Position Type: Part-Time
Level: Entry-Level
Location: Gardiner, ME (Hybrid)
MCD Global Health is a nonprofit global health organization recognized in the United States and around the world as a leader, innovator, and trusted partner. MCD partners with Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) to provide HR and employment services. HCCA is a nonprofit public health organization that partners with community members to improve the health and quality of life locally, throughout Kennebec County, the Central public health district, and across the state of Maine. Our Vision & Mission:
MCD envisions a world in which all people have access to high quality and enduring solutions to improve and maintain their health and well-being. MCD aspires to be a premier partner of choice and an internationally recognized leader, innovator, and trusted partner in applied, cross-national public health solutions. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of people worldwide through enduring, high-quality, cost-effective, and universally accessible public health solutions.
HCCA's mission to convene and support people, organizations, and communities to collaborate on quality of life and public health issues supports the organization's vision of happy, thriving, interconnected people, organizations, and communities who are empowered to improve their quality of life.
We are looking to bring on board a Food Systems Program Associate to support HCCA's robust local food systems work. This individual will contribute to the planning and implementation of Maine Farm and Sea to Institution (MEFTI) communications and events and network building, with a primary focus on farm and sea to school and with support and oversight from staff and network leaders on content and format. This position supports other HCCA public health communications as needed. This is a 20 hour per week grant-funded position with the potential for increased hours and responsibilities over time.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a diverse team focused on growing our impact in the public health field.
Job duties: The Program Associate – Food Systems will:
Lead HCCA food systems communications including creating and delivering materials to network members. Promote HCCA food systems events including but not limited to Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute, Maine Farm and Sea to Institution Summit, Maine Food Convergence, and more. Manage MFSN and MEFTI Squarespace website content and additional communications accounts (Canva, Survey Monkey, Constant Contact). Draft and distribute HCCA food systems communications materials including but not limited to social media posts, e-newsletters, sponsorship letters, press releases, and infographics. Publicize HCCA food systems network partners activities and events and support HCCA food systems fundraising and network development. Support HCCA communications including quarterly newsletter and Facebook posts; attend HCCA communications team meetings. Support event planning logistics for HCCA food systems events and trainings, including but not limited to coordinating registration, evaluation, volunteers, supplies, and presenters; focusing on farm and sea to school-related programming to facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among interest-holders. Work closely with Food Systems Coordinator and other key external partners to plan and implement the Maine Farm & Sea to School Institute, overseeing program development, logistics, participant recruitment, and evaluation to ensure successful implementation and impact. Support administration for HCCA food systems committee meetings and leadership meetings as needed, including scheduling, developing agendas, and coordinating meeting logistics. Coordinate and deliver trainings and workshops for food producers and school nutrition providers on FSTS principles, best practices, and resources to enhance local food procurement in school meals. Attend partner events to promote HCCA food systems including tabling at in-person or virtual convenings. Assist with MFSN, MEFTI, and HCCA administrative and organizational support as needed. Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, educational institutions, government agencies, and local businesses to strengthen support for local food system initiatives and foster collaborative efforts. Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, collect data, and prepare reports to assess the effectiveness of activities and inform future program enhancements. Track and report activities and outcomes as required by various project funders accurately and on time. Participate in and support HCCA needs like organizational committees. Coordinate food systems programmatic work with other HCCA programs, maintaining connectivity across programs. Be a member of HCCA's team of public health professionals, supporting the organization's broad public health goals. Uphold and role model HCCA organizational mission, vision, and values.Knowledge, Qualifications, and Skills:
Bachelor's degree in communications or health related field (food systems, nutrition, public health, community health education) is required; A degree in another field along with equivalent experience will be considered.Strong communications skills, including writing, grammar, and editing, and ability to manage a variety of digital communication platformsProven experience in project management, event coordination, and/or community outreach, preferably in the fields of food systems, education, and/or public healthStrong interest in network building and organizational promotion and visibilityStrong collaboration skills and ability to interact effectively with diverse constituents both remotely and in-personExcellent public speaking, presenting, writing, and organizational skills and comfort level in different professional formats: in person, phone, email, text, social mediaCreative thinkerAbility to work independently and manage time with little direct supervisionWilling to work within a team and engage all team membersDiverse people skills relating to farm and food system professional environmentsStrong interpersonal and group problem solving skillsSelf-starter who enjoys new challengesAbility to prioritize tasks and manage workload and deadlinesComfortable working in a fast-paced non-profit environmentProficient in Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive and Google Apps, Zoom, Squarespace website management, Constant Contact or MailChimp, Facebook and/or other social media outlets, and marketing materials development using Canva or other design platformExperience managing and delivering communications content to a diverse audienceExperience developing communication materials, including flyers, brochures, booklets, social media posts, short videos, etc. utilizing easy to read and culturally appropriate methodsA valid Maine driver's license and reliable transportation are necessary.Flexibility to travel locally within the state of Maine and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed. Medical Care Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MCD strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, contractors, and other representatives.
