Food Services Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Food Services Program Manager

Essential Services

Damien Center Values

Dignity-Collaboration-Accountability-Equity-Quality-Innovation

Founded in 1987, Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization (ASO) and serves more than 8000 individuals living with or at risk for HIV through a comprehensive, innovative approach to care and prevention. Our purpose is to be a trusted partner in providing services, education and advocacy for all people living with or at risk for HIV and any person seeking a safe and welcoming home for care. Our services include care coordination, clinical and pharmacy services, mental health, housing, and nutrition.

Position Summary :

The Food Services Program Manager leads the day-to-day operations of The Damien Center’s food pantry and warming kitchen, providing vital nutritional access with dignity, respect, and compassion. This role ensures that clients—many of whom face systemic barriers related to health, housing, and income—receive culturally appropriate, nutritious food in a safe, welcoming environment. This role coordinates food procurement, oversees daily lunch service, manages volunteers and staff, and ensures regulatory compliance. The Food Services Program Manager plays a key role in supporting the health and well-being of our clients through integrated, holistic services.

Duties and Responsibilities :

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.

• Oversee the daily operation of the panty and warming kitchen, ensuring a clean, organized, and client-friendly experience.
• Supervise preparation and service of daily hot meals, ensuring nutritious and safe food.
• Coordinate with kitchen volunteers for efficient meal preparation and service.
• Develop and maintains pantry and warming kitchen schedules, including staff and volunteers.
• Monitor workflows and adjust strategies for continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and documentation.
• Secure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Guarantee all safety, health, and sanitation standards are met (local, state, and federal).
• Uphold compliance with food safety guidelines and partner organization regulations.
• Ensure policies and procedures for Damen Center vehicles are upheld.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff to achieve performance goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and one-on-one supervision.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to staff and volunteers.
• Attend staff, department, team, and other requested meetings.
• Perform special assignments and other work on an as-needed basis.
• Manage client referrals and intake processes : maintain accurate service records.
• Manage client mailing lists.
• Uphold privacy and confidentiality standards for all client information.
• Maintain and drive The Damien Center vehicles as needed to pick up food and supplies.
• Coordinate with other organizations for referrals and client support.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local food suppliers, food banks, farms, and donors.
• Monitor inventory and adjust ordering as needed.
• Track and report data on meals served, pantry visits, and inventory levels.
• Coordinate pick-up of all orders for vendors and community partners.
• Monitor and manage food orders to ensure alignment with budgetary guidelines.
• Provide direct supervisors with weekly updates on financial, inventory management, and staffing matters.
• Assist with budget planning and grant reporting as needed.

Education and / or Experience

Associate or bachelor's degree in social services, nonprofit management, or related field preferred. High school diploma or equivalent required. At least 3 years of experience in food service, food pantry operations, leading a team, collaborating with community partners, and nonprofit program management. SERV Safe Manager certification required (or must obtain within 60 days). Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of Indiana.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Possess superior organizational and administrative skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Ability to work independently and achieve high standards of productivity, achieving deadlines and with superior product results. Strong calendaring, organizational, and document management skills required. Proactive approach to solving problems and communicating with leadership. Comfortable working with diverse populations and individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or crisis.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and / or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, and flexibility and adaptability. The individual will also maintain knowledge of trends in their area of responsibility.

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are general representations of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Remote work is on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the supervisor.

Benefits :

Protecting our team members, clients, volunteers, and community partners is an integral part of how we ensure our continued work with the clients we serve. As a condition of employment, Damien Center requires team members to be vaccinated against influenza and receive a tuberculosis skin test (or chest x-ray) annually, and to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (including all boosters), barring an approved religious or medical exemption.

Damien Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Damien Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, other legally protected status, or genetic (including family medical history) information.

Damien Center complies with applicable federal laws and with all state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which Damien Center has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Please apply at www.damien.org / job-opportunities

This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. Damien Center employees are employed on an at-will basis. Nothing in this position description restricts Damien Center’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

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