Operations Manager

Compensation Range: $48-52,000

About NourishMKE

NourishMKE is a network of food centers building community through nourishment. We envision a more equitable work where people have enough resources to thrive. As the largest food center network in Milwaukee, NourishMKE is a stabilizing force in our neighborhoods. Through our programs we strive to leverage food to build relationships and address the holistic needs of community members. Since 1978, we have used a community-centered approach to address food access, food education, food sustainability, food advocacy and community connection.

The ideal candidate is adept at building and maintaining trust-based relationships, engaging stakeholders and applying an equity lens towards transforming lives and communities. As such, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager oversees site management across our four locations and home delivery program. The Operations Manager will work closely with the Site Managers and staff, overseeing daily operations including but not limited to data management, supervision and coordination of food pantry volunteers, restocking of food pantry items, serving our clients, and ensuring the center/s run smoothly. The Site Manager is often the first point of contact for community members and volunteers, making them responsible for building community and demonstrating organizational values through establishing culture.

In 2025 the Operations Manager will oversee our move into the new Marcia P. Coggs building under construction across the street from our Vliet location. This person will work closely with our Community Engagement Coordinator for the development of a sharable model of our food centers with community partners.

Primary Functions

• Realizes our mission of building community through nourishment
• Assists with the day to day operations of the Food Centers
• Assists with the clean, safe and efficient operation of the Food Centers
• Oversees Intake Procedures and assure that client’s information is recorded into our client database in a timely basis
• Oversees distribution of additional resources and maintains good relationships with strategic partnerships, like Hunger Task Force, Feeding America, and Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
• Oversee Volunteers; including assigning tasks, volunteer orientation, and making sure volunteers are engaged while serving at NourishMKE
• Provide on the job training and experiences for our other staff and volunteers to be an integral part of our organization
• As appropriate: Involved in volunteer recruitment and scheduling
• Packs food pantry orders and stocks shelves as needed
• Updates and modifies food pantry packing guidelines as needed
• Responsible for implementing food pantry policies and procedures
• Monitors that our procedures match the forms and reports required by governmental and funding agencies
• Produce reports, including client intake and volunteer numbers
• Creation and maintenance of operational handbooks
• Oversees data entry and filing; including client intake and volunteer information
• Represent the organization at outside meetings
• Oversee site inventory and assist with supply and equipment ordering
• Assists with other food center operations as needed

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Affinity with the overall mission of NourishMKE
• Excellent communication skills- listening, speaking, and writing.
• Ability to relate comfortably with individuals from diverse racial, cultural, social, educational and economic backgrounds who work at our pantries and use our services
• Excellent computer skills, proficient with MS Office applications, experience with CRM preferred.
• Excellent attention-to-detail.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, grow, and work as a team.

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Home Delivery Coordinator

Collaborates with: All Staff, Volunteers

Work Type: Hourly, Full Time (100%)

Specifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis

Minimum Required Education: High School Diploma or GED

Minimum Required Experience: 2 years of related experience

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s

Preferred Experience: Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Operations, or related field

Field: 3-5 years of related experience

Job Scope

Complexity – regularly applied judgment to accomplish tasks; develops policies and procedures Impact – errors may cause moderate damage; accuracy highly important

Autonomy – performs work independently with regular check-ins; supervision available as needed

Communication – occasionally resolves conflicts; adapts communication style to audiences

Responsibility – advises others

Confidentiality – regularly prepares and uses confidential information

Leadership – acts as a role model

Physical Requirements

Work requires lifting moderate weight materials (up to 50 lbs), standing, or walking continuously.