Program Coordinator (Consultant – Part Time)

Wake County, North Carolina | Remote and In-Person

ABOUT FOOD PARADIGM 

Food Paradigm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Apex, NC. Food Paradigm is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the development of strong, healthy, joyful children through functional nutrition. Food Paradigm strives to improve children’s health and quality of life by revolutionizing school lunches and providing education about real food. Food Paradigm builds and implements a collaborative, real-food school lunch program. This tailored program is rooted in functional, evidence-based principles, for an immediate positive impact on learning, as well as teaching children and caregivers that adopting healthy food habits will support a lifetime of physical, mental, and social health. Food Paradigm currently serves children in Wake County across three different schools.

Food Paradigm’s core values are gratitude, collaboration, health, learning, community, and quality of life. Its organizational culture can be described as empowering and supportive with a strong focus on its mission and partnerships.

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check can include a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification, academic verification, and credit history check.

Overview:
Food Paradigm is seeking a passionate and skilled Program Coordinator to lead, oversee, and execute the implementation of our school-focused food system initiatives. This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our programs, fostering strong relationships with schools, and driving change management processes to transform school food systems and create lasting impact. This position is ideal for someone eager to learn and grow into a leadership role as we expand our resources. The role involves creating nutritious and budget-conscious school menus, managing sourcing and budgeting, and developing educational materials for students and teachers.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

• Lead the execution of our school food system programs, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain program plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Menu Development: Design cost-effective, USDA-compliant menus for breakfast, lunch, and snacks in collaboration with schools, ensuring variety, nutrition, and alignment with student needs.
• Sourcing & Budgeting: Support schools in securing compliant, cost-effective food sources within budget and USDA guidelines.

Change Management:

• Navigate and address challenges inherent in transforming school food systems.
• Develop and implement strategies to facilitate smooth transitions and foster buy-in among key stakeholders.
• Education & Outreach: Create materials and strategies to promote healthy eating and engage schools and families.

Communication and Relationship Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison between Food Paradigm and partner schools.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with school administrators, food service staff, and other stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate program objectives, updates, and outcomes to all parties.

Organizational Support:

• Coordinate program schedules, resources, and activities with schools and the nonprofit team.
• Ensure proper documentation and reporting of program progress and impact.

Evaluation and Improvement:

• Monitor program performance and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Provide recommendations for enhancing the program’s effectiveness and scalability.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in program/project management, ideally within school food systems, nonprofit, or education sectors.
• Strong understanding of change management principles, particularly within food systems.
• Passion for improving school food programs and commitment to our mission.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with school systems, food service operations, and educational programming is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Terms:

• This position will likely be structured as a part time consultant role with the capacity to become a full-time employee as the role grows. Factors include the candidate’s qualifications and availability.
• Location: Raleigh, NC 

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to fpdirector@foodparadigm.org