Community Food Systems Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable living, the focus on Community Food Systems Coordinators has never been greater.

As society becomes increasingly conscious of the importance of local, sustainable food systems, the demand for proficient individuals who can foster, develop, and safeguard our community food networks grows stronger.

But let’s delve into the specifics: What’s genuinely expected from a Community Food Systems Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of community food systems,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Community Food Systems Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Community Food Systems Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Community Food Systems Coordinators work to develop and maintain local food systems, fostering a healthy community through the provision of fresh and healthy foods.

Their role includes a balance of administrative and field work, including strategic planning, community engagement, and program management.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing community food programs and initiatives
• Coordinating with local farmers, vendors, and community organizations to provide fresh, local food resources
• Organizing and facilitating community meetings and workshops to discuss food system issues and solutions
• Assisting in the establishment and management of community gardens, farmers markets, and other local food projects
• Promoting awareness of local food systems and their benefits to the community
• Working with local agencies and organizations to develop policies and strategies that support a sustainable food system
• Tracking and evaluating program goals, outcomes, and impacts to ensure effectiveness and efficiency
• Preparing and managing budgets for food system programs and initiatives
• Applying for and managing grants and other funding opportunities to support community food system activities
• Providing technical assistance and resources to community members, farmers, and other stakeholders

 

Community Food Systems Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Community Food Systems Coordinator to oversee and enhance our local food initiatives.

The Community Food Systems Coordinator will work closely with local farmers, community groups, and various stakeholders to promote healthy food access and sustainable agricultural practices.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of community-based food systems, excellent project management skills, and a deep commitment to addressing food security issues.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage community food initiatives, including community gardens, farmers’ markets, and local food access programs.
• Collaborate with local farmers and producers to source fresh, local food.
• Develop educational programs to promote nutrition, food preparation, and sustainable agriculture.
• Advocate for policies that improve food security and the local food system.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and volunteers.
• Plan and organize events that promote local food and agriculture.
• Manage program budgets and resources effectively.
• Collect and analyze data to measure program impact.
• Prepare and present reports on program activities and progress.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, agriculture, environmental science, or related field.
• Experience in community development, food security, agriculture, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of local food systems and sustainable agriculture.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and build strong community relationships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Community engagement opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Food Systems Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent local travel to farms, community meetings, and events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Community Health or Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Food Systems Coordinator Do?

A Community Food Systems Coordinator typically works for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or other groups that focus on local food systems and community development.

Their primary role is to build relationships and facilitate collaborations between local farmers, food processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

They strive to create a more sustainable and equitable local food system.

They coordinate and manage various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving nutrition, and supporting local economies.

These might include community gardens, farmers’ markets, farm-to-school programs, and food co-ops.

Community Food Systems Coordinators also play a significant role in community education.

They organize workshops, presentations, and other events to educate the public about the importance of local food systems, healthy eating habits, and sustainable farming practices.

They are often involved in policy work, advocating for laws and regulations that support local food systems and protect small-scale farmers.

They may also be responsible for grant writing and fundraising to secure funding for their initiatives.

They analyze and evaluate the impact of their programs, using data to identify areas for improvement and to demonstrate the value of investing in local food systems.

They may also conduct research to stay abreast of trends and developments in the field of community food systems.

 

Community Food Systems Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A competent Community Food Systems Coordinator should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture and food systems to develop and manage community food projects.
• Excellent organizational skills to coordinate and manage multiple projects, volunteers, and community partners.
• Strong networking and relationship-building abilities for establishing partnerships with local farmers, markets, and other stakeholders in the food system.
• Experience in developing and implementing outreach programs and educational initiatives about nutrition, food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and mobilize community members towards a common goal.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse groups of people, including low-income populations, minority groups, and people with varying levels of food literacy.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges in the community food system, such as access to fresh, healthy food in low-income neighborhoods.
• Grant writing and fundraising skills to secure funding for community food projects.
• Ability to use technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting to evaluate the effectiveness of community food programs.

 

Community Food Systems Coordinator Experience Requirements

Community Food Systems Coordinators generally require a bachelor’s degree in fields related to food systems, public health, nutrition, or sustainable agriculture.

They typically have a few years of experience in these fields, often through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work in community food programs or sustainable agriculture initiatives.

These professionals may also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Community Outreach Coordinator, Nutrition Educator, or Sustainable Agriculture Specialist.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in community food systems through roles in non-profit organizations, local government agencies, or food-related businesses.

They may have project management experience, experience coordinating volunteers, or experience working in diverse communities.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, such as supervising teams or leading community initiatives.

They may be ready for a managerial position or a role that involves strategic planning and policy development for community food systems.

They may also have experience in grant writing and fundraising, which can be important for securing funding for community food programs.

 

Community Food Systems Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Community Food Systems Coordinators typically possess a bachelor’s degree in areas such as sustainable agriculture, public health, environmental science, or a related field.

They should have a strong understanding of the local food system, agricultural policy, and food security issues.

A background in community development, planning, and implementation of food programs is also beneficial for this role.

Some positions might require a master’s degree in public health, environmental science, or a similar discipline, with a focus on food systems.

Certification programs in sustainable agriculture, food security, or food policy are also valuable and could make a candidate more attractive to employers.

A Community Food Systems Coordinator should also have practical experience, which can be gained through internships, working on a farm, or participating in community food programs.

Ongoing education and staying current with research and developments in the field of food systems and sustainable agriculture are highly recommended.

 

Community Food Systems Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Community Food Systems Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $46,762 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size and scope of the organization for which they work, and the location of the job.

 

Community Food Systems Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Community Food Systems Coordinator need?

A Community Food Systems Coordinator should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will often need to interact with various stakeholders, community members, and volunteers.

They must have strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

An understanding of local food systems, agriculture, and nutrition is beneficial, and so is the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

 

Do Community Food Systems Coordinators need a degree?

While not always required, a degree in a related field such as public health, nutrition, environmental science, or urban planning can be beneficial.

Experience in community outreach, food systems, program development, or volunteer coordination can often be just as valuable as formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Community Food Systems Coordinator resume?

Look for experience in community organizing, volunteer management, program development, or nutrition education.

Any experience with food systems, farming, or gardening is also valuable.

Strong communication, organization, and project management skills are essential.

If the role involves grant writing or fundraising, experience in these areas should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Community Food Systems Coordinator?

A good Community Food Systems Coordinator is passionate about improving local food systems and promoting healthy, sustainable eating habits.

They have strong leadership skills and are comfortable working with diverse groups of people.

They are creative problem solvers, capable of finding effective solutions to challenges that may arise in coordinating community food programs.

 

How can a Community Food Systems Coordinator contribute to the local community?

A Community Food Systems Coordinator can play a crucial role in fostering a healthier, more sustainable local food system.

They can organize community gardens, farmers’ markets, food education programs, and other initiatives to increase access to fresh, nutritious food.

They can also advocate for policies that support local farmers and sustainable agriculture, contributing to a more resilient local economy.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the essential elements of being a Community Food Systems Coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about organizing food drives.

It’s about crafting sustainable, equitable food systems, one community initiative at a time.

With our handy Community Food Systems Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every community initiative is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that sustainable future. Together.

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