Program Coordinator

Position Type: Full Time
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Columbus, Ohio, In-Person

About Buddy Box Connection:

Buddy Box Connection is a 501 c 3 non- profit organization whose mission is to bridge the weekend hunger gap for children in our community. Our signature program, the Buddy Box program, provides food to children facing food insecurity on the weekends when they do not have access to the breakfast and lunch provided by their schools.

The Program Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the organization’s Buddy Box program. This position coordinates program logistics, works closely with school and community partners, coordinates volunteers, maintains program records and collects program data. 

The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, collaborative, and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children experiencing food insecurity.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Program Coordination

• Coordinate the day-to-day logistics of Buddy Box Connection program.

• Work with schools, community partners, and other program sites to ensure programming and deliveries operate smoothly.

• Coordinate Buddy Box deliveries, distributions, and related program activities.

• Maintain program calendars and Buddy Box delivery schedule.

• Monitor program needs and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency.

• Ensure program policies, procedures, and safety guidelines are followed.

• Monitor food inventory and program supplies.

School & Community Partnerships

• Serve as a primary point of contact for designated school site coordinators at partner schools. 

• Build and maintain positive relationships with school staff, community organizations, and other program partners.

• Communicate regularly with partners regarding program schedules, participation, needs, and updates.

• Assist with outreach to identify new program opportunities and community partnerships.

Volunteer Coordination

• Schedule, communicate with, and train volunteers involved in program activities.

• Prepare volunteers for Buddy Box packing events, distribution, and other program responsibilities.

• Help create a welcoming and positive volunteer experience.

• Track volunteer participation and maintain volunteer records.

Program Administration & Data

• Maintain accurate program records, including participating schools/sites, children served, Buddy Boxed distributed, and volunteer information.

• Collect and organize program data for internal tracking, grant reporting, and program evaluation.

• Assist with preparing program reports, impact updates, and other materials.

• Monitor food inventory and program supplies and communicate supply needs to the Executive Director.

• Support documentation of program activities, successes, and community impact.

Events & Special Projects

• Assist with Buddy Box Connection events, food distributions, volunteer activities, and community outreach.

• Support Executive Director in fundraising and community engagement events as needed.

• Assist with special projects and organizational initiatives as needed related to program growth and impact.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Buddy Box Connection staff, volunteers, school and community partners.

• Communicate program needs, challenges, and successes to the Executive Director.

• Contribute ideas and solutions that strengthen Buddy Box Connection’s programs and operations.

• Represent Buddy Box Connection professionally and positively within the community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma Required.

• Previous experience in nonprofit, program coordination, community engagement, education, social services, or a related field preferred.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to build positive relationships with schools, community partners, and volunteers. 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Comfortable working independently while also collaborating as part of a small team.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.

• Experience with volunteer coordination and/or nonprofit program management is a plus.

• A genuine commitment to Buddy Box Connection’s mission to bridge the weekend hunger gap for Columbus area children. 

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry boxes and program supplies weighing up to approximately 30 pounds.

• Ability to travel locally to schools, program sites, community partners, and events as needed.

• Flexible schedule with occasional evening or weekend commitments for events or program activities.

Compensation & Schedule

• Full-time: Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Hourly Rate: $21-24 per hour, to commensurate with experience.

• Schedules may vary based on program needs and may include evenings or weekends.

Please email resume and cover letter to: mjesuele@buddyboxconnection.org to be considered for the position.

Buddy Box Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by law.