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  • Senior Program Associate, Good Food Zones

    LOS ANGELES FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

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    POSITION SUMMARY

    Position: Senior Program Associate, 

    Good Food Zones

    Hours: Full time, exempt (Temporary, through 

    Dec 2026)

    Location: Los Angeles, CA (hybrid)

    Salary: $72,000 - $82,000

    Applications Due: February 7, 2025

    Desired Start Date: ASAP

    ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION

    The Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) is a collective impact initiative, working to make Southern California a Good Food region for everyone—where food is healthy, affordable, fair and sustainable. Through policy creation, cooperative relationships and innovative projects, our goals are to reduce hunger, improve public health, increase equity in our communities, create good jobs, stimulate local economic activity, and foster environmental stewardship. We specialize in cultivating a cross-sector network and strategic facilitation to achieve policy impact.

    ABOUT GOOD FOOD ZONES

    The Good Food Zones Microgrants Program (GFZ) is an initiative by the City of Los Angeles in partnership with Los Angeles Food Policy Council. The program aims to expand access to healthy foods in designated Good Food Zones within the City of Los Angeles while increasing economic opportunities and jobs for low-income residents. 

    Grants of $25,000.00 will be awarded to help businesses meet the Good Food Zones Standard, which includes mandatory guidelines for increasing healthy food offerings, enhancing food security, and contributing to community well-being. The goal of these grants is to increase access to healthy food options by incentivizing local businesses that can provide culturally relevant foods and have experience working in the communities. Priority will be given to businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to the program's goals, have been most affected by the pandemic, and whose owners represent the communities they serve or intend to serve.

    POSITION DESCRIPTION

    The Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) is in search of an experienced economic development professional to serve as a Senior Program Associate for the Good Food Zones (GFZ) pilot initiative. This person will work closely with our Healthy Retail Team, Director of Programs & Innovation, and Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Community Initiatives. This role is key in our suite of Healthy Retail programming, which provides technical assistance to increase healthy food access and foster good food businesses, fostering strong relationships and building trust with enrolled participants through site visits, direct engagement, and ongoing support. Key responsibilities include development of GFZ action plans for participating retailers, referral and navigation services, program design, leading workshops, and building connections with supply chain and governmental resources. This position focuses on supporting microenterprise owners in underserved Los Angeles communities, collaborating with key stakeholders to assist participants in expanding their healthy retail goals and meeting GFZ standards.

    The ideal candidate will excel at building trust through consistent and meaningful interactions, understanding the unique challenges faced by each participant, and tailoring support to meet the goals of the program and the participants needs. The Senior Program Associate will play a critical role in advancing healthy retails goals, fostering economic resilience, and ensuring enrolled businesses meet GFZ standards.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Program Development and Implementation:

    • Work closely with consultants and Healthy Retail program team to develop corner store/small grocer and brick and mortar restaurant GFZ Healthy Retail Expansion curriculum to support businesses in meeting GFZ standards. 

    • Collaborate with community-based organizations, consultants, or government agencies to execute curriculum. 

    • Assist with designing and refining program strategies, ensuring alignment with GFZ goals and LAFPC's mission.

    Technical Assistance & Business Navigation Services: 

    • Manage a portfolio of 30 GFZ participating businesses by developing GFZ Project Plans with business owners to serve as roadmaps in meeting GFZ criteria, and offering office-hours and referral services as needed. 

    • With assistance from the Healthy Retail Program Associate, provide support and guidance to GFZ businesses, facilitating their involvement in the program and tracking their progress toward meeting GFZ criteria. 

    Performance Tracking and Reporting:

    • Collaborate with Director of Programs & Innovation and Senior Program Associate, Healthy Retail to develop Good Food Zone initiative KPI’s and metrics.

    • Collaborate with Senior Program Associate, Healthy Retail to develop participant survey tools to internally monitor KPI’s and metrics. 

    • Assist community partners with program evaluation. 

    • Prepare regular reports detailing progress, challenges, and outcomes, contributing to continuous improvement of the pilot.

    • Analyze data to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

    Outreach and Partnership Management:

    • Develop and execute outreach strategies to educate the public on GFZ milestones, with an emphasis on the viability of Good Food Zones as a permanent program in Los Angeles. 

    • Work with Communications Team and/or Consultant to develop GFZ landing page which will serve as a perpetual resource for food enterprises interested in healthy retail. 

    • Participate in LAFPC’s Good Food Economy Working Group.

    • Build and maintain relationships with technical assistance providers, particularly government or private entities that support food enterprises. 

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS 

    • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Social Entrepreneurship, Urban Planning, or related field.

    • Spanish language fluency.

    • Minimum 3 years of experience in economic development, business counseling, or a related field.

    • Minimum 2  years conducting one on one coaching or case management services.

    • Minimum 3 years of experience working with underserved communities and knowledge of economic development programs and related government resources.

    • Minimum of 3 years contributing to data analysis, proficiency in performance tracking and reporting.

    • Minimum of 3 years experience managing projects from ideation to implementation and close out.

    • Minimum of 2 years experience conducting strategic program outreach through partnership referrals, cold calls/visits, and marketing. 

    • Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.

    • Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, dynamic environment.

    DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

    • Extensive experience in the food supply chain and economic development.

    • Proficient understanding of government programs related to economic development, including regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements

    • Knowledgeable about various opportunities within the sector, including grants, partnerships, and development initiatives.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

    • A private vehicle, valid Driver’s License as well as and proof of personal minimum liability insurance coverage per the requirements of California 

    • Special Requirements – When necessary, working evenings or weekends and occasional overnight travel required.

    • Local travel to different sites in Los Angeles are required for this role. 

    SALARY AND BENEFITS. The Los Angeles Food Policy Council, a fiscally-sponsored project of Community Partners, offers health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, generous vacation and sick leave. LAFPC staff is currently working remotely and implements monthly in-person meetings to generate a collaborative work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people of color, women, and LGBTQ persons to apply. 

    HOW TO APPLY. Applications should be submitted to jobs@goodfoodla.orgwith the subject line: Sr Program Associate, Good Food Zones - [NAME OF CANDIDATE]. Please include: (1) a cover letter with relevant experience and leadership abilities, (2) a resume, (3) writing sample not to exceed three pages. 

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