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.

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.

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

1
Earn ServSafe Manager and complete FEMA IS-26/ICS-100 to strengthen mass care and safety fundamentals.
2
Take a program evaluation or nonprofit finance course (e.g., logic models, KPIs, grant budgets) and build a sample report.
3
Volunteer to coordinate a food distribution project with a local food bank; track metrics and use them in a grant-style impact report.