What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Food Programs position at StepStone, Inc.?
Director of Food Programs
Dear Neighbor Ministries StepStone, Inc. | Wichita, KS
- Full-time, salaried, exempt
- Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred
- Website: www.dearneighbor.org
Dear Neighbor Ministries, a program of StepStone, Inc., is seeking a compassionate, mission‑driven Director of Food Programs to lead our community‑centered food access initiatives — including our Community Food Pantry and Community Garden. This is a leadership role for someone who believes deeply in hospitality, generosity, and service, and who wants to help build a more food‑secure, connected, and resilient Wichita.
Why This Role Matters
Each year, our food pantry serves thousands of neighbors through a client‑choice model that honors autonomy and dignity. As our next Director of Food Programs and a member of our Leadership Team, you will guide the strategy, operations, and heart of these efforts. You’ll ensure our programs run smoothly, safely, and compassionately — and that every neighbor who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and supported.
What You’ll Do
Program Leadership & Strategy
- Provide vision and oversight for all food programs, including the Community Food Pantry and Community Garden.
- Design and deliver high‑quality programs that address food insecurity with dignity and effectiveness.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local and regional food‑insecurity organizations to ensure alignment with broader community goals.
- Manage pantry logistics: food acquisition, scheduling, stocking, donation intake, order fulfillment, and more.
- Ensure compliance with all physical and food safety regulations.
- Track program data, evaluate impact, and prepare required reports.
- Collaborate with Development on funding opportunities and with Finance on budgeting.
Hospitality & Neighbor Support
- Create a welcoming, professional, and compassionate environment for all neighbors.
- Assess needs through sincere, respectful conversation.
- Maintain the appearance and organization of the pantry and lobby.
- Model and uphold the organization’s values of hospitality, generosity, and service.
Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement
- Recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteers — the heart of our food programs.
- Match volunteer skills and interests with program needs.
- Coordinate volunteer projects, recognition efforts, and documentation of hours.
- Build relationships with churches, community groups, and individuals to grow volunteer engagement.
What You Bring
- High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
- At least two years of experience in social services, community programs, or food systems.
- Supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and digital skills.
- Ability to navigate sensitive and confidential situations with compassion.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Dear Neighbor Ministries and the Congregation of St. Joseph.
- Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Class C driver’s license.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and perform physical tasks related to pantry operations.
Who Thrives Here
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Loves building relationships and community.
- Finds joy in creating order, solving problems, and improving systems.
- Leads with empathy and believes in preserving dignity for every neighbor.
- Enjoys working with volunteers and cultivating a positive team culture.
- Wants to make a tangible, daily impact on food security in Wichita.
Join Us
If you’re passionate about food justice, community connection, and serving the dear neighbor with hospitality and heart, we’d love to meet you. Your leadership can help ensure that every family who comes to us feels supported, respected, and nourished.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $68,000