Nonprofit Program Manager – Food Security Initiatives

Career Guide

Plans, runs, and improves programs that reduce hunger and improve access to nutritious food. Coordinates partners and volunteers, manages budgets and grants, tracks outcomes, and ensures compliance with food safety and funding requirements.

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Key Responsibilities

Design and manage food access programs and pilots
Build and maintain partnerships with food banks and community agencies
Oversee program budgets, grants, and contract compliance
Collect and analyze outcome data; report to funders and leadership
Supervise staff and volunteers; coordinate training and schedules
Develop grant proposals and impact reports
Ensure food safety and USDA/TEFAP compliance
Coordinate logistics for distributions and deliveries

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Program Manager

Program Director (Food Security)

Director of Programs

Operations Director (Food Bank)

Transition Opportunities

Public Health Program Manager

Food Policy Analyst/Advocate

Development/Grants Manager

Disaster Relief Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

USDA/TEFAP compliance and documentationGrant budgeting and performance reportingProgram evaluation and impact measurementFood safety standards for storage and distributionCommunity partnership development with pantries and shelters

Development SuggestionsComplete a ServSafe Manager course and a short program evaluation class; then lead a small pilot with a local pantry to practice data collection (KPIs) and funder-style reporting.

Market Intelligence Report

Nonprofit Program Manager – Food Security Initiatives is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$55,000-$70,000

Mid Level$70,000-$90,000

Senior Level$90,000-$120,000

Growth Trend

growing: Rising community need and grant funding for hunger relief programs

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Feeding AmericaShare Our Strength (No Kid Hungry)Catholic Charities USA

Industry Sectors

Non-Profit & Social ImpactHealthcare & Public HealthHuman Services

Recommended Next Steps

Earn ServSafe Manager and complete FEMA IS-26/ICS-100 to strengthen mass care and safety fundamentals.

Take a program evaluation or nonprofit finance course (e.g., logic models, KPIs, grant budgets) and build a sample report.

Volunteer to coordinate a food distribution project with a local food bank; track metrics and use them in a grant-style impact report.