Deputy Director, Anti-Hunger Programs, Maryland Hunger Solutions

Position

Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS), an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the organization as Deputy Director, Anti-Hunger Programs. The ideal candidate must be committed to addressing poverty and hunger in Maryland; be an experienced and strong advocate with both programmatic, management and staff development experience; have a proven ability to excel at working in partnerships; have experience balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders; demonstrate team leadership skills and be a self-starter.  This full-time position will be in Baltimore, Maryland, with some travel around the state required.  Currently, MDHS is operating remotely. When it is safe to return to the office, this position will require some in-person meetings and work.

The Deputy Director will play a leadership role within the unit, working closely with the director in policy development, advocacy and coalition building as well as providing team leadership, staff growth, project management support, establish and track unit goals.  The Deputy Director will identify opportunities to expand the unit’s work and to develop additional resources and materials. The successful candidate will work with the director to build and implement plans to take full advantage of those opportunities and will also help manage the unit.

Organizational Background

Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) is the leading Maryland non-profit working to reduce hunger and improve nutrition in the State of Maryland by improving participation and benefits in public nutrition and related programs.  MDHS’s focus is on using federal programs (e.g., SNAP - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, school breakfast and lunch, summer and afterschool nutrition programs, WIC and other programs) to reduce hunger and its adverse effects; to improve economic security, health and nutrition and education; and to strengthen community institutions.

MDHS works to alert the public and policymakers about the extent of hunger and its impact on Maryland residents, to forge workable solutions at the state and local level, to track the performance of state and local agencies, to identify and spread best practices and to engage a network of partners to make the federal nutrition programs accessible to all those who are in need.   MDHS is a collaborative partner with anti-hunger efforts across the state of Maryland and also leads the Maryland Food Access and Nutrition Network and is a key participant in various other anti-hunger and anti-poverty coalitions.  For more information on MDHS, see http://www.mdhungersolutions.org.

MDHS is an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), the leading national anti-hunger organization. For more information on FRAC, see www.frac.org.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?

• A seat at the table to help shape the organization’s future - this position will work directly with senior management.
• The successful team member will be joining an effective, committed, high-performing group of colleagues who are well-regarded in the community.
• FRAC/MDHS is financially stable with a track record of effective fund development and a plan for continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Strengthening the MDHS’ leadership of anti-hunger efforts in the state by assisting in the development and implementation of strategies to increase the participation of families and individuals in public nutrition programs.
• Assisting in the management of staff and providing operational support for the organization.
• Conducting outreach, education, and policy and data analysis.
• Expanding MDHS’ local community leadership and participation in coalitions.
• Helping to manage staff projects and assisting in staff development.
• Providing information, technical assistance, and hands-on support.
• Making presentations to diverse audiences at local, state, regional and national conferences, and meetings.
• Participating in coalitions and grass-roots efforts; and,
• Supporting communications efforts.

Qualifications**:**

• Familiarity with and commitment to the needs of people experiencing poverty;
• Minimum of 10 years of work experience, preferably with a focus on organizing, coalition-building and policy advocacy;
• Knowledge of Maryland policy landscape is a plus.
• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degree in relevant area (such as public policy, law, public health, nutrition, social science) preferred but not required;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• A commitment to racial equity
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing projects, and setting priorities;
• Ability to work independently and set and achieve program goals;
• Strong analytical and prospect research skills.
• Ability to seek solutions independently and be entrepreneurial, as well as to build consensus and vision as a member of a team.
• Willingness to work varied hours; and,
• Flexibility to travel within Maryland.

Salary/Benefits: 
The starting salary for this position is $95,000 annually and will be commensurate with experience; excellent health, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits; generous leave; enthusiastic and supportive staff.

To Apply Submit a resume, brief writing sample (no more than three pages), and cover letter providing a summary of accomplishments and experience.

No phone calls please.

Opening/Closing Dates

The position is available immediately. It will close when filled. However, FRAC seeks to hire a qualified individual as soon as possible.

FRAC is especially interested in candidates with lived expertise with hunger or poverty who can contribute to the diversity of the organization.

FRAC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. FRAC is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on age, gender, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin.