Director of the Kosher Food Bank and Community Food Distribution
Are you ready to make a difference in our community? At Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), you’ll join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Joining our team means contributing to a well-respected organization with over a century of service to the South Florida community, rooted in the values of compassion, inclusivity, and resilience. Our team members find purpose in empowering individuals and families through meaningful programs and initiatives. We foster a collaborative environment where your talents are valued, and you’ll have opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re looking to be part of an organization that values your contributions and promotes a culture of unity and support, JCS is the place to be.
To apply directly to this position, please click on this link:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/E996147AA2982E13E064DE6AF57DC79D/jobs/57529
The Director of the Kosher Food Bank and Community Food Distribution provides strategic, operational, and programmatic leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality kosher food assistance and wraparound services to individuals and families in need. This position is responsible for full oversight of operations, staff, volunteers, fundraising and resource development, maintaining and strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring compliance with food safety in observance of kashrut (kosher) requirements. The Director also ensures that the Kosher Food Bank reflects the agency’s mission, values, and commitment to dignity and inclusion.
All full-time employees are required to actively participate in JCS' Milk and Honey, Matzah Mitzvah and other similar events. These events are essential to our organizational culture, and leadership participation is key to fostering team unity, supporting our values, and engaging with our community. By attending, full-time employees help set the standard for involvement and demonstrate our commitment to these meaningful traditions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Other duties may be assigned.
Program Leadership and Oversight
- Provide strategic direction for all JCS Kosher Food Bank programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with agency goals
- Develop and implement annual operating plans, budgets, and program objectives; monitor progress and make adjustments as needed
- Lead and supervise daily operations, including food ordering, inventory control, scheduling pickups/deliveries, and facility management
- Ensure compliance with kashrut, food safety regulations, and all local/state/federal guidelines
- Oversee the assessment process for eligible food bank clients and ensure client intakes/renewals are timely as well as client confidential records are maintained, complete, and accurate
- Participate as an active member of the senior management team
Client Services and Community Resource Coordination
- Provide compassionate and culturally sensitive service to clients, ensuring access to nutritious kosher food and supportive services
- Oversees the needs assessments to ensure appropriate referrals are made to internal JCS services (e.g., mental health, housing, employment) and external community resources, and that progress is tracked
- Track trends in client needs and maintain comprehensive monthly statistical reports
Fundraising, Donor Relations, and Resource Development
- Partner with the Resource Development team to design and implement fundraising campaigns, mitzvah projects, and special events (e.g. Kids for Kosher Food Bank, Kosher Helpings, holiday drives)
- Cultivate and steward donors, including individuals, synagogues, businesses, and foundations, ensuring timely donor recognition and acknowledgments
- Network with food banks, vendors, and community partners to secure in-kind donations and expand access to kosher products
Volunteer Engagement and Community Partnerships
- Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers, ensuring meaningful and safe service opportunities
- Build and maintain relationships with synagogues, schools, civic groups, and corporate partners to strengthen volunteer engagement and financial support
- Represent JCS and the Kosher Food Bank at community events, interagency meetings, and collaborative initiatives to raise awareness and build alliances
- Lead and coordinate community food distribution and events
Financial and Administrative Management
- Develop the program budget, approve expenditures, and maintain accurate bookkeeping of vendor invoices, purchase orders, and check requests
- Ensure accurate data entry and timely preparation of internal and external reports
- Maintain a strong culture of accountability and compliance with agency policies, grant requirements, and relevant laws
Supervision:
Directly supervise office staff, warehouse staff, and a team of volunteers. Responsibilities include hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance evaluation, and, when necessary, corrective action. Foster a positive, mission-driven work environment that promotes collaboration, professional growth, and respect.
This position is required to actively participate in JCS' Milk and Honey and Matzah Mitzva signature events, JCS’ Annual Meeting, and be available to be present at Board and Committee meetings, budget and legislative hearings, and other important management level events. Scheduling of leave time should consider these as priority/mandatory. These events are essential to our organizational culture, and leadership participation is key to fostering team unity, supporting our values, and engaging with our community. Leaders set the standard for involvement and demonstrate commitment to these meaningful, high priority business activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Nonprofit Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Master’s Degree preferred
- Knowledge of Kashrut and Jewish community resources is required
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in food bank management, business operations, social services, and/or nonprofit program leadership required
- Proven track record in fundraising, volunteer management, and community partnership development
- Able to accommodate flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and Sundays for special events
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and database management systems
- Valid Florida Driver License and reliable transportation
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and maintain composure and objectivity
Key Attributes
- Mission-driven leadership with a commitment to food security and Jewish values
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strong financial acumen and attention to compliance and reporting
- Collaborative and solution-oriented, with the ability to motivate staff and volunteers
- Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and commitment to serving clients with dignity and confidentiality
PERKS: We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees, including medical and dental plans. A generous vacation and holiday pay benefit and a 401(k) match is available. Staff receives monthly in-service training and CEU opportunities. This is a one of a kind opportunity for leadership in talent management to contribute to a team of mindful, caring and passionate people at work every day in service to our community!
ABOUT: Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) is the foremost non-profit, human services agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life and self-sufficiency of the Jewish and broader communities throughout South Florida in accordance with Jewish values. Founded in 1920, JCS delivers exemplary social services through compassionate and comprehensive programs that help people stay healthy and productive.
JCS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or veteran status.
JCS strictly enforces a Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or sale of controlled substances and alcohol on company premises, during work hours, or while representing the company. Pre-employment and random drug testing may be required as part of our commitment to a drug-free workplace.
All Full-Time staff members are required to attend and work from start to end, JCS' Milk and Honey, Matzah Mitzvah and other similar events, which are typically held on Sundays and/or evenings. These events are essential to our organizational culture and participation is key to fostering team unity, supporting our values, and engaging with our community. By attending, it helps to set the standard for involvement and demonstrate our commitment to these meaningful traditions.
**Please be advised, if selected for this position, you will be required to submit to a level II background screening through the DCF Clearinghouse: https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This position requires extensive knowledge of Kashrut and Jewish community resources. Please describe your experience in this area:
Education:
Experience:
- food bank management: 5 years (Required)
- Nonprofit management: 1 year (Preferred)
- Fundraising: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- Spanish (Required)
- Hebrew or Yiddish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Florida Driver License (Required)
Work Location: In person
