General Summary

Directs the strategic vision, administrative operations, and long-term sustainability of Eastern Michigan University’s food security initiatives, centered on Swoop’s Pantry. This role serves as the primary university authority on student food insecurity, leading high-level donor relations, multi-year fiscal planning, and cross-divisional partnerships to integrate wellbeing resources into the student success framework.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct long-term planning and policy development to enhance pantry impact; lead the creation and execution of an endowment strategy in collaboration with University Advancement to ensure permanent institutionalization of food security resources.
• Provide executive oversight for all pantry budgets, including general funds, restricted gift funds, and endowments; ensure strict compliance with university and state financial policies while forecasting multi-year resource needs.
• Identify, pursue, and manage major federal, state, and private grant opportunities; serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) or lead administrator for food security grants, ensuring institutional reporting requirements are met.
• Lead the process for hiring, developing, and evaluating student workers.
• Educate members of the campus and local community about food insecurity and Swoop’s mission to make a difference.
• Represent the university in regional and national food security networks; cultivate strategic partnerships with community agencies and corporate donors to expand access to nutritious food and support services.

Minimum Qualifications:

A combined total of at least five years of progressively responsible work experience in food security, social work, or nonprofit program management is required.

A master’s degree in a related discipline (e.g. Higher Education Administration, Social Work, Non-Profit Management, or Public Administration) is required.

Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are required.

Experience creating a welcoming, non-judgmental environment is required.

Familiarity with inventory systems and basic budgeting is required.

Ability to collaborate across departments and with diverse populations is required.

Demonstrated experience in strategic budget management and successful fundraising/grant writing is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of SNAP, WIC, and other food assistance programs is preferred.

Understanding of higher education environments and student-led initiatives is preferred.

Understanding of local resources and networks to expand access to nutritious food is preferred.

Special Instructions:

N/A