Director, NW Center & Neighborhood Market

Who We Are:
Are you ready to join a team where your talent creates lasting change? At Northern Illinois Food Bank, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Neighbors, so that everyone in Northern Illinois has the food they need to thrive! Together we are a dedicated and innovative team committed to ending hunger in Northern Illinois. We embrace diverse perspectives, collaboration, and continuous learning, we celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and foster a culture of growth, optimism, and teamwork.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Northern Illinois Food Bank will embrace opportunities to stand in solidarity with our community, and center the voices of those most impacted by systematic injustices. We affirm our commitment to anti-racism, to gender equity, to allyship, and to fairness as we work towards a hunger-free future and to create a better and more just world.  

The Opportunity:
The Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks an extraordinarily motivated candidate to join our team as our Northwest Center and Neighborhood Market Director. This role leads the operations of our 30,000 square foot Rockford-based food distribution center, which includes managing food market shopping experiences, coordinating pantry order pickups, supervising volunteer production activities, and expanding distribution through our Neighborhood Market. The Director plays a key role in local engagement, compliance, facility management, and fund development.

This Full-Time position is based out of our Northwest Center (Rockford) location.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the Northwest Center food distribution facility.
• Manage food pantry shopping and the coordination of pantry order pickups from the main location.
• Supervise volunteer production activities, including labeling, sorting, and bulk processing.
• Operate the Neighborhood Market and strategically expand distribution days based on community needs.
• Conduct interviews and hire staff and volunteers to support center operations.
• Engage with city leaders, neighborhood representatives, and community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to support center operations.
• Solicit, support, and manage a robust volunteer program.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and organizational policies.
• Monitor, track, and report on facility performance metrics and goals.
• Oversee facility maintenance to ensure safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure audit readiness and compliance by maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Evaluate market trends and neighbor demand to inform distribution expansion and strategic planning.

• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

Who You Are: 
You’re driven, compassionate, and excited to bring your unique skills to a purpose-driven organization. You have a strong commitment to our mission and: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food distribution, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in volunteer coordination and fundraising.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with community leaders and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant operational software.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Experience in facility operations, maintenance, and audit compliance.
• Analytical skills to assess market trends and service demand.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

 Why Join Us: 

• Make a Difference: Every role at Northern Illinois Food Bank directly impacts the lives of those we serve. 
• Flexible Work Environment: We value work-life balance and support flexible work models. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. This starting range for this position is $74,445 - $93,056 annually, based on skills and experience.
• Growth Opportunities: Invest in your career with professional development, career mapping, and leadership training.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team that values equity and belonging.

How to Apply: 

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply online at https://solvehungertoday.org/about/join-our-team/.  Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter that highlights your passion for our mission and your relevant skills.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce where all employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. We intentionally seek out diverse perspectives and skills on our teams, knowing that it makes us stronger as an organization and better equipped to serve our neighbors in need. We encourage individuals from historically under-represented communities and individuals with lived experience of hunger to apply.