The WORCESTER ADVISORY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL was established in February 2006 by former City of Worcester Mayor Timothy Murray. The Council’s mission is to reduce food insecurity and increase the overall health of Worcester residents. Council members include representatives from agricultural, anti-hunger, community development, educational, environmental, faith-based, governmental, and health organizations.

HUNGER-FREE & HEALTHY is a grant funded project of the Worcester Advisory Food Policy Council (WAFPC). 

The WAFPC is seeking a HUNGER-FREE & HEALTHY PROJECT MANAGER

The Hunger-Free & Healthy Project seeks an energetic, collaborative Project Manager who shares a passion for working to decrease hunger/food insecurity and improve health. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2009. The position is grant funded through December 31, 2009 and funding is expected to continue through 2010.

Project Manager Position Description

This full-time position offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. It requires a keen knowledge of “best practices” and policies to address hunger/food insecurity and the ability to serve as both a visionary and detail-oriented manager. The Project Manager works closely with The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, Boston University School of Public Health, Project Partners, and Council Co-Chairs. The position requires a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage implementation of project activities according to timeline; monitor progress of project partners in meeting project goals and objectives according to timeline
• Manage communication among project partners
• Schedule and attend project related meetings
• Track state and federal legislation relevant to project
• Prepare 6-month progress report and year-end report
• Maintain organized records and documents related to project components
• Conduct presentations and public speaking as needed
• Collaborate with project partners on special events associated with project
• Research and pursue additional funding opportunities
• Maintain website and communications for Worcester Advisory Food Policy Council

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field; project management experience necessary; public policy and advocacy experience desirable; grant research, writing and reporting a plus; effective communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and research skills; strong computer skills including Microsoft Office– Word, Excel, Power Point; knowledge of Worcester agencies and resources preferable; demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of people on various projects and ability to also work independently.To apply, please e-mail cover letter and resume to Dennis Irish: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   and Jean McMurray: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by June 15, 2009.

Hunger-Free & HealthyHunger-Free & Healthy is a project of the Worcester Advisory Food Policy Council. Funding for the project is made possible through The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. For more information on The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, please visit, www.hfcm.org. The first two years of Hunger-Free & Healthy focused on designing and piloting programs to increase household food security in Worcester such as healthy cooking classes, gardening skills, Food Stamp outreach, and increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Hunger-Free & Healthy is now in its third year, the implementation phase, and in addition to continuing successful programs, focuses on implementing a strong public policy and advocacy agenda that supports systemic and sustainable solutions to the problems of food insecurity and poor health. Christa Drew has been the Project Manager of Hunger-Free & Healthy since 2007.