Get to know Hunger Solutions New York:
Hunger Solutions New York, Inc., incorporated in 1989 and based in Albany, is a statewide nonprofit organization that strives to alleviate hunger in New York by promoting awareness of hunger, public policies that contribute to ending hunger, and participation in federal nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, the Summer Food Service Program, the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Summary of position:
WIC provides pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under age five with healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other helpful services. This position is funded under a contract with the NYS Department of Health to conduct outreach and education to increase enrollment in WIC among eligible individuals in New York State. The Outreach Specialist is responsible for building and maintaining partnerships with targeted regional, county, and local community-based organizations, health care providers, and governmental agencies in an effort to increase outreach to the WIC-eligible population.
Key responsibilities will include:
Establishing and Maintaining Partnerships:
- Cultivate new targeted partnerships with organizations serving WIC-eligible families, including community-based organizations, early care and education, social services, and health care providers, in select NYS counties.
- Develop working relationships with local WIC agency staff and conduct partnership outreach that is complimentary to their existing outreach work.
- Identify, recommend, and develop outreach and technical assistance resources, including traditional print materials, online resources, and social media content, in coordination with communications staff.
- Represent Hunger Solutions New York on WIC-related workgroups and coalitions as needed.
- Work collaboratively with other Hunger Solutions New York staff on cross-program outreach to connect partners and families with all of the federal nutrition programs available to them.
- Maintain partnerships with national organizations to stay informed around policy and program approaches to maximize the effectiveness of WIC.
Technical Assistance:
- Maintain knowledge of federal, state and local regulations affecting WIC.
- Provide technical assistance to outreach partners through phone and email communications.
- Track and document incoming questions and challenges; gather and share lessons learned, barriers and facilitators to program participation, and recommendations to guide future efforts.
Coordinating WIC Workplan Activities:
- Coordinate and monitor deliverables in outreach partnership agreements with identified partner organizations.
- Track partnership activities and assist with preparation of quarterly project reports.
- Maintain close coordination with WIC staff at NYS Department of Health and local WIC agencies.
Qualifications:
The Outreach Specialist must be a mature self-starter with a demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and possess excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills. Must have a professional demeanor, and ability to efficiently work autonomously and as part of a team. Additionally, the candidate should possess the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree and 3-5 years of experience preferred.
- Professional knowledge in public health, macro-level social work or public policy, early childhood, nutrition or other related field preferred.
- Strong writing and public speaking skills are required.
- Comfortability using Zoom to develop professional relationships is required.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills are required.
- Working knowledge of and experience with WIC or other similar federal nutrition assistance programs is greatly preferred.
- Must be able to relate to WIC Local Agencies and their needs.
- Must have knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) language and writing skills a plus.
- Occasional travel to meetings required.
- Must reside in New York State.
Culture:
Hunger Solutions New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating a culture that is rewarding to employees and provides each team member with the ability to continually grow and learn. Hunger Solutions New York is a champion of and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion among all stakeholders. Hunger Solutions New York recognizes the need for work/life balance and provides a flexible working environment for all employees. Office culture is casual and professional.
Compensation & benefits:
Hunger Solutions New York is committed to its employees and thusly provides a competitive compensation package. Salary will be $50,000 annually. Hunger Solutions New York offers fully paid benefit premiums including health, dental, life, short- and long-term disability, and a retirement plan that offers a 5% match (different vesting periods apply to each benefit and will be discussed as part of the interview process). A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) may be available depending upon the health insurance package chosen. Additionally, Hunger Solutions New York offers a generous holiday and paid time off to each employee.
To be considered for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to Jobs@HungerSolutionsNY.org. Please include “Outreach Specialist” in the subject line of your email.
