Food Justice Director

Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee (THI) seeks a Food Justice Director to provide strategic leadership and hands-on management of its year-round food justice elements.  This role oversees gleaning operations, seasonal and year-round meal production programs, volunteer coordination, community partnerships, and food distribution efforts that increase access to fresh, nutritious food in Milwaukee’s inner city neighborhoods.

In particular, The Food Justice Director oversees THI’s Veggie Chop Shop (VCS), a community meal program that utilizes gleaned and donated produce to create healthy meals for those experiencing food insecurity or seeking social services. Since 2015, the Veggie Chop Shop distributes approx. 400 meals on a weekly basis from June-October to up to 10 area meal sites. To support this program, the Food Justice Director engages volunteers to glean donated produce from farmers markets and deliver to sites around the greater Milwaukee area.

This is a part-time hybrid position (both in person and remote work), with possible increased hours during the peak farm season (May-October).

Organization Description:

Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee is a Jewish social action and social justice organization whose mission is to build a more just community by uniting Jews of all backgrounds in study, action and civic engagement. Food justice work is a central part of what we do, and includes volunteers in all parts. Learn more at www.thi-milwaukee.org

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Operations 50%

• Direct all food justice initiatives, including farm gleaning, food rescue, and distribution of perishable foods.
• Oversee signature seasonal programming (e.g., Veggie Chop Shop) and off-season meal initiatives.
• Manage food sourcing, kitchen logistics, inventory, and distribution infrastructure.
• Coordinate annual programming timelines and ensure operational excellence across initiatives.
• Integrate food justice principles into service learning, community events, and educational programs.

Volunteer & Staff Coordination 20%

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to seasonal kitchen staff and interns.

Community Engagement & Partnerships 20%

• Build and maintain partnerships with farms, food access agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at community meetings and collaborative events in both the Jewish community and greater Milwaukee social service/food access ecosystem.
• Plan and facilitate multiple community-based service events annually.

Grants & Administration 10%

• Assist in grant writing, reporting, and stewardship related to food justice programming.
• Track program outcomes and maintain clear documentation of impact and distribution metrics.
• Support budget management for food programs and seasonal staffing.

Physical & Logistical Requirements

• Ability to bend, twist, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required for farm pickups, food deliveries, and community engagement.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during peak farming and program seasons (including some Sundays)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with volunteers and diverse populations in Milwaukee’s inner city.
• Demonstrated commitment to food justice, community empowerment, and equitable food systems; knowledge of and connections to Milwaukee-area food-related organizations a plus
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and positive, solution-oriented attitude.
• Comfort with both strategic planning and hands-on implementation.
• Excellent written and oral communication and computer skills, including ability to use Word and Excel
• Positive attitude, patience, creativity and a great sense of humor
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn about the Milwaukee Jewish community/Judaism and Jewish views on hunger issues

Compensation: $22-23/hour for up to 25-30 hours per week