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Michigan Organic Listserv

July 27, 2010
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*Job Opportunity*

*Director, Food Initiative for United Way for Southeastern Michigan*

*There is no deadline for this position, it’s open until filled.*

*Position Title:* Director, Food Initiative

*Reporting To:* Vice President Community Investments

Basic Needs & Financial Stability Impact Areas

*Location:* Detroit, Michigan

*The Company:* United Way for Southeastern Michigan

*Position:* The Director, Food Initiative is a new position that was created
as a part of the agenda for change’s basic needs strategy to help address
the overwhelming demand for food and a desire to help bring about lasting
change to support this issue.

*Key Responsibilities:*

   - Manage the Food Initiative within the broad context of the regional and
   national landscape.
   - Build community and partner relationships to enhance UWSEM’s reach
   within the private sector, nonprofit organizations, labor community and
   individuals engaged in hunger efforts – to collaboratively improve food
   systems and access to food for food insecure populations in the region.
   - Work with the VP of Public Policy to support national policies to
   expand access to food for vulnerable populations, including state and
   federal regulations and laws that aim to reduce domestic hunger.
   - Be the primary representative for the Food Initiative with respect to
   media relations, by participating in interviews and all other media type
   engagements.
   - Work with Fund Development team to ensure there are sustainable
   resource developments and fund development activities.
   - Create a clear and concise message telling the Initiative’s story.
   - Further develop and execute strategic plan, revenue generation and
   public policy efforts related to the food work.
   - Manage overall program operations including a cross-functional team of
   staff.

*Critical Skill and Experience:*

   - Ability to advocate for advancing the established goals of the Food
   Initiative.
   - Experience in program transformation or reform with measurable
   outcomes.
   - Have strategic and political skills to position UWSEM as a leading
   authority on the overall food crisis in Southeast Michigan.
   - Ability to work effectively with a strong board of industry experts.
   - Thinks long term, stretching horizons and challenging imaginations to
   develop an image of how United Way and the community should work, creating a
   vision that captures minds and energizes others to commit to the vision.
   - Experience on various governing boards or with governmental agencies.
   - Knowledge of issues around access to food and food systems development
   would be beneficial.
   - Ability to listen well, draw out people’s interests and concerns,
   communicate and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
   - Build strategic partnerships with external providers to improve the
   range and effectiveness of the food delivery system.
   - Ability to manage people around an issue to meet the strategic goals of
   the work.

*Qualifications:*

   - A minimum of ten years of total experience is required. Experience in
   nonprofit or a comparable field would be beneficial.  Additionally,
   experience in public policy and/or food systems development is also desired.
   - A BA/BS in business, public policy or related field.  An advanced
   degree in government affairs, law, political science, public policy, social
   work or a related field is strongly preferred.
   - Demonstrated success in leadership and partnership development, as well
   as effectively leading community change and growth.
   - The ability to conduct fund development, as well as experience in
   marketing and public relations to successfully engage stakeholders,
   including foundations, business partners, policy makers, media and
   communities.
   - Significant state and/or federal government issue advocacy, or
   legislative experience is critical.
   - Strong written and oral communication skills, ease in public speaking,
   enthusiasm and excitement to publicly represent UWSEM and the food work is
   an important part of this position.
   - The successful candidate will demonstrate personal qualities that
   include integrity, commitment to UWSEM's mission with regard to the food
   work and the ability to inspire and motivate.

 *COMPENSATION:*
A competitive compensation package is offered.
*How to apply:* Send a resume and cover letter to*
[log in to unmask]*

To view full job description visit *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* under the
announcements/job opportunities tab.

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