Food Waste Reduction Coordinator

Overview

The University of Virginia is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and highly organized Food Waste Reduction Coordinator for a three-year term, grant-funded position. This role supports UVA's aspiration of sending zero food to landfills through food waste prevention, food rescue, and composting.

The Food Waste Reduction Coordinator will play a key role in advancing the University's sustainability goals. The position reports to Business Services and collaborates with the Office for Sustainability and UVA Dine, which manages the food waste reduction grant. Other collaborators include students, Facilities Management, Aramark Sports & Entertainment, local composting providers, and community partners.

• Food Recovery Program Expansion
  • Develop workflows and coordinate logistics with UVA Dine and food rescue staff/volunteers to increase the amount of food rescued from dining halls and the football stadium; include ordering equipment and training dining and concessions staff, student volunteers, and event staff on food recovery procedures and zero waste practices.
• Food Waste Prevention Program Expansion
  • Work with Business Services to implement and maintain contracts for new food waste tracking hardware and software (e.g., Metafoodx or Streamline).
  • Work with UVA Dine to analyze data, prepare summaries, and recommend improvements to operations.
• Composting Program Expansion
  • Purchase, install, and maintain composting signage and infrastructure; coordinate with Black Bear Composting to expand Front of House and Back of House compost collection services for restaurants and event spaces.
• Student Engagement & Education
  • Support the Office for Sustainability Outreach & Engagement staff in designing and delivering food waste reduction programs, workshops, and outreach events for students, including leading awareness campaigns (digital, tabling, hall outreach, peer networks) that highlight the importance of food waste reduction.
• Reporting, Tracking & Data
  • Report progress and next steps weekly to the Office for Sustainability.
  • Hold weekly coordination meetings with UVA Dine, Concessions, OFS, and Business Services stakeholders; report on progress.
  • Provide data and progress updates for required grant quarterly reports—summarizing program outcomes, trends, and key insights.
• Stakeholder Training & Partnership Support
  • In coordination with the Office for Sustainability, conduct ongoing training and onboarding sessions with UVA Dine and Concessions staff related to food waste reduction and zero waste practices.
• General Program Expansion
  • As time allows, strengthen existing food waste initiatives or pilot new initiatives as opportunities are identified, in partnership with stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree
• Two or more years of relevant professional experience (e.g., sustainability program coordination, food systems work, student engagement, waste management, or related roles)
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including coordinating project implementation, building partnerships, conducting trainings, or delivering educational outreach
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with analytical, problem-solving, process, and people skills
• Ability to work evenings/weekends as requested (e.g., home football games, special events)
• Ability to lift 25-40 pounds; this role blends office-based coordination with hands-on field work in dining halls, stadiums, restaurants, and outdoor areas. The role routinely involves moving carts, bins, signage, and equipment and supporting event setup and breakdown

• Experience with in or understanding of large organizations, particularly at a university, is highly preferred
• Knowledge of food waste reduction strategies, food rescue programs, or composting processes
• Familiarity with waste audits, data collection, and sustainability reporting
• Experience collaborating with students and student-led organizations
• Comfort with hands-on fieldwork in kitchens, stadiums, and event…