Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education, and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 42 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.  

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.  

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives. 

Our Goals are to: 1) Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network. 2) Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget. 3) Champion change through advocacy and innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

Position Summary:  The Nutrition Access Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and improving Nutrition Access programs and food distribution initiatives that help connect Community Food Partner Agencies (CFPAs) and their clients with nutritious food. Serving as the department's lead resource on Healthy Eating Research (HER) Guidelines for purchased inventory, this position works across multiple teams to develop effective distribution strategies, support nutrition-focused purchasing decisions, and continuously improve program operations. Through collaboration, analysis, and problem-solving, the Nutrition Access Coordinator helps ensure food resources are distributed equitably and efficiently while advancing Operation Food Search's mission and goals. 

Salary:  $44,000 - $55,000

Food Distribution 

• Lead the development and execution of strategic distribution initiatives that increase food access, improve CFPA engagement, and support organizational goals. 
• In collaboration with the Agency Relations Team, assess CFPAs capacity and community need to determine equitable food allocation and distribution of excess inventory. 
• Coordinate alternative delivery solutions for CFPAs experiencing transportation barriers. 
• Support the planning and distribution of purchased food inventory, including annual food purchases designated for CFPAs. 
• Ensure clear communication of distribution plans to the Warehouse and Distribution team to support safe, accurate, and timely distribution of purchased products. 
• Design, implement, and manage volunteer-based food distribution models for CFPAs, including volunteer recruitment, scheduling, route assignments, and engagement activities. 

Inventory 

• Oversee the inventory, packing, and distribution of emergency meal kits and pantry boxes, managing program resources, and ensuring effective stewardship of the annual program budget. 
• Collaborate with the Inventory Team to ensure all program inventory is accurately labeled, stored, and prepared for distribution. 
• Manage Nutrition Access programs inventory and proactively communicate supply needs to the Nutrition Access Manager. 

Operations 

• Provide cross-functional coordination among Agency Relations, Warehouse Operations, Nutrition Access, and CFPAs. 
• Support grant-funded initiatives through proper ordering documentation and reporting. 

Nutrition Quality 

• Oversee the application of Healthy Eating Research (HER) Guidelines to purchased food inventory, including reviewing products, maintaining ranking documentation, and providing recommendations to support nutrition-focused purchasing decisions. 
• In collaboration with the Registered Dietitian, develop and distribute nutrition education materials that accompany purchased foods and slow-moving inventory, helping CFPAs understand the health benefits, preparation methods, and practical uses of these food items to increase utilization and reduce waste. 

This position will be posted for 5 days.  

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in public health, Nutrition, Dietetics, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and collaborating across departments and external partners. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for tracking and reporting program data. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.  
• Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships with OFS team, program partners, and stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated meticulous diligence to details.  
• Ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring the highest standards in quality.  
• Experience working with underserved populations. 
• Working knowledge of social service organizations and non-profits in the St. Louis region.  
• Understanding of food insecurity and food access issues in the St. Louis region. 
• Possess a growth mindset and actively seek out opportunities to learn. 
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make decisions based on data.  
• Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to program integrity. 

Special Requirements: 

• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend. 
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned.  
• Frequent local travel required. Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation (mileage is reimbursable). 

Working Condition and Physical Demands: 

• Some sedentary indoors office work 
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors. 
• Ability to regularly lift and carry boxes, move products using carts, dollies, and pallet lifts 
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors 

Benefits – FT Positions 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage 
• HRA and FSA 
• 401(k) retirement plan 
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays 
• Short and long-term disability insurance 
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance 
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance 
• Employee assistance program 
• Wellness support 
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified