Maine's Capital Area

We are looking to bring on board a Senior Associate – Food Systems, who is a member of the HCCA team and works with other HCCA staff and community partners to create food systems change leading to increased access to local foods by all as an evidence-based public health disease prevention strategy. This position coordinates food systems work housed at HCCA, including leading the Maine Farm and Sea to School Network (MFSN), Maine Farm to Institution (MEFTI), and coordinating other local, state, and regional food systems projects. The Senior Associate is a member of a team of public health professionals who support the missions, visions, and values of MCD, HCCA, MFSN, and MEFTI. 

The food systems networks housed at HCCA, Maine Farm to Institution and Maine Farm & Sea to School Network are undergoing a strategic planning process in 2023 to identify priorities and direction for the next 3-5 years. The Senior Associate will help lead this strategic planning, and implement the resulting plan.  

The Senior Associate – Food Systems reports to the assigned MCD Public Health Senior Program Manager (HCCA Executive Director).

Please submit a detailed resume and cover letter outlining and providing examples of relevant qualifications, skills, and experience.

Apply here: www.hccame.org/about/job-opportunities

Job Duties:

Program Coordination

1. In collaboration with the Executive Director and network partners, create and maintain overall HCCA Food Systems program plan with measurable outcomes.
2. Serve as the primary contact for HCCA Food Systems program.
3. Serve as the Project Manager for the Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute.
4. Oversee and guide strategic planning processes for the networks and HCCA Food Systems program.
5. Assist in developing and follow programs and budgets in accordance with strategic priorities and contracts related to food systems projects.
6. Support consultants who enter into agreements with HCCA to support Food Systems work.
7. Recruit, onboard, and orient network leaders, members, and project partners providing appropriate orientation and training.
8. Work independently and apply independent judgment in carrying out food system activities.
9. Oversee external marketing, publications, and presentations to all network contacts.
10. Routinely collaborate with Executive Director on program outcomes and oversight.

Program Development

1. Develop and maintain relationships with network partners and colleagues.
2. Work with network partners on network development and strategy.
3. Identify and seek funding opportunities to support the Food Systems program.
4. Advance social justice, racial equity, inclusion, and diversity within HCCA Food Systems initiatives.

Implementation

1. Oversee food systems networks housed at HCCA, including subcommittees.
2. Carry out assigned work plan deliverables.
3. Facilitate engaging meetings including developing agendas and coordinating meeting logistics (in-person and virtual).
4. Manage and organize food systems events such as work shops, trainings, webinars, and conferences in collaboration with network partners.
5. Attend partner events and support partner organizations as appropriate.
6. Serve as an HCCA Food Systems representative at local, statewide, regional, and national partner network initiatives.
7. Serve as HCCA Food Systems representative in building relationships with funders and donors.
8. Support Executive Director in engaging diverse perspectives in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, programs, and services, and in assessing the effects on different populations.
9. Assist with other Food Systems administrative and organizational support as needed.

Evaluation & Reporting

1. Meet evaluation and reporting requirements as outlined by contracts and the networks.
2. Identify and develop evaluation strategies that track qualitative and quantitative outcomes.
3. Use technology to integrate relevant datasets to guide effective program development and delivery.

HCCA Organizational Support

1. Participate in and support HCCA needs like organizational subcommittees.
2. Coordinate Food Systems programmatic work with other HCCA programs, maintaining connectivity across programs.
3. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree required in health-related field, public health, community health education, or health education is preferred and 3-5 years experience in food systems, community building, and/or network development; however, an equivalent of education and experience may be considered
• Master’s level training in related field is a plus
• Exceptional writing, interpersonal communication skills, presentation skills, and demonstrated cultural competence are essential
• Strong organizational skills and the flexibility and ability to manage time and multiple tasks with little supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, virtual engagement software like Zoom is a must
• Community organizing, coalition building, fundraising and development, strong virtual and in-person facilitation skills, experience in policy advocacy, graphic design and website development, are pluses - please address in cover letter, specific experience in any of these areas.

MCD Global Health & Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA)

MCD Global Health is a nonprofit global health organization recognized in the United States and around the world as a leader, innovator, and trusted partner.

Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) is a public health non-profit organization located in Gardiner, ME. HCCA serves Kennebec County, the Central Public Health District, and other statewide and regional efforts related to public health primary prevention, with particular focus on tobacco use prevention and control, substance misuse prevention, and healthy eating and active living. HCCA is home to Gardiner Area Thrives Drug Free Communities Coalition, Maine Farm & Sea to School Network, and Maine Farm to Institution.

HCCA partners with MCD Global Health, Inc. (MCD) to provide recruitment and human resources services, and serve as HCCA’s employer of record. This hybrid remote position is based at HCCA’s offices at 11 Mechanic Street, Suite 101, Gardiner, ME.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

HCCA’s mission is to convene and support people, organizations, and communities to collaborate on quality of life and public health issues.

Medical Care Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MCD strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, contractors, and other representatives.