Manager, Food Waste Warrior Program

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global conservation organization founded in 1961, dedicated to helping people and nature thrive. With a mission to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions, WWF operates in over 100 countries. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to address pressing environmental issues. WWF is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and tackling climate change. Nearly 1 million individuals in the United States and more than 5 million globally are members of WWF, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to conservation efforts.

Job Overview:
The Manager of the Food Waste Warrior (FWW) program at WWF is responsible for leading initiatives aimed at reducing food loss and waste in K-12 schools across the United States. This role involves overseeing program implementation, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring compliance with institutional standards and policies. The manager will serve as a strategic leader, driving results through collaboration, mentorship, and stakeholder engagement. The position requires active involvement in program implementation, partnership management, and team development, with a focus on achieving program goals and commitments. The manager will also be responsible for maintaining cross-collaborative partnerships with other WWF program teams and coordinating with relevant US government agencies on school food waste policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Manager include leading the Food Waste Warrior program across various school districts, funders, and community partners. This involves overseeing program implementation, building and maintaining strategic partnerships, and directly supporting key initiatives. The manager will coach and mentor program officers and interns, set clear program priorities, and ensure staff have the necessary resources and support to achieve objectives. Additionally, the manager will oversee operational designs to assess program impact and risks, provide oversight for school projects, and develop mitigation strategies for challenges. The role also includes maintaining communication with program staff, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 8 years of experience in program management and community engagement. Direct experience in supervising and developing staff is essential, with an advanced degree preferred. Experience working in or with K-12 school systems is strongly preferred, along with excellent relationship management and facilitation skills. Knowledge of school food systems and nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition services operations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate success in managing multi-year projects and possess excellent organizational skills, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a preference for candidates holding an advanced degree in fields related to sustainability, food systems, education, public administration, or environmental management. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of program management and community engagement, particularly in relation to K-12 education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in program management, with a strong emphasis on community-based engagement. Candidates should have a proven track record of supervising, coaching, and developing staff, as well as managing multi-year projects and budgets. Experience in sustainability and food systems is preferred, particularly in relation to K-12 school systems.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Relocation assistance is not provided. The role promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law. The organization emphasizes a culture of inclusion and aligns with core values such as courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.