Pantry Coordinator

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

Position Title: Pantry Coordinator
Hours: Days Vary, 15-20 hours/week
Pay Rate: $20/hour

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 Pantry Coordinator is an in-person and remote position responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Pantry. This person must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with strong organizational skills who excels at multitasking and prioritizing project tasks. This person must possess strong administrative skills and the ability to work independently with little to no supervision. This position reports to the Community Outreach Director. 

Position Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate Pantry volunteer staffing/activities such as volunteer recruitment and applications, maintaining Volunteer Handbook and communicating policies to current and new volunteers, scheduling volunteers for client shopping days, food rescue pickups, red barrel drop offs and pick ups

• Work in close collaboration with Lead Volunteer Coordinator and Lead Food Volunteer Coordinators on stocking, space management, seasonal inventory ebbs and flows, and surplus distribution to partner organizations

• Maintain and develop partnership with the University of Illinois Extension and its services

• Schedule food drive drop offs with donors and volunteers

• Assist with needs of Community Backpack Project volunteers and activities

• Oversee food orders with Lead Food Volunteer Coordinators; directing final decisions based on budget and client need

• Handle volunteer challenges and mitigate disputes

• Order office supplies and other operational supplies such as cleaning, paper products, etc.

• Assure safe, clean, organized environment for staff, volunteers, and clients in all spaces of the Pantry

• Work directly with volunteer building superintendent on all maintenance issues

• Handle all communications and act as main point of contact between Pantry service providers (security system, phone system, computer system, insurance carriers, cleaning service, snow removal, storage unit, utilities, City of Des Plaines Public Works)

• Learn Pantry software platform to maintain donor and client data.

• Write thank-you correspondence to donors and other Pantry affiliates

• Respond to phone calls, emails and inquiries to the Pantry with tactful, pleasant and respectful communication

• Assist with creation and distribution of quarterly Pantry newsletter and transition to digital delivery

• Provide administrative assistance to the Community Outreach Director and Pantry Bookkeeper on receipt of cash, online and mailed donations.

• Periodically compile reports for the organization, Outreach Director, Bookkeeper, or Board of Directors.

• Proofread all work before printing or emailing. 

• Coordinate budget discussions and operational direction with the Bookkeeper or Community Outreach Director as needed.

• Other tasks as assigned by the Community Outreach Director, Bookkeeper, or Board of Directors.

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least three years of experience in operations

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products

• Strong computer skills and use of office equipment (scanner, copiers, printers, etc.), driver’s license

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Work or volunteerism in non-profit environment 

• Interest in seeking to further knowledge of food security best practices

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.