JJK FAN Partnership Manager

As part of our mission, the JJK Foundation has partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and Lansdowne UP through the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN). This collaborative is committed to engaging East St. Louis youth and communities in STEM, agriculture, and food system career opportunities. The goal is to bridge the opportunity gap for underrepresented communities of color by developing pathways that lead to careers in the expanding ag-tech, food production, and food system sectors while stimulating entrepreneurial and career engagement in regional food systems among an underrepresented population.

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is actively seeking a full-time mission-driven professional to join our team as the JJK FAN Partnership Manager.

SUMMARY:

This JJK FAN Partnership Manager will grow, maintain, and manage programs and projects associated with the JJK FAN initiative while being the lead JJK Foundation liaison among the JJK FAN collaborating organizations: University of Illinois, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Lansdowne UP and other government and community stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Act as the main point of contact for outside partnerships specific to the JJK FAN purpose and goals, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

· Collaborate with the JJK Foundation COO, CFO, and JJK FAN Director to plan, coordinate, and execute projects and initiatives.

· Develop and oversee comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring successful execution and alignment with strategic goals.

· Supervise and mentor JJK Foundation programming staff dedicated to JJK FAN-related projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and organizational goals.

· Support the professional growth of staff through training, mentorship, and development opportunities, ensuring a highly skilled and motivated team.

· Prepare and deliver comprehensive project reports, updates, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress and outcomes.

· Assist in the development of grant proposals and fundraising initiatives to secure necessary funding for projects and operational needs.

· Ensure compliance with organizational policies, legal requirements, and donor guidelines throughout project execution. Proactively identify and address any issues that arise.

· Encourage and facilitate collaborative programming and projects among the JJK Foundation, UIUC, Danforth, and Lansdowne UP collaborators.

· Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community members, to build strong relationships and support for initiatives.

· Provide visionary leadership for the Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center, setting strategic goals and objectives to advance the center's mission.

· Implement evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness, compile reports, and communicate progress and outcomes to stakeholders.

· Foster an environment of innovation, encouraging new ideas and approaches in food, agriculture, and nutrition to address community needs.

· Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of the center's initiatives and impact within the community and beyond.

· Understand, participate in and help implement the JJK Way and Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s Winning in Life into all programs.

· Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree and three years’ experience in a relevant field (e.g., project management, business/public administration, nonprofit management, ag/science education) required.
• Experience with academia, research institutions, and government agencies preferred.
• Candidates familiar with the East St. Louis community and passionate about food access, food systems, and social equity are preferred.
• Proven experience in project management tools and software, preferably within the nonprofit sector.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience in grant writing and reporting
• Ability to work effectively independently and with diverse teams
• Strong interpersonal communications skills and ability to communicate and collaborate.
• Solution-oriented, highly motivated self-starter

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, balanced with active engagement in activities on-site.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds at times.
• Required to stand, sit, reach, and move around the work environment.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and handle tension and stress in a positive and professional manner.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

• We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
• The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
• All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
• Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at will” basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Ag/science education: 1 year (Preferred)
• Project management: 1 year (Required)
• Nonprofit management: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000