Program Associate: School Food Systems

About the Organization

The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) is dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting health equity throughout Illinois and the nation. We lead transformative initiatives and advocate for policies that benefit communities, particularly those facing health disparities. IPHI provides convenings, facilitation, training, policy advocacy, outreach, information sharing, and technical assistance to foster multi-sector community collaborative health transformative initiatives. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals and communities have the opportunity to attain optimal health supported by an effective multi-sectoral public health system.

Please visit www.iphionline.org for more information about IPHI.

Description

JOB SUMMARY :

The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) is seeking a Program Associate, School Food Systems to implement program strategies and operations related to the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub (Innovation Hub) within IPHI's Center for Policy and Partnership Initiatives (CPPI). The Program Associate will work with staff and partners to administer the Innovation Hub and implement key components of its grant-making, communications, training and technical assistance, and evaluation activities. The Program Associate may also support other food systems and / or nutrition policy work as funding allows. This position reports to CPPI's Program Director - Food Systems and Nutrition Policy.

This position is full-time, exempt, and reports to the Program Director of Food Systems & Nutrition Policy. IPHI's standard work week is 37.5 hours.

To apply : Complete applications must include a resume, cover letter, and completion of an online questionnaire. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The cover letter should compare your qualifications, experiences, and interests to the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications listed below for the position. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

No phone calls, please.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR POLICY & PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVES (CPPI)

The IPHI Center for Policy and Partnership Initiatives (CPPI), where this position is housed, works to convene multi-sector partners to promote health and health equity with a policy, systems, and environmental change approach. CPPI has long convened a statewide policy and systems change coalition, the Illinois Alliance to Promote Opportunities for Health (IAPOH), focused on nutrition, physical activity and chronic disease prevention, which serves as the backbone for most of the Center's work to improve health in schools, early care and education settings, and communities.

With support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), IPHI along with partners in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, are administering the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub (Innovation Hub) to strengthen the K-12 school food system and marketplace, providing sub-grants to improve access to nutritious, locally grown, and culturally relevant foods for school children in the Lake Michigan region. The Program Associate will support regional implementation of the Innovation Hub, especially related to the regional grant-making, communications, training, technical assistance, and evaluation strategies. The Program Associate may also support other food systems and / or nutrition policy work, as needed and funding is available, to support initiatives such as Healthy School Meals for All appropriation requests or new food systems / nutrition initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Project Management

• Provide administrative and program support for the Innovation Hub and other CPPI food system initiatives. This includes but is not limited to :

Developing and updating materials

Relationship Management and Communication

Stories of Innovation (e.g., case studies and success stories)

Continuous Improvement and Evaluation

Supporting the drafting of evaluation reports to USDA.

Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail

JOB REQUIREMENTS

COMPENSATION : This position offers a salary range of $63,251 - $71,738 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

BENEFITS : IPHI offers competitive benefits, including health, dental, and disability insurance; sick and vacation time; a paid parental leave benefit; and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

LOCATION : This position is located in Chicago. IPHI operates a hybrid office work model where team members work in the office two days per week (Tuesday - Thursday), and individuals may work in the office or remotely the other three days per week. There is travel for meetings and site visits within the Lake Michigan region (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana). Occasional overnight travel within Illinois or nationally for conferences and training may be required.

COVID PROTOCOLS : Ongoing COVID-19 safety protocols are in place. We do require proof of vaccination or will accept a request for exemption based on religion. Although we do not require wearing a mask in our office, we do provide Kn95 masks to be worn in our common spaces or when working with others, should you want to engage in mask-wearing.

STARTING DATE : Immediate.

Exempt / Non-Exempt

Exempt

Full-Time / Part-Time

Full-Time

EOE Statement

IPHI values multiple pathways toward attaining professional experience and education. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to describe equivalent experiences in place of educational attainment, including demonstrated leadership successes, progressive leadership roles, content expertise, thought leadership, and relevant experiential learning. In addition, individuals with lived experience in the priority program areas or experience as a peer service provider are encouraged to apply.

IPHI's COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

IPHI is committed to fostering a diverse and equitable work environment. We prioritize equal opportunities for all applicants, ensuring that race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic or any other identity or characteristic does not impact the consideration process for positions within the organization. This commitment extends to actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA community.

This position is currently accepting applications.

Salary : $63,251 - $71,738