Community Outreach Director

Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines
Des Plaines, Illinois
Position Opening: Community Outreach Director
Position status: Closed - no longer accepting applications.

Position Title: Community Outreach Director
Hours: Days Vary, 15-20 hours/week
Pay Rate: Salaried position: $30,000/annually

Position Summary

The Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines (“Pantry”) is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. It runs with a staff of 70 volunteers and two part-time employees in addition to the Community Outreach Director. The Pantry serves more than 500 households - all in the city of Des Plaines or families with children in Des Plaines public schools.

The Community Outreach Director supports the Board of Directors’ vision to fulfill the Pantry’s mission with assigned projects. The Community Outreach Director maintains and builds strong relationships with community partners, attends community events to represent the Pantry and manages public relations and communications of the Pantry. This position supervises the Pantry Coordinator.

Position Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Oversight of activities such as food drives  , fundraising, partner relations, and communications to the Board of Directors 

• Plan, organize, and direct Pantry community events and programs

• Oversee development, refinement, and delivery of nonprofit services

• Coordinate/represent the Pantry at community events

• Collaborate with donors and other corporate/community partners interested in providing donations, group days of service, or fundraising activities to benefit SHCP

• Nurture and grow partner relationships with agencies, other non-profits, corporations and sponsors

• Analyze all operating metrics, provide guidance on trends and corrections

• Develop content for quarterly newsletters and social media platforms profiling Pantry activities in copy and photo images

• Keep regular communication with website content editors on updates to pages

• Oversee the the Pantry Coordinator and conduct performance reviews 

• Promote an atmosphere of volunteer engagement through leading by example, open communication, good listening and timely resolution to problems

• Introduce best practices and drive operational excellence

• Any other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree

• At least five years in a management role

• At least three years of non-profit management experience in operations

• Superior customer relationship management experience

• Strong people and project management skills with outstanding interpersonal skills

• Proven negotiation and influencing abilities, as well as strong analytical skills and command of details

• Self-motivated and self-directed while staying on course with organization objectives

• Able to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, social media platforms

• Financial/budget management and familiarity with payroll and bookkeeping

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous food pantry/food security experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business or social work

Pantry Culture

The Pantry has a long history of providing a compassionate, dignified space for clients to shop. We have achieved this reputation by employing staff and volunteers who:

• Maintain healthy boundaries, honor confidentiality, and exhibit professionalism with internal staff/volunteers and external contacts

• Demonstrate concern for others and practice inclusivity.

• Adhere to the Pantry’s mission, vision, and goals as set by the Board of Directors.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the nature of our business regarding such things as lifting and moving food and other items, sitting or standing for long periods of time, working outside of open hours for the public. Should an individual in this classification not be able to adhere to this requirement due to a disability, they should contact the Board of Directors to see what, if any, reasonable accommodation may be provided. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Drug Free Workplace. This position must pass a post-offer background screening.