Manager, Strategic Initiatives

About the organization:

It is an exciting time at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) as we continue to undertake our mission. We know that creating long-term solutions to food security requires more than meals. It requires education, training, and collaboration. We are seeking people with strong ideas and a passion to come together to address the complex interrelated issues of food security, poverty, and equity. We are expanding in multiple ways: providing food for today and addressing the root causes of hunger by partnering with organizations that provide critical services like job training programs, health care, and education. Food has the power to transform lives and move everyone forward. Find out how on our website at capitalareafoodbank.org. Let us discuss how food is at the center of everyone's healthy life!

Description:

The Manager of Strategic Initiatives is a key member of the team, supporting the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives in driving organizational strategy, identifying new business and partnership opportunities, and expanding the organization's reach and impact. This role is a hands-on strategist comfortable taking the lead on a dynamic set of projects in service of the organization’s mission. It combines rigorous analytical skills with a passion for food security and community health, making them a trusted contributor to the leadership team and a collaborative resource to departments across the organization. This role is ideal for individuals with professional advisory services experience who are looking to take full ownership of strategy development and execution, and apply their skills to high-impact, mission-driven work.

Essential Functions:

Partnership/Business Development and Revenue Diversification

Leads large, cross-functional projects and initiatives in close partnership with the CEO and the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, including but not limited to the following functions:

• Identifies and assesses new opportunities for growth, including alternative revenue streams that reduce reliance on philanthropic funding and enhance long-term financial sustainability, and innovative program models.
• Surfaces, designs, and launches strategic partnerships with mission-aligned organizations across sectors, from opportunity assessment through deal structuring and implementation.
• Builds business cases and proposals for new ventures, including financial modeling, market analysis, and implementation planning.
• Serves as an internal advisor to other internal teams, providing structured problem-solving support on strategic planning and execution.
• Collaborates with the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives with short and long-term strategic plans, including the overall vision and execution.

Food Is Medicine

In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and various subject matter experts, supports the development, operationalization, revenue generation, and evaluation of CAFB’s reimbursable Food is Medicine (FIM) programming within the Food for Brighter Futures portfolio, including:

• Articulating CAFB’s strategic framework for supporting improved health outcomes through nutritious food among its clients, positioning CAFB as a leader and preferred partner in medically tailored food programs, produce prescription initiatives, and related interventions;
• Analyzing target segments, market size, and determining revenue potential for different FIM programs and delivery models;
• Cultivating partnerships with healthcare payors, providers, and other stakeholders to secure deals that allow funding for the FIM portfolio;
• Preparing CAFB’s operational, financial, and data systems to integrate with those of its FIM partners (e.g., HIPAA compliance, revenue cycle management, and data sharing).

Analysis & Structured Problem-Solving

• Supports the development of CAFB’s rigorous, data-driven annual Hunger Report, including:
  • Setting the research agenda through targeted collaboration with CAFB departments;
  • Generating research insights from population-level survey data;
  • Collaborating with Communications team to edit the report and develop supporting graphics;
  • Managing timeline, scope of work, and budget of the report; and
  • Collaborating with CEO and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives in syndication and presentation of Hunger Report findings.
• Leads structured research and analysis to inform high-stakes strategic decisions, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Brings a continuous improvement lens to existing programs and operations, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and impact, including how AI tools and emerging technologies can be leveraged across the organization to support greater efficiency, impact, and scale.
• Synthesizes complex data into actionable insights and compelling narratives for senior leadership.

Other

• Represents CAFB externally at various external conferences .
• Supports CAFB’s role as a thought leader among food banks by sharing best practices and learnings with others in the industry.
• Manages employees, including interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree, preferred; majoring in Public Administration, Economics, or Business Administration or a related field a plus.
• Experienced professional with a strong strategy orientation, who has previously held several roles in fast-paced and complex environments 4+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, or related fields involving complex problem-solving (e.g., management consulting, non-profit).
• A strong commitment to the mission of the CAFB.Exhibits excellent communications skills--verbal, written and listening.
• Ability to apply a variety of strategic frameworks to analyze problems and to guide and develop solutions.
• Ability to translate and communicate complex topics in a variety of forums, tailoring communications to effectively fit and influence the targeted audience; strong executive presence, presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to form strong partnerships internally and externally, maximizing mutual interests.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, including the ability to present real-time insights based on limited information.
• Ability to engage with top leaders at CAFB and externally Ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, make informed decisions, and meet tight deadlines in an ambiguous environment.
• Ability to operate independently, take initiative and think proactively.
• Ability to identify overlapping interests and workstreams and bring separate teams together to combine efforts.
• Ability to express complex ideas and strategic thinking through a variety of software applications (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must have consistent and reliable transportation to meetings, events, and other locations throughout the Greater Washington area.
• Regular and punctual attendance is required.

Physical Demand and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Required to speak and listen effectively, both in person and over the phone.

Application Process:

• Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please Note: We do not accept walk-in applications or in-person status updates for any positions. All applicants must apply online. To check the status of your application, please log in to your personal Paycom application account. We kindly ask that applicants do not call to inquire about application status. Our HR team will contact you directly if you are selected for the next step in the hiring process.

Compensation:

• $83,800 to $113,400 /annually

Schedule:

• Regular work hours are Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM; with weekends or extended hours as assigned for special events or projects.
• This role is hybrid with 3 days in office, 2 days remote.

NOTE: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

We Offer: At Capital Area Food Bank, we understand that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits including competitive compensation and benefits, free onsite parking, complimentary shuttle to metro (DC), professional development, growth, and volunteer opportunities, fun work in a diverse environment.

EEO Statement:

Capital Area Food Bank welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for all our employees. CAFB makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, reproductive health decision making or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at CAFB. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.