Program Director for School Food Focus

School Food FOCUS, a program of Public Health Solutions, is a national collaborative that leverages the knowledge and procurement power of over 30 large school districts across the country that collectively represent more than 4 million school-age children. FOCUS’ mission is to make school meals across the country more healthful, regionally sourced and sustainably produced, while transforming food systems to support students’ academic achievement and lifelong health.

FOCUS is seeking a Program Director who will work closely with the senior management team to ensure that program work is developed and implemented in accordance with the FOCUS strategic plan and annual work plans, and will hold primary responsibility for integration and coordination within and among program areas and in direct supervision of staff. FOCUS seeks an individual with vision, passion, and a commitment to food system equity and to working with staff and a diverse cross-section of stakeholders on programmatic approaches to improving the quality of school food, particularly among the diverse populations FOCUS districts serve.

The Program Director will play a key role in the initial planning stages of FOCUS’ new Upper Midwest Regional School Food Learning Lab and will also be responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of FOCUS including budgeting, contract management and vendor relationships.

Successful candidates will possess a bold and creative spirit, excellent capacity to juggle and integrate multiple programs, appreciate the challenge of working with uncertainty, learn on the job from teammates, and be ready to
utilize both successes and challenges to build programmatic structures and processes to deepen and expand FOCUS efforts. The successful candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree in public health or a related field; substantial experience in systems change and knowledge of food systems, supply chains and/ or school food preferred
• At least 5 years of post-Master’s professional experience in launching and overseeing large-scale projects including responsibility for administrative functions
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and public speaking skills and significant experience in leading large professional coalitions; ability to foster active engagement and sense of ownership by staff and stakeholders
• Understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion as an ongoing organizational practice and core value
• Extensive experience working with racially and ethnically diverse communities and understanding of the need for culturally competent services, materials, resources and programs
• Significant experience in providing direct supervision to staff and consultants; including staff in remote locations
• Willingness and ability to travel

Public Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer, is committed to and encourages diversity in the workplace.

To be considered for this position, please visitwww.healthsolutions.org and click on the careers tab to submit an online application. We accept online applications only.

For additional information about FOCUS, visit:
www.schoolfoodfocus.org
School Food FOCUS Learning Lab Overview
Upper Midwest Regional Learning Lab Overview
Programs at a Glance
Month in FOCUS