Neighborhood Market Specialist

Job Location
:
Northwest Center - Rockford, IL 61109

Salary Range
: $20.33 - $21.60 hourly

Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks an extraordinarily motivated candidate to join our team as a Neighborhood Market Specialist, supporting the organization’s efforts to provide dignified access to food and resources through the Northern Illinois Neighborhood Market. This full‑time role provides administrative, operational, and programmatic support across assigned program areas, including market distributions, home delivery services, order‑ahead programs, and on‑site wrap‑around services, while working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure safe and effective service for Neighbors.

• Coordinating assigned Neighborhood Market program areas, including indoor and outdoor distributions, home delivery services, order‑ahead (locker) programs, and/or wrap‑around service logistics.
• Supporting the execution of multiple service models to ensure smooth flow, accurate registration, and a positive Neighbor experience.
• Maintaining accurate client data, registration, and distribution tracking in Link2
  
  Feed and other required systems for assigned program areas.
• Observing program operations and communicating issues, trends, or capacity concerns to the Neighborhood Market Supervisor.
• Supporting the integration of community agencies and service providers offering wrap‑around services within the Neighborhood Market.
• Coordinating on‑site logistics for assigned partners, including space setup, schedules, and alignment with center protocols.
• Partnering with Center team members and the Volunteer Team to identify volunteer needs and support volunteer engagement for assigned programs.
• Facilitating volunteer orientations, tours, and on‑site guidance as needed.
• Maintaining compliance with Emergency Food Program (EFP) requirements, food safety standards, and internal procedures.
• Collecting, maintaining, and updating program documentation, confidential records, calendars, and surveys to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Supporting cleanliness, safety, and organization of market spaces, order‑ahead areas, wrap‑around service spaces, and client waiting areas.
• Assisting with outreach communications related to Neighborhood Market services, including market updates, order‑ahead information, and partner offerings.
• Representing the Neighborhood Market at community events, meetings, tours, or donor visits as assigned.
• Being cross‑trained to support other center functions as needed.
• Performing other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

• Make a difference:
  Every role at Northern Illinois Food Bank directly impacts the lives of those we serve.
• Flexible work environment:
  We value work‑life balance and support flexible work models.
• Comprehensive benefits:
  Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.
• Growth opportunities:
  Invest in your career with professional development, career mapping, and leadership training.
• Inclusive culture:
  Join a diverse, collaborative team that values equity and belonging.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with ability to communicate effectively with Spanish‑speaking Neighbors, volunteers, and partners.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software quickly and efficiently.
• Familiarity with local resources, public benefits, and special events.
• Independent, organized, and able to manage competing operational priorities within a defined scope.
• Food Safety & Sanitation Certification or eligible for training and passing of exam.
• Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work well on a diverse team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; frequent walking, standing, and lifting required.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce where all employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. We intentionally seek out diverse perspectives and skills on our teams, knowing that it makes us stronger as an organization and better equipped to serve our neighbors in need.

We encourage individuals from historically under‑represented communities and individuals with lived experience of hunger to apply.