Agency Relations Associate

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Benefits: Eligible

Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Agency Relations Senior Manager, the Agency Relations Associate will focus on maximizing the amount of emergency food distributed through our network of kosher and halal pantries, primarily in Brooklyn and Staten Island. This role identifies new pantry partners and ensures agency compliance, standards, and best practices in food pantries throughout the network as it relates to food storage, handling, and distribution, record keeping, and data management. This position will also work with agencies to secure new funding sources and increase the quality & quantity of their services.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Identify new potential pantry partners and capacity building opportunities for existing pantry operations.
• Develop comprehensive recommendations and work plans to onboard new pantry partners and expand existing pantries, improving operations and capacity while ensuring contract compliance, proper reporting and recordkeeping. Coordinate the implementation of best practices across the network.
• Conduct regular site visits throughout the network, assessing and reporting on each pantry site’s needs and ensuring compliance.
• Train pantry workers & volunteers on food safety and best practices.
• Assist with contacting agencies for deliveries from the warehouse.
• Support pantries in completing government and private funder applications and other forms.
• Monitor needs and issues related to food security to strengthen the Food Program’s effectiveness.
• Provide technical assistance and training, as necessary, to food pantry staff and volunteers to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Along with supervisor, develop and implement policies and procedures for management of local food pantries and their data activities.
• Coordinate the collection, submission, and usage of monthly service statistics.
• Develop the utilization of Market by Met Council among pantry partners.
• Work directly with the warehouse team to support partner agencies.
• Focus on fostering development in the Hareidi community.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Solid writing skills.
• Professional levels of communication.
• Effective problem-solving.
• Creative and innovative thinking.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work with diverse communities across NYC and beyond.

Skill and Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required); Bachelor's degree (preferred).
• Prior work experience in food pantries and/or food banking (preferred).
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Microsoft Teams; ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and systems.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the diverse population Met Council serves, especially Haredi populations (preferred).
• Understanding of Kosher laws or a willingness to learn (required).

Physical Demands:

1. Required Constantly: Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye and foot.
2. Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying laptop & files (approx. 8-10 lbs).
3. Required Occasionally: Reaching above the shoulder, and lifting 5-25 pounds, pushing and pulling.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs of NYC using public transportation and/or a personal vehicle.
• Must be able to move safely and efficiently throughout the warehouse.

Compensation: $50,000 - $60,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays.