Nutrition Access Specialist

Job Title: Nutrition Access Specialist 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Remote work environment, based in Kansas

Work Schedule: Typical daytime office hours with some evening/weekends required

Reports to: Thriving Campaign Director

Travel: Weekly in-state travel

Position Summary: The Nutrition Access Specialist will be instrumental in advancing Kansas Appleseed’s mission to ensure equitable access to school meals across Kansas and putting an end to child hunger. This position will work closely with schools to provide technical assistance and support in improving their meal programs, with a focus on promoting fairness and inclusivity for all students. The Nutrition Access Specialist will collaborate with school administrators, nutrition staff, and community leaders to identify and address barriers to access, support the adoption of best practices, and advocate for policies that ensure every student has access to nutritious meals. Additionally, this role will involve building partnerships with schools and communities to implement strategies that reduce hunger and promote long-term food security within school systems.

Essential Duties: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Gain expertise in school nutrition programs in Kansas, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and others that support access to meals.

• Build and maintain relationships with school district administrators, food service directors, and community partners to collaboratively address barriers to food access in schools.

• Provide technical assistance to school districts on strategies for increasing participation in nutrition programs, ensuring all students have access to healthy meals, including guidance on Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), alternative meal service models and student-friendly meal debt policies.

• Identify opportunities for outreach and education to increase participation in nutrition programs, helping school districts understand how to effectively implement and sustain these efforts.

• Support advocacy efforts by providing schools with relevant data, research, and best practices for maximizing the impact of nutrition programs on student well-being.

• Engage with stakeholders directly affected by hunger and food insecurity, including students, parents, and community members, to gather feedback and promote solutions that address their needs.

• Participate in coalitions and partnerships with state and local agencies, non-profits, and other organizations to align efforts in addressing child hunger and nutrition equity.

• Create and share content (e.g., social media, op-eds, presentations) to raise awareness about child nutrition programs and encourage community action. 

• Contribute to internal and external meetings by providing updates, sharing insights, and helping to strategize around ways to increase school participation in nutrition programs

• Other duties to further Kansas Appleseed's mission may be assigned.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Ability to work independently, think strategically, and achieve outcomes in a work from home environment, while contributing to a team campaign.

• Dependable, detail-oriented, and well organized – able to multitask, meet deadlines and ability to pivot quickly between campaign issue areas.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to engage with individuals from all backgrounds.

• Adept professional judgment and ability to be diplomatic. 

• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in performance of duties. 

Desired Experience and Skills:

Education and Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in anti-hunger work, advocacy, or social services. Post high-school education is preferred but not required. 

Computer Skills: Strong proficiency with Google software, Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn project management software and NGP-VAN. 

Work Environment:  Combination of remote work environment and in office and/or in person work. This position includes in-state travel at least once per week. 

Pay and Benefits: $56,000-60,000 a year, depending on experience. Employer-paid medical and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 3% match to organization-sponsored IRA, three weeks vacation, health leave, and paid holidays. This is a grant-funded position through October 31st, 2026 with the possibility of extended funding.

Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to applications@kansasappleseed.org, with the subject line "Nutrition Access Specialist". Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Applications are due by October 29th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CST.