Strategy and Network Coordinator

Job Title: Strategy & Network Coordinator

Department: Healthy Families and Communities

Reports to: Senior Manager of Community Inclusion Strategies

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Compensation: $25/hour

Hours: Up to 12 hours/week

Purpose: The Strategy and Network Coordinator is responsible for representing the public face of the HCFPC and facilitating organizational partnership. This role involves collaborating on strategic planning and visioning, supporting fundraising efforts, building partnerships, and assisting with onboarding new members. The coordinator will work closely with the Transformational Operations Coordinator (TOC).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Visioning and Planning

• Collaborate with the Vision Circle and Transformational Operations Coordinator (TOC) to create comprehensive strategic plans aligned with the Council's mission and goals.

• Review needs assessments and analyses of the environment of food systems in Hampshire County to guide strategic directions.

• Engage diverse communities in the planning process to ensure outcomes are inclusive and equitable.

• Serve as Vision Circle and Hub partner

• Meet regularly with the Transformational Operations Coordinator to ensure alignment across Circles and initiatives.

2. Policy Development and Advocacy

• Work with the Food Policy Circle, when assistance is requested, to advocate for policies that promote food justice and equity.

• Analyze current policies and recommend changes to address gaps and barriers in the food system in alignment with HCFPC strategic plan.

• Educate and mobilize communities on key policy issues when necessary.

• Participate in the Food Policy Circle as needed

3. Development Support and Fundraising

• Collaborate with the TOC and Vision Circle to assist in fundraising activities.

• Support strategic planning efforts related to securing funding and promoting sustainable practices for the Council.

4. Organizational Partnership and Coalition Building

• Represent the FPC at local, state, and national events (e.g., MA Food Policy conference, We the Land, National Food Policy Council gatherings) in cooperation with Healthy Hampshire staff and FPC partners.

• Develop opportunities to present the work of the FPC to external networks and communities and offer presentations.

• Build and maintain relationships with organizational partners.

• Work with the TOC and Vision Circle to develop partnership strategies and foster collaborations with local, regional, and national organizations to enhance collective impact (i.e. MA Food policy Council, Local Food Policy Councils Network, Johns Hopkins CLF CoP).

• Coordinate cross-sector collaborations to address complex food system challenges.

5. Recruitment and Onboarding of New Members

• Refine onboarding materials and processes.

• Support Circles in orienting new members to the Council.

• Develop and implement a recruitment strategy in collaboration with the Vision Circle.

Qualifications:

* We invite and encourage candidates who do not meet the qualifications stated below to share with us, as part of the application process, how their background, experience and/or practice has prepared them for the responsibilities of this position.

• A minimum of 2 years working as a paid staff person or a regular volunteer within the local community focused on community outreach and engagement, civic engagement, public policy advocacy and/or community organizing

• Expertise in building relationships and partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including community members, nonprofit staff and leaders, municipal officials, elected officials, business workers/owners, and any other food system stakeholders.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the impacts of systems of oppression; public policy advocacy; civic engagement; public health frameworks; strategic planning; community-based evaluation methods.

• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to listen deeply and respond respectfully across differences in power, privilege, culture, and language.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects keeping in mind time and budget constraints. This includes effective time management, fluency in the use of digital tools such as Google Suite, direct and mindful communication to teammates, and self-accountability practices.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently communicates with diverse community members, including residents, leaders, and multidisciplinary professionals. Must be able to effectively communicate and exchange accurate information in public speaking and facilitate group conversation.

• Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer and audio visual equipment for presentations.

• Frequently operates Zoom for remote meetings

• Frequently moves about home or work office to access file cabinets, office equipment, and program supplies

Work Conditions:

This position is primarily remote, although in person meetings will be required on a semi-regular basis at 97 Hawley St. in Northampton and at other locations throughout Hampshire County, as needed. Expectation is to work Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend meetings. Ability to handle interruptions and maintain productivity.

Terms of Employment:

Part-time, subject to ongoing available funding. Not eligible for Professional Benefits.