Retail Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit agency. Nourishing Hope has evolved to become more than solely a hunger relief organization. We provide food, social services such as job and housing assistance, and free mental wellness counseling with a growing team of licensed therapists. Founded in 1970, we strive to serve the needs of the whole person - with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs.
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities.
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, more than 7,000 low-income neighbors will also receive case management and social services.

Position Summary

The Home Delivery Program Manager primarily oversees the effective delivery of Nourishing Hope's food distribution programming, ensuring a positive neighbor experience, including the In-Person Markets, Home Delivery, and Online Market program models, as appropriate. This role oversees all aspects of daily food distribution programming for Home Delivery, including staff supervision, neighbor and volunteer engagement, operations and logistics, financial oversight, data tracking and reporting, food safety and sanitation, and quality assurance. This role acts as a liaison to all neighbors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a dignified and respectful experience.

Schedule and Locations

This position primarily works out of The Hub located at 5151 N Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL. The work schedule is Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. This position is onsite, with a maximum of two days per week working remotely. Occasional on-site work at other locations may be required, depending on program needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Act as the manager on duty and point of contact for all neighbors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders at the site, as appropriate, ensuring an environment that reinforces Nourishing Hope's Core Values.
• Oversees training, supervision, and coaching of staff to ensure high-quality food distribution programming, in alignment with SOPs. Utilizes data-informed continuous quality improvement practices to identify and test approaches to optimize programming.
• Oversees adherence to and execution of all relevant food distribution program standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure high-quality programming, food storage, workplace safety, and sanitation standards that adhere to organizational, state, and federal policy.
• Oversees inventory and relationships with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, U.S.D.A., FEMA, and other external partners.
• Actively participates as a member of the Program Leadership Team and Nourishing Hope Leadership Team to ensure cross-team and cross-departmental alignment with organizational priorities to achieve organizational goals.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, Master's degree preferred.
• Two years of experience in social services, food service/distribution, or grocery/retail environments, including at least one year of staff management and coaching experience.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to drive a van.
• Strong technology skills including:
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
  • Ability to use and maintain Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) data quality.
• An understanding of, and belief in, the importance of food security for everyone.
• Familiarity with the interconnected barriers experienced by neighbors experiencing food insecurity, including but not limited to homelessness, mental and physical health, disability, substance use, and aging-related barriers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain food service sanitation certification in accordance with municipal and state laws.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (in person, over the phone, remotely, and in writing) and the ability to navigate challenging situations with patience and professionalism.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team, including willingness to provide staff coverage, depending on programmatic need.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• A high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights.

Highly Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish).
• Previous experience in the nonprofit or hunger relief sectors.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Experience in Non-violent Crisis Intervention techniques.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and push/pull up to 100 pounds using manual carts and dollies.
• Ability to engage in prolonged standing and walking.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $54,000 - $60,000 based on experience

Full-time benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Paid birthday holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental leave
• Language pay
• $250 employee referral bonus
• Free subscription to mental wellness app

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local laws.

We kindly ask that agencies and recruiters refrain from reaching out. Unsolicited sales messages will be blocked and reported as spam.