve systems, workflows, and procurement practices to improve operational efficiency and consistency.

Financial Leadership & Sustainability

• Partner with Finance and Development on program budgeting and financial management, supporting cost control, resource optimization, and revenue diversification opportunities.
• Oversee contracts and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and accountability.

Program Development, Partnerships, & External Engagement

• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, public agencies, community organizations, and referral networks.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of program goals, metrics, and outcomes aligned with Food is Medicine principles.
• Partner with program staff to ensure services are evidence-based, culturally responsive, and tailored to client needs.
• Represent the agency externally through coalitions, partnerships, events, and media opportunities to expand program visibility and impact.

People Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead, develop, and support a multidisciplinary team, including managers, staff, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management practices.
• Support staff through change while fostering a positive, inclusive work environment, ensuring staff feel supported, valued, and connected to the mission and impact of their work.

Core Competencies:

• Program & Operations Management: Ability to effectively manage complex, service-oriented programs with attention to detail and quality.
• People Management: Strong management skills with the ability to develop, motivate, and retain staff.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem Solving: Practical, solutions-oriented approach applying critical thinking and data.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and builds positive working relationships.
• Strategic Agility: Ability to anticipate trends, navigate ambiguity, and adapt strategies in a dynamic environment.
• Equity & Inclusion: Commitment to serving diverse communities with respect and cultural humility.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or a combination of related education and work experience.
• 5–8 years of experience in food and nutrition services, human services, or a related field.
• At least 3–5 years of experience supervising staff and/or managing programs.
• Experience overseeing operations such as food production, distribution, or client services preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of community-based services, health disparities, and social determinants of health.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous vacation (3 weeks your first year), sick leave, and 2 personal days a year
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance options
• Long term disability
• Mass transit subsidy
• 15 paid holidays per year

Work Environment:

• Any offer of employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Some programs may require additional background checks or frequency.
• This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The role may also involve frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Employees must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds to move office supplies or equipment. Depending on organizational needs, work may be performed in office, kitchen, or warehouse settings and may at times involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions or loud noises. The role may also involve occasional attendance at events or activities that take place outside of normal office settings or standard business hours.
• This position operates in a professional office environment and requires extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required to support office or event needs. The role may also involve occasional attendance at events or activities that take place outside of normal office settings or standard business hours.

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About Lifelong:

Lifelong is a community health organization committed to removing barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone.

We lead with heart. Our respect for people drives our mission. For 40 years, Lifelong has fought health inequities so that everyone can have the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive services include food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support, and connection to housing and other vital resources.

We are looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our talented team and make real, meaningful changes in the daily lives of those living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses in their community. Lifelong offers exceptional benefits, including paid time off, medical and dental coverage in addition to a balanced work-life integration.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Lifelong, we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

EEO Statement:

Lifelong is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and experience that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of what we do.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and as such, we do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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DISCLAIMER: INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are an integral part of a compensation system, effective performance review system, related promotion, transfer, layoff, etc. decisions.

All descriptions have been reviewed to illustrate the job functions and basic duties, in addition to peripheral tasks or that could generally be considered as other duties as assigned.

In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Requirements, skills and abilities included have been determined to illustrate the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions.