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Description

Job Title: Community Resource Liaison
Department: Columbus Humane Essential Care Center (CHECC) - Food Pantry
Reports To: CHECC Clinic Administrator  
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

SUMMARY 

The Community Resource Liaison contributes to Columbus Humane's mission and vision overseeing and continuously improving a community pet food pantry at the Essential Care Center. This role is responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day operations of the Pet Food Assistance Program, ensuring efficient, safe, equitable, and mission-aligned distribution of pet food and supplies to the community.

This position leads a robust volunteer-powered pantry model in close partnership with the Volunteer Programs Manager and Director of Operations-Essential Care Center, manages inventory and logistics, secures pet food donations through community partnerships, and creates clear eligibility and distribution criteria. The Community Resource Liaison represents Columbus Humane's mission and values in all interactions with volunteers, partners, and community members. Additionally, this role innovates creative ways to expand access to the pet food pantry, increase donations, improve operational efficiency and impact, and develop new partnerships to extend community reach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Mission & Values

Think, communicate, and act in the best interest of Columbus Humane and its human and animal clients, consistently modeling the organization's mission, values, and commitment to community support.

Pet Food Pantry Development & Operations

Oversee, and continuously improve the community pet food pantry, including policies, procedures, workflows, and safety standards.

Oversee daily pantry operations, maintaining a clean, safe, welcoming, and well-organized warehouse and distribution environment.

Develop and implement eligibility criteria and distribution guidelines to ensure fair, responsible, and mission-aligned allocation of donated pet food and supplies.

Innovate and implement creative strategies to expand access to the pantry, increase donations, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize community impact.

Volunteer Program Leadership

Build and sustain a strong volunteer-based operational model for the pet food pantry.

Work in frequent and close collaboration with the Volunteer Programs Manager to recruit, onboard, train, schedule, supervise, and retain volunteers supporting pantry operations.

Supervise volunteers on the warehouse floor, ensuring effective teamwork, safety, and adherence to established protocols and procedures while fostering a supportive, engaging volunteer experience.

Donations, Inventory & Logistics

Secure pet food and supply donations through community partnerships, corporate relationships, and collaborative efforts with the Director of Operations - Essential Care Center, Clinic Administrator, and other members of leadership. 

Coordinate delivery, unloading, storage, and organization of donated pet food and supplies.

Maintain accurate inventory levels; collaborate with Essential Care Center staff to order food and supplies as needed and coordinate deliveries.

Maintain, and oversee data tracking systems for incoming and outgoing donations to ensure accuracy, grant compliance, and annual inventory review.

Coordinate shipping, transportation, deliveries, and distribution schedules; verify accuracy of incoming orders.

Identify and cultivate new community partnerships to expand the reach and impact of the Pet Food Assistance Program.

Oversee all administrative functions of the pet food pantry, ensuring timely and accurate data entry and documentation. 

Community Partnerships & Outreach

Build and maintain relationships with community partner organizations to support ongoing and pop-up pet food distribution events.

Prepare for, attend, and represent Columbus Humane at community events, outreach activities, and relevant meetings.

Serve as a knowledgeable and compassionate resource for community members seeking pet food assistance and related support.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Supervise pet food pantry      volunteers during their shift. 
• Partner with the Volunteer      Programs Manager to recruit, train, supervise, and retain volunteers.
• Plan, assign, and direct volunteer      engagement; provide appropriate feedback.
• Address volunteer concerns,      enforce policies, and resolve conflicts in accordance with organizational      policies and applicable laws.
• Enforce warehouse and program      safety standards and best practices.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to foster a collaborative, team-based approach to problem solving.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer and telephone use.

Ability to train, supervise, and motivate volunteers.

Working knowledge of warehouse tools, equipment, and safety practices.

Ability to operate a forklift or obtain certification.

Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time and perform physical tasks associated with warehouse operations.

Ability to maintain accurate records, recognize individuals, and follow written directions.

Openness and adaptability to changing operational needs.

Dependable attendance and ability to work Saturdays for events as needed.

Passionate belief in Columbus Humane's vision, mission, and values.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee may be required to lift up to 50 pounds, with reasonable accommodation. The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The position requires standing, walking, lifting, and operating warehouse equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a warehouse and veterinary clinic environment and at off-site community locations. The position may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals, parasites, and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals. This role requires travel in Columbus Humane vehicles and physical labor related to food distribution activities. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support community events and food distributions.

 Participate in the organization's Culture Commitment:

• Work collaboratively across teams by solving problems together, seeking input from colleagues and demonstrating respect for every team and function.
• Maintain a forward-looking approach by learning from the past while focusing on solutions and growth.
• Create high work output through effective work styles while maintaining work-life balance.
• Assume positive intent by seeking to understand rather than assuming motives and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
• Embrace accountability by owning commitments and responsibilities, while acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.
• Communicate openly, sharing information wherever possible and having difficult conversations directly and respectfully with an eye toward productive resolution.

Columbus Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.