Pantry Services Manager

The ideal Pantry Services Manager for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank (NEIFB) understands and is passionate about the organization’s mission to provide nutritious food and grocery products to those in need throughout our 16-county service area. This individual will play a key leadership role within the Programs Department by overseeing the strategic direction, community engagement, and data-driven development of the Cedar Valley Food Pantry (CVFP).

This position focuses on strengthening the pantry’s connection to the community and ensuring services remain responsive to client needs and aligned with the Food Bank’s mission. The Pantry Services Manager supports program improvement through community partnerships, participation in local coalitions and advisory groups, basic assessment pantry data, and ongoing evaluation of client needs.

The Pantry Services Manager oversees day-to-day staff operations while supporting program development, community outreach, and service coordination. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills to effectively engage staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners.

Cultural competency is essential, as the position works closely with diverse populations and organizations throughout Black Hawk County and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank service area. A passion for social justice and compassion for others are key attributes of a Northeast Iowa Food Bank team member.

The responsibilities of the Pantry Services Manager include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide strategic oversight of the Cedar Valley Food Pantry (CVFP), ensuring a welcoming and efficient environment that supports a positive client experience.
• Supervise and support the Pantry Services Coordinator’s, Pantry Operations & Safety Lead, and any other direct reports. Provide coaching, guidance, and performance feedback to ensure effective daily operations and continued program improvement.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in accordance with AIB, USDA, and Feeding America standards, in addition to local, state, and federal regulations.
• Monitor and review pantry data, client feedback, and community trends to identify service needs, support program evaluation, prepare simple reports, and contribute to improvements in pantry programs and services.
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners on program development, grant reporting, training, outreach efforts, and organizational initiatives that advance the Food Bank's mission and community impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, service providers, and coalitions, representing the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in community meetings and networking opportunities to strengthen service coordination and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of pantry programs and client feedback initiatives, including pilot programs, surveys, and other tools used to assess program effectiveness and client needs.
• Ensure compliance with Food Bank policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, while supporting volunteer engagement and serving as a key liaison between pantry operations, leadership, and community partners.
• Greet, train, and supervise volunteers and share the mission of the NEIFB occasionally; provide general guidance of projects; assure proper volunteer training to include specific jobs and safety concerns.
  
  Communicate frequently with volunteers to ensure they are satisfied and appropriately placed.
• Perform any other duties as needed to fulfill our mission, drive our vision, and abide by our values.
• In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, NEIFB is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.

Required:

• Associate degree or 4 years of management experience, plus 3+ years of experience in customer service or store/warehouse management
• Proven experience balancing excellent customer service, team supervision, and inventory management in a…