Anti-Hunger Program Associate

Position Available

Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS), an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the staff as an Anti-Hunger Program Associate.  Through advocacy, research, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance, public education, and program monitoring, the Anti-Hunger Program Associate will be responsible for working to increase participation in and the quality of public nutrition programs in Maryland, and to address related community food security issues. This position reports to the MDHS SNAP Program Lead.

Candidates must reside in the Maryland, D.C., and Virginia metro areas to be considered, as this position requires regular local travel throughout the state, including the Baltimore metropolitan area, Maryland suburbs of Washington DC, Annapolis and surrounding areas, to conduct outreach, attend meetings and engage with community partners as needed. Mileage is reimbursable.  While the organization is fully remote and staff are not required to report to an office, this role includes in-person responsibilities as part of its core duties.

Organizational Background

Founded in 2007, Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) is Maryland’s leading nonprofit dedicated to reducing hunger and improving nutrition by increasing access to and benefits from public nutrition and related programs. MDHS uses federal programs—including SNAP (known in Maryland as the Food Supplement Program), school breakfast and lunch, summer and afterschool nutrition programs, and WIC—to reduce hunger and its harmful effects, strengthen economic security, health, and nutrition, and support community institutions.

MDHS works to educate the public and policymakers about the extent of hunger and its impact on Maryland residents, to forge workable solutions at the state and local level, to track the performance of state and local agencies, to identify and spread sustainable best practices and to engage a network of partners to make the federal nutrition programs accessible to all those who are in need.  MDHS is a core member of numerous state and local partnerships, including the Montgomery County Food Council, the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, and the Maryland State Food Resilience Council, among others. MDHS also leads the Maryland Food Access and Nutrition Network. For more information on MDHS, see http://www.mdhungersolutions.org. For more information on FRAC, see http://www.frac.org.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and provide direct SNAP application assistance and support with SNAP pre-screening, redeterminations, and related questions.
• Provide training to partner organizations, public agencies, and interested individuals as appropriate.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to increase the participation of families and individuals in public nutrition programs, with an initial special focus on SNAP. This will include site visits, outreach, analysis and research, technical assistance, public education, collaboration, and the development of materials.
• Provide technical assistance and work effectively with multiple stakeholders, including city and county public officials throughout the state of Maryland, community-based and faith-based organizations, social service agencies, and farmers’ markets.
• Attend community outreach events and activities to engage directly with residents, community organizations, and service providers about SNAP.
• Assist in MDHS’ research, policy improvement, program implementation, and outreach efforts on SNAP.
• Analyze policies and practices that foster or inhibit program participation and increase food access in Maryland.
• Collect and report data on Maryland participation rates in public nutrition programs and analyze community food security trends.
• Participate in and help strengthen coalitions and collaborative networks. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, advocates, government partners, and other stakeholders to advance shared policy and programmatic goals.
• Assist in public education about federal nutrition programs and policies.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Background in hunger and anti-poverty work preferred.
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity.
• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience.
• Good conceptual, strategic thinking and creative skills.
• Proficient in writing clear and concise reports, emails, and documentation
• Exhibit empathy and sensitivity in communication with low-income families.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to present and speak in public on behalf of the organization.
• Ability to utilize technology to work remotely.
• Experience with SNAP and/or other federal nutrition/benefit assistance programs (TANF, Medicaid, etc.).
• Ability to travel for local meetings, training and technical assistance opportunities and outreach events. (Parking/mileage reimbursement provided for required travel.
• Conversant in Spanish a plus

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $62,000 – $65,000. Final salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications.  FRAC offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; and generous leave. FRAC’s normal office hours are between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Eastern Time. This position is part of a union and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

To Apply

Submit a resume, writing sample (not to exceed three pages), and cover letter providing a summary of accomplishments and experience.

No phone calls please

Opening/Closing Dates:

The position is available immediately. It will close when filled. However, FRAC seeks to hire a qualified individual as soon as possible.

FRAC is an equal opportunity employer. FRAC is firmly committed to

a policy against discrimination based on age, gender, race, religious creed, sexual

orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin.