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Food Pantry Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Food Pantry Coordinator

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$18.11 - $21.74/hr

Community Ministries Director FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt STATUS TYPE: RFT PAY GRADE: 203 PAY RANGE: $18.11 - $21.74 OUTCOMES To coordinate the Food Pantry ministry at the Norridge Citadel corps and to ...

Community Ministries Director FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt STATUS TYPE: RFT PAY GRADE: 203 PAY RANGE: $18.11 - $21.74 OUTCOMES To coordinate the Food Pantry ministry at the Norridge Citadel corps and to ...

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West Suburban Community Pantry Director of Development & Marketing MISSION West Suburban Community Pantry creates opportunities for our neighbors to thrive by providing nourishing food and access to ...

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West Suburban Community Pantry Director of Development & Marketing MISSION West Suburban Community Pantry creates opportunities for our neighbors to thrive by providing nourishing food and access to ...

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Food Pantry Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do food pantry director jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food pantry director in Chicago, IL is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Food Pantry Director, you need strong organizational, leadership, and community outreach skills, typically supported by experience in nonprofit management or social services. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety regulations, and fundraising platforms is often required. Excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help build relationships with volunteers, clients, and partners. These skills are essential for ensuring efficient operations, compliance, and the delivery of vital resources to individuals in need.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Pantry Directors when managing volunteers and resources?

Food Pantry Directors often face the challenge of coordinating a diverse team of volunteers with varying schedules, skill levels, and experience. Ensuring there are enough volunteers during peak hours and training them efficiently can be demanding. Additionally, balancing limited resources while meeting fluctuating community demand requires strong organizational skills and creative problem-solving. Directors must also maintain relationships with donors and partner agencies to secure consistent food supplies, all while adhering to food safety regulations.

What does a Food Pantry Director do?

A Food Pantry Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a food pantry, including managing staff and volunteers, coordinating food inventory and distribution, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and food safety standards. They work closely with community partners and donors to secure food and resources, and develop programs to support individuals and families in need. Additionally, they often handle budgeting, reporting, and outreach efforts to raise awareness about hunger issues in the community.

What is the difference between Food Pantry Director vs Food Bank Coordinator?

AspectFood Pantry DirectorFood Bank Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer associate's or bachelor's degreeSimilar; often requires related certifications or experience in food services
Work EnvironmentCommunity food pantries, local nonprofitsRegional or statewide food bank facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, religious groupsFood banks, charitable organizations
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversee daily pantry operations, manage volunteers, distribute foodCoordinate food distribution logistics, manage inventory, liaise with partners

The Food Pantry Director and Food Bank Coordinator roles share similar credentials and work within nonprofit food distribution settings. The main difference lies in scope: the Food Pantry Director manages local pantry operations, while the Food Bank Coordinator oversees larger-scale logistics and regional distribution. Both roles are vital in combating food insecurity and often require collaboration with community partners.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Pantry jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Food Pantry jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Pantry Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Food Pantry Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Pantry Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Pantry Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Pantry Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,850 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$18.11 - $21.74/hr

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Job description

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

NORRIDGE CITADEL CORPS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Food Pantry Coordinator

LOCATION/DEPT: Norridge Citadel Corps

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Community Ministries Director

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 203

PAY RANGE: $18.11 - $21.74

OUTCOMES

To coordinate the Food Pantry ministry at the Norridge Citadel corps and to support Community Ministry initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific tasks will include:

  1. FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND COORDINATION (60%)
  2. Maintain supplies and keep an inventory of food, etc. in the Community Ministries Pantry with attention to organization and cleanliness.
  3. Communicate and schedule with local vendors who donate food to the pantry.
  4. Coordinate with Greater Chicago Food depository, fulfill orders, track inventory, and follow necessary food and technology policies connected with agency requirements.
  5. Lead and coordinate all areas of the food pantry to ensure positive customer service and functional systems of delivery that promote a 'choice' pantry.
  6. Complete and maintain paperwork and case files as assigned.
  7. Complete required training:
    1. Greater Chicago Food Depository Training.
    2. Food Handling Certification.
    3. Safe From Harm Training.


  8. All other training assigned.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION (20%)

  1. Recruit and coordinate community volunteers for the pantry ministry.
  2. Provide orientation and training for volunteers as assigned/needed (including Safe from Harm compliance).
  3. Coordinate food rescue volunteers for local food donations and pick up donations when volunteers are not scheduled.

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES SUPPORT (20%)

  1. Provide assistance with Special Events (i.e. Angel Tree, Thanksgiving, Back to School Drive, etc.) as assigned.
  2. Promote Outreach and Congregational activities with food pantry volunteers and clients.
  3. Complete casework and/or management as assigned.
  4. Maintain databases and report statistics, as assigned.
  5. Participate in corps councils, committees, or community initiatives as assigned.
  6. Support outreach programs and events to build connections to the food pantry ministry.
  7. All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Community Ministries Director.

This position supervises volunteers assigned to the food pantry.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASURMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, the timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed and an evaluation of how effective service is provided will also be reviewed.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

  • A High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
  • Previous experience with Food Pantry is preferred.
  • Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.

COMPENTENCIES

  • Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
  • Must maintain a proper appearance and conduct themselves according to The Salvation Army polices.
  • Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to people of various ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds.
  • Friendly with excellent communication skills.
  • Uses diplomacy and good judgment.
  • A love for and desire to serve others, especially disenfranchised individuals, families, and the local community through the mission of The Salvation Army.
  • Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

  • This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
  • This individual will keep the Community Ministries Director informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
  • This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • This position requires light physical work including lifting and maneuvering up to 25 lbs.
  • In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to frequently move, position oneself to stoop, kneel, or crouch; required to reach with and use arms and hands in organizing food pantry; use hands and fingers, communicate; sometimes remain stationary for some period of time.
  • The work environment for this position includes food pantry and community center environment with a low to high noise level.
  • Must have the ability to focus.
  • Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect for others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.