Program Engagement Associate - Loveland Community Kitchen : Job Details

This position is an opportunity for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong sense of initiative that thrives in a fast-paced environment.

This job could be the right opportunity if you:

• Have a passion for positively impacting the community
• Demonstrate initiative by being a proactive problem solver
• Are an exceptional communicator with empathy and compassion
• Have a great sense of humor and a mature work style
• Are adaptable and ready to continuously learn how to serve others first and foremost

Organization Information

Loveland's Community Kitchen serves our community through the dedicated engagement of 850+ volunteers working every day of the year to provide meals and a supportive community to those in need. Our purpose is to provide food for those who are hungry, conversation for those who are lonely, rest for those who are weary and a voice for those in need. The Kitchen has experienced significant, sustainable growth as we've adapted to meet community needs and is currently seeking a Program Engagement Associate to join our team. Our team is expected to uphold health and safety compliance and share the organization's mission, culture and value through their employment with the organization.

Title: Program Engagement Associate

Position Status: Full-Time

Salary: $22.00-27.00/hour Depending on experience

Position Summary

The Program Engagement Associate is responsible for coordinating and enhancing the volunteer program to support the daily operations of the Kitchen. This role recruits, trains, schedules, and engages volunteers, ensuring a positive and efficient volunteer experience. The Associate develops and implements strategies for volunteer appreciation, retention, and communication while maintaining the volunteer database and overseeing shift logistics, including filling last-minute vacancies.

In collaboration with the Program Administration Associate and Executive Director, the Associate supports food program operations, ensures facilities and supplies are well maintained, and assists with event planning and social media outreach. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and a proactive approach to solving logistical challenges and supporting volunteers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment while uphold professional standards by following organizational policies, maintaining confidentiality and contributing to a collaborative team culture.

Essential Functions:

Volunteer Program Coordination

• Responsible for coordinating the Kitchen's volunteer program by working with staff and volunteers to accomplish daily operational logistics
• Responsible for volunteer scheduling and support, including occasional on-call weekend support and working with Program Administration Associate to fill shifts when no volunteer is identified
• Recruit, interview, and select (place) volunteers into specific volunteer roles
• Ensure the volunteer database is maintained accurately and updated in a timely manner
• Provide orientation and training to volunteers and staff working with volunteers
• Ensure preparation for volunteer shifts by providing volunteers with what is needed to complete tasks; pick up supplies from warehouse, occasionally from partner or retail stores

Volunteer Engagement & Retention

• Lead volunteer engagement efforts, including development and implementation of recognition programs, communications, and recruitment campaigns in collaboration with Executive Director
• Assist in assessing, researching, and developing volunteer policies

Facility & Program Support

• Enter and ensure accuracy information of the client database system
• Work with staff and volunteers to maintain facilities, including building and equipment maintenance issues
• Maintain supplies and inventory between kitchen and warehouse; inventory and order supplies as needed
• Work with the security company as needed during meal distribution
• Administer data collection to provide monthly reports related to volunteer and meal programs to the Executive Director

Communication & Public Engagement

• Develop social media content and engage with the public via social media platforms
• Represent the Kitchen at community meetings, events, committees, and speaking engagements as requested
• Assist in scheduling and implementing programs and events for clients, donors, volunteers, and partners
• Engage with clients respectfully and empathetically, including gathering feedback through surveys, sharing program updates and resources

Problem Solving & Collaboration

• Troubleshoot solutions to volunteer concerns and other immediate logistical problems as needed
• Relay time-sensitive logistical changes or maintenance concerns to the appropriate volunteers and/or Executive Director
• Lead others in workplace practices; abide by health department regulations and organizational policies
• Resolve concerns by applying appropriate policies and procedures through positive interaction and collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, and the public

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

The ideal candidate is community-driven, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high-quality programs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Knowledge & Experience

• Volunteer coordination and nonprofit operations
• Food safety standards (certification required post-hire)
• Inventory, facility, and basic event logistics
• Proficient in Google Workspace, MS Office; quick to learn new systems
• Familiarity with local community resources (preferred)

Skills

• Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven customer service and conflict resolution abilities
• Effective multitasking, time management, and organizational skills
• Leadership experience in supervising or coordinating teams/volunteers
• Public speaking experience

Abilities

• Work independently and collaboratively
• Follow written/oral instructions and solve problems under pressure
• Adapt to changing priorities and shift coverage needs
• Lift/move supplies when needed; represent the organization publicly
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

Education and Experience

• 2+ years of experience in general administrative, customer service, volunteer coordination, or client-facing roles
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, including clients, volunteers, and community partners
• Comfort using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and client or volunteer database systems
• Experience supporting program logistics, public outreach, or event coordination strongly preferred
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, nonprofit management, communications, public health, general business or a related field preferred
• Familiarity with food service or hunger relief programs is a plus

Licensure and/or Certifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license and self-insured
• Must possess or obtain food handling manager certification within 3 months of hire

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position involves a combination of administrative and on-site program support work. Duties are performed in an office environment as well as in an active kitchen, dining hall setting, and warehouse.

• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Regular physical activity required, including bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and light climbing
• Must be able to lift and move objects, such as tables, chairs, and supplies, weighing up to 30 pounds
• Extended periods of sitting and computer work required for administrative tasks
• High level of interaction with guests, volunteers, and the public of all ages in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Loveland's Community Kitchen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All offers are conditional upon a satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.