Operations Manager @ Community FarmShare - Montgomery County, MD

 SUPERVISOR:

Executive Director

ABOUT COMMUNITY FARMSHARE:

Initiated at the end of 2020, Community FarmShare (CFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on alleviating food insecurity and supporting local food systems. We partner with local organic, regenerative, and naturally grown vegetable and fruit farms to bring fresh, healthy produce to families experiencing food insecurity in Montgomery County. CFS aims to reduce food insecurity and improve residents’ health by providing healthy food sourced from local farmers. Through this model, we help develop a resilient local food system, focusing on bringing a Food Is Medicine approach to addressing food insecurity.  

In 2023, Community FarmShare will adjust its operations model from purchasing only from CSA farms to an aggregation model (produce will be purchased through established contracts with our farm partners; purchased produce will then be packed and distributed from our central location, in mid-county.)   Exact location of aggregation hub/central location is to be determined.

POSITION SUMMARY

Community FarmShare is looking to hire an Operations Manager responsible for managing the daily operations of the organization’s new produce aggregation hub. This is a part-time, hourly position with on-location work 2-3 days per week, and the possibility of some remote work.

The Operations Manager will supervise the handling of produce orders, the receival of bulk produce and the proper storage of produce, the packing of bags for participants, and managing the distribution process. The job involves coordinating all communications with farm partners, deliveries, managing all aspects of packing, and distributing produce to families and partner organizations with the support of volunteers.

Additionally, key aspects of this job will include:

Ø  Supervise volunteers with packing of bags at the aggregation hub, twice per week

Ø  Coordinate deliveries made by volunteers.

Ø Manage the document flow of purchase orders, invoices and delivery receipts between our farm partners, recipient partner organizations, and CFS.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Manage aggregation hub operations and logistics.

o  Together with the Executive Director, create a workflow, including packing and distribution system and logistics to manage the aggregation hub

o Ensure all incoming and outgoing produce supplies are made timely, safely, and efficiently.

o Work includes helping to unload and load the produce at the site (incoming and outgoing) and can be physically demanding

o  Troubleshoot for daily operations of the aggregation hub.

o  Collect data and create reports for tracking food distributions, participants, other services, etc. and submit as required.

o   Work in partnership with the Executive Director and other necessary staff to keep the team informed about operations and any challenges the aggregation hub faces. 

·    Recruit, train, and supervise operations volunteers and staff. 

o  Supervise scheduling for operations volunteers, staff, and activities.

·       Comply with all program protocols, including those regarding confidentiality of client information.

·       Participate in all staff and program meetings, events, and other mandatory training as assigned.

·       All other duties assigned by the supervisor relative to the position. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work both independently during periods of less supervision and effectively in a busy environment.
• Ability to recruit, guide and build relationships with volunteers.
• Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively in a team and with external stakeholders like clients and partner agencies.
• Outstanding time management, organization, and logistical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills·       
• Commitment and passion to serving their community and improving the lives of participants experiencing food insecurity.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft, Google).
• Driver’s license and own transportation, good driving record. 
• Ability to lift 40 lbs, and stand for long periods of time
• Bilingual (Spanish) candidate a plus due to the demographics of our service area. 
• Experience in food hub management or experience working with a multi-farm CSA a plus.

COMPENSATION

·       Part time (approx., 20 hr/week)

·       Hourly compensation, $20/hr.

·       Two weeks paid vacation

·       Access to fresh produce CSA

TO APPLY

Please submit Resume and Letter of Interest by JANUARY 31, 2023 to:
Jennifer Freeman, Executive Director, Community FarmShare