Program Coordinator - Community Programs & Outreach

Program Coordinator – Community Programs & Outreach

Department: Programs

Reports To: Program Manager

Status: Full-Time, Hourly

Location: Central Illinois Foodbank – Springfield, Illinois (onsite)

Salary: $24.00 - $30.00

The Program Coordinator – Community Programs & Outreach is a community-facing position responsible for the day-to-day coordination of Central Illinois Foodbank’s community outreach, agency engagement, Retail Route while supporting community food distributions, food drives, and other community-based initiatives.

This position serves as a primary point of contact for retail partners and participating agencies and works closely with the Program Manager and Programs team. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, relationship-oriented, and comfortable balancing logistics, communication, and hands-on community work.

• Coordinate and support community food distributions and special distribution events.
• Support food drives, including coordinating tote delivery and pickup and food collection logistics.
• Support the Kitchen Cart initiative and other community-based food access efforts.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, businesses, schools, health organizations, and other community partners, particularly in rural communities.
• Collect community and participant feedback through surveys and other feedback methods.

• Coordinate the day-to-day operation of the Foodbank’s Retail Route, including scheduling pickups, coordinating with retail partners, agencies and volunteers, and communicating schedule changes.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with retail partners and participating agencies.
• Ensure Retail Route food is handled, documented, and distributed according to Foodbank and food safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate Retail Route records and data.
• Identify opportunities to improve route efficiency, food recovery, participation, and community access.
• Assist with onboarding new retail and agency partners to the Retail Route.

• Serve as a point of contact for assigned partner agencies and provide support related to Foodbank services, distributions, and scheduling.
• Assist with agency onboarding, communication, training, and ongoing engagement.
• Cross-train on agency services and compliance requirements to provide support and coverage across the Programs team.
• Maintain accurate program records and utilize Foodbank systems, including Service Insights.
• Follow Foodbank, Feeding America, USDA, food safety, and other applicable requirements.
• Work collaboratively with all foodbank staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in communications, marketing, social services, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• One to three years of experience in community outreach, nonprofit services, logistics, food distribution, customer service, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Comfortable working in office, warehouse, retail, and community environments.
• Ability to represent the Foodbank professionally with a variety of community partners.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel throughout the Foodbank’s 21-county service area.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Community Engagement: Builds positive, respectful relationships with partners and community members.
• Organization: Effectively manages schedules, logistics, documentation, and competing priorities.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and proactively…