Program Manager

Central Illinois Foodbank

Program Manager

Department: Programs

Reports To: Development Director

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $55,000-$70,000

Schedule: 33 hours/week, four-day work week

Position Summary

The Program Manager provides leadership and oversight for the Foodbank's Programs team, ensuring high-quality, consistent and effective services for partner agencies and the communities they serve. This position supervises Program staff, oversees agency services and compliance, leads program delivery and builds strong relationships with partner agencies and community organizations throughout the Foodbank's service area.

The Program Manager is both a strategic and hands-on leader who can see the big picture while staying connected to the day-to-day work. This position builds a collaborative, accountable and well-organized Programs team while ensuring continuity, consistency and quality across the department.

Key Responsibilities

Programs Leadership

• Supervise, support and develop Programs staff.
• Establish department priorities, expectations and accountability.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive and accountable team culture.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, cross-training and continuity of Programs operations.
• Develop, implement and improve department processes and procedures.
• Provide clear direction and support while encouraging staff ownership and problem-solving.

Agency Services & Compliance

• Oversee TEFAP and non-TEFAP agency services, monitoring and compliance.
• Ensure required documentation, reporting and training are completed accurately and on time.
• Oversee agency onboarding and ongoing support.
• Serve as a responsive resource for partner agencies and help address questions and challenges.
• Address agency concerns and compliance issues with professionalism, consistency and sound judgment.

Agency Training & Engagement

• Plan and coordinate quarterly regional agency conferences.
• Coordinate agency trainings, including Food Safety and Service Insights.
• Facilitate agency forums to gather feedback, identify challenges and strengthen agency relationships.
• Identify opportunities to improve communication, resources and support for partner agencies.
• Represent the Foodbank at community meetings, events and partner gatherings as appropriate.

Program Oversight

• Oversee Foodbank distributions, Kitchen Cart and other community-based initiatives.
• Ensure programs are effectively planned, staffed and executed.
• Monitor program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Step into program operations as needed to support successful delivery.
• Ensure programs remain aligned with Foodbank priorities, community partnerships and available resources.

Grants, Data & Reporting

• Oversee program-related grant activities, deliverables and reporting.
• Ensure accurate program data and documentation.
• Monitor deadlines and follow through on program-related reporting requirements.
• Provide program information for leadership, board and funder reporting.
• Use program data and feedback to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.

Collaboration & Community Relations

• Work closely with Operations, Food Acquisition, Development and Community Engagement to coordinate Foodbank activities.
• Maintain strong, responsive relationships with partner agencies and community organizations.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for Programs-related questions, concerns and opportunities.
• Identify emerging community needs and opportunities to strengthen food access.
• Collaborate across departments to solve problems, improve services and advance Foodbank priorities.
• Represent the Foodbank professionally and positively throughout the community.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a leader who is:

• Collaborative and humble — leads with respect, listens well and is willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside the team.
• Nimble and adaptable — comfortable navigating changing priorities, solving problems in real time and adjusting plans when circumstances change.
• Big-picture minded — able to connect day-to-day program operations to the Foodbank's broader mission, goals and community impact.
• Community-facing — energized by building relationships with partner agencies, community organizations and the people we serve.
• Gritty and solutions-oriented — stays engaged when things get complicated, follows through and looks for practical ways forward.
• A strong communicator — communicates clearly, proactively and thoughtfully with staff, leadership, agencies and community partners.
• A people-focused leader — develops staff, builds trust, sets clear expectations and creates a culture of accountability and support.
• Comfortable being hands-on — willing to step into the work when needed while maintaining focus on long-term priorities and department strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, social services or related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Experience in nonprofit, food access, community services or program management preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, prioritize competing needs and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with staff, partner agencies and community organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and competing demands.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn Foodbank systems.

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular movement throughout the Foodbank, community locations and partner agency sites. The position may require lifting, carrying or moving materials associated with program activities and distributions.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.