Community Engagement Coordinator - Nutrition Services

HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Engagement Coordinator is a part-time, project-based position focused on strategically deepening the impact of Farm to School initiatives and enhancing community involvement in Nutrition Services programs across Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS). This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing projects that strengthen the connections between local agriculture, students, families, and the wider community, with a specific emphasis on local food sourcing and engagement activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in program coordination, project management, or a related field, preferably within a K-12, non-profit, or public sector setting.
• Strong understanding of Farm to School principles and community engagement best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences (farmers, school administrators, teachers, parents, students).
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a part-time, flexible schedule environment.
• Minimum education of High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
• Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks. Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

Desired:

• Knowledge of local food systems and/or agricultural practices in the Shenandoah Valley/Harrisonburg area.
• Experience in food service operations, supply chain logistics, or procurement.
• A passion for community-driven work with a desire to make a positive impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Strategy and Engagement

• Strategic Planning: Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive community engagement strategy for HCPS Nutrition Services, ensuring alignment with Farm to School principles and school wellness goals.
• Mobile Café and Special Programs: Design and execute engagement activities, educational content, and promotional materials related to the Mobile Café, Harvest of the Month program, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Programs.
• Educational Outreach: Coordinate with Nutrition Services and school staff to implement educational activities that promote healthy eating, culinary literacy, and local food awareness among students and families.

• 
  Local Sourcing and Infrastructure

• Farmer Partnership: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local farmers and producers to secure high-quality, regionally sourced food items for the HCPS menu.
• Sourcing Infrastructure: Develop and document internal infrastructure and operational procedures necessary to facilitate efficient and sustainable local food procurement, including delivery logistics, product specifications, and vendor management protocols.
• Data and Reporting: Track and report on local sourcing metrics, including volume and economic impact, to demonstrate program success and inform future strategy.

• 
  School and Community Connection

• School Garden Support: Serve as a liaison to school gardens, identifying opportunities to integrate garden produce into the cafeteria menu and connecting garden activities with classroom learning.
• Staff and Teacher Collaboration: Meet regularly with teachers, principals, and relevant school staff to integrate Farm to School and nutrition education into the curriculum and school environment,
• Community Partnership: Identify, build, and maintain partnerships with local organizations, parent-teacher associations, and community groups to support and promote Nutrition Services initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
• Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
• Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
• Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
• Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and community members. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Regular contact with staff members and students is required. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.