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Food Insecurity Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. * Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. o Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

Social support navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. Compile and maintain a resource list for SDOH resources including eligibility ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Insecurity information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$19

$44

How much do food insecurity jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for food insecurity in Tennessee is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.13 and $22.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Insecurity Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Insecurity Specialist, you need a background in public health, nutrition, social work, or a related field, along with knowledge of food systems and community resources. Familiarity with data analysis tools, program management software, and relevant certifications like Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is often required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and create effective interventions. These skills are essential for accurately assessing needs, developing impactful programs, and fostering community partnerships to alleviate food insecurity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working to address food insecurity, and how can they overcome them?

Professionals working to address food insecurity often face challenges such as limited resources, complex community needs, and logistical barriers in food distribution. Building strong partnerships with local organizations, leveraging data to target interventions, and engaging directly with affected communities can help overcome these obstacles. Collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers is essential to maximize impact and ensure that solutions are both sustainable and culturally appropriate.

What are food insecurity jobs?

Food insecurity jobs are roles focused on addressing the lack of access to sufficient and nutritious food among individuals and communities. These positions can be found in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, food banks, and community outreach programs. Job duties often include program coordination, resource distribution, advocacy, research, and policy development to help reduce hunger and improve food access. People working in this field strive to identify the causes of food insecurity and implement solutions that lead to long-term food stability.

What is the difference between Food Insecurity vs Food Assistance Coordinator?

AspectFood InsecurityFood Assistance Coordinator
Required CredentialsNone specific, often a general understanding of food issuesTypically a degree in social work, public health, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based, nonprofit, or government settingsOffice settings, community outreach, program management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to describe a condition affecting populationsJob title for professionals managing food aid programs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding food access issuesFinding roles related to food aid program management

Food Insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient food, often a community or population issue. Food Assistance Coordinator is a job title for professionals who develop and manage programs to combat food insecurity. While related, one describes a problem, and the other describes a role aimed at addressing that problem.

What are popular job titles related to Food Insecurity jobs in Tennessee? For Food Insecurity jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Insecurity jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Food Insecurity jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Food Insecurity job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 55% Full Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,957 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
The Store | Chief Operating Officer

The Store | Chief Operating Officer

ThinkingAhead

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description


Chief Operating Officer

The Store | Nashville, TN

The Store seeks a strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a key executive partner to the CEO and lead the organization through its next phase of operational growth and maturity.
The COO will serve as the CEO’s primary strategic and operational counterpart, overseeing finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, and multi-site operations. As The Store expands its footprint and impact, the COO will strengthen the systems, structures, and performance standards necessary to support sustainable growth—while building strong, healthy, and accountable teams.
A key measure of success in this role will be enhancing the organization's sourcing strategy—both by reducing food costs and increasing the value of food secured through purchasing, partnerships, and donations.
This role is well-suited for an experienced leader who combines operational excellence with exceptional people leadership in a mission-driven environment.
About The Store

In the heart of Middle Tennessee, The Store stands as a testament to the power of community, hope, and dignity. Founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store has transcended the conventional approach of addressing food insecurity.
The Store is a nonprofit grocery model serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, ensuring every neighbor has access to healthy, fresh, and nutritious food in a setting grounded in choice and respect. Through a customer-choice model, shoppers select from a wide range of fresh produce, healthy meats, dairy products, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items, so that every customer finds what they need. Beyond food access, The Store partners with local organizations to provide wraparound services such as counseling, budgeting support, and nutrition education, helping neighbors build long-term stability.
With two locations and plans for continued expansion, The Store is recognized as an innovative leader in dignity-centered food access. Supported by a strong relational culture, trusted data systems, and a solid operational foundation, the organization is now poised to formalize performance systems and strengthen operational rigor to scale responsibly and effectively.

Our Mission: To nourish communities and cultivate hope by providing nutritious food choices and access to supportive services in a dignified, loving environment.
Our Vision: We envision a future where food insecurity is eradicated in our community and access to nutritious food is realized through a model of dignity, love, and community.
Our Values: Love, Dignity, Community, Collaboration, Choice.
Position Overview

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will serve as a close strategic thought partner and execution leader. Together, the CEO and COO will form a highly aligned executive team responsible for advancing organizational strategy and ensuring operational excellence.
The COO will:
  • Lead all internal operations with full P&L accountability
  • Strengthen financial planning, forecasting, and reporting
  • Implement and refine organizational goal-setting and performance systems
  • Develop clear KPIs and dashboards to support data-informed decision-making
  • Optimize supply chain strategy to improve cost-of-goods performance across multiple sites
  • Design scalable operational models to support geographic expansion
  • Hold direct supervisory responsibility for key leadership roles within the organization, specifically overseeing the Volunteer Director and the Operations Director.
The CEO will increasingly focus on external leadership, fundraising, and long-term vision, while the COO ensures disciplined execution and organizational alignment.
Key Responsibilities

Executive & Strategic Leadership
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and a collaborative member of the senior leadership team
  • Translate strategic priorities into measurable annual operating plans
  • Support Board engagement through regular reporting and presentations
  • Partner with the Finance Committee on budgeting and financial oversight
Financial & Operational Leadership
  • Lead annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning
  • Ensure strong fiscal controls, compliance, and transparency
  • Oversee monthly financial reporting and variance analysis
  • Strengthen forecasting and long-range financial modeling
  • Drive financial performance by actively managing key cost drivers, including cost-of-goods, and ensuring alignment between operational decisions and financial outcomes
  • Manage vendor relationships with PEO, bookkeeper, and IT.
Systems & Accountability
  • Formalize and implement operating systems that clarify goals, roles, and accountability
  • Establish dashboards and performance metrics across departments
  • Improve cross-functional alignment and reduce operational silos
  • Lead change management initiatives with thoughtful communication and buy-in
Sourcing Strategy & Operational Efficiency
  • Develop and lead a proactive sourcing strategy that strengthens vendor relationships, expands food donation partnerships, and increases overall food value across the organization
  • Actively identify and develop new sourcing channels, partnerships, and opportunities to improve cost-of-goods and extend the impact of the organization’s food budget
  • Support the development of operational partnerships that enhance mission delivery
  • Evaluate and design operational models to support multi-site growth
People & Culture
  • Oversee HR strategy, including talent development, performance management, and leadership growth
  • Strengthen a culture that balances The Store’s values, including dignity and collaboration, with clear expectations and accountability
  • Lead with emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and professionalism
  • Support leaders in navigating complex conversations with clarity and respect
Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring:
  • Senior executive leadership experience in a complex operating environment, such as a corporate, multi-site, or large nonprofit organization
  • Experience managing a multi-million dollar budget or comparable operational scale
  • Strong financial acumen and deep comfort working with financial statements, unit economics, operating metrics, and performance dashboards
  • Demonstrated success building systems, processes, and accountability structures that translate strategy into measurable results
  • Experience leading organizations through growth, operational scaling, and change
Leadership Competencies
  • High emotional intelligence and cultural competence
  • Ability to build trust across staff, board, volunteers, and partners
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Strategic thinking paired with disciplined execution and follow-through
  • Comfort using data and financial insight to guide decisions and drive performance
  • Capacity to challenge constructively while maintaining alignment
Indicators of Success in the First Year
  • A clear and consistent operating framework and leadership cadence is established across the organization
  • Cost-of-goods and food sourcing performance improves measurably, resulting in increased food value and/or reduced per-unit food costs
  • Organizational dashboards and KPIs are implemented and regularly used to guide decision-making
  • Financial planning, forecasting, and reporting processes are strengthened and operating reliably
  • Leadership roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations are clearly defined and aligned
  • Board reporting provides clear financial and operational insight and supports strategic governance
  • Operational systems and processes effectively support continued organizational growth and multi-site expansion
Compensation and Benefits

The Store offers a competitive salary for the Chief Operating Officer Position, based on experience, and an excellent employee benefits package.
To Apply

The Store has partnered with ThinkingAhead Executive Search to lead this search. Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and brief statement of interest to Chris Spagnola, Partner with ThinkingAhead: cspagnola@thinkingahead.com.
The Store is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.