Company description

At Dutchess Outreach we believe food is not charity — it is a human right. For more than 50 years, we have worked alongside our community to reduce hunger and build pathways toward long-term stability for people across Dutchess County, New York.

Today, we are one of the region’s largest food access organizations, serving thousands of neighbors each month through an integrated network of programs that includes emergency food assistance, community meals, farm stands, SNAP enrollment support, food rescue, nutrition initiatives, and innovative local food system partnerships. But our work goes beyond distributing food. We are actively reimagining what a modern, community-centered food system can look like — one rooted in dignity, health, equity, sustainability, and local collaboration.

Our programs are designed to meet immediate needs while also addressing the structural causes of food insecurity. We work closely with local farmers, schools, healthcare providers, municipalities, colleges, businesses, and grassroots organizations to increase access to fresh, nutritious food while strengthening the local economy and reducing reliance on highly processed emergency food systems. We are deeply committed to sourcing locally whenever possible and investing in regional food infrastructure that benefits both producers and community members.

At the heart of our work is a belief that relationships matter. Whether someone is joining us for a meal, visiting our pantry, volunteering, or partnering with us on policy and systems change, we strive to create spaces that are welcoming, respectful, and grounded in compassion. We know hunger does not exist in isolation — it intersects with housing instability, healthcare access, transportation, wages, aging, childcare, and systemic inequities. Our team approaches this work with humility, urgency, and a willingness to challenge outdated models in pursuit of better solutions.

Dutchess Outreach is also increasingly engaged in advocacy and coalition-building efforts at the local and state level. We convene leaders across sectors, support community-driven food policy initiatives, and work to elevate the voices and experiences of people most impacted by food insecurity. We are building a future where emergency food systems are more responsive, collaborative, and centered on community wellbeing rather than scarcity management alone.

Our culture is mission-driven, innovative, and deeply collaborative. We are looking for people who are energized by meaningful work, eager to think creatively, and committed to treating every person with dignity and respect. The challenges facing our communities are complex, but we believe real change is possible when passionate people come together with courage, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.

If you want your work to have a tangible impact — not only on individuals, but on the future of our food system and community — we would love to hear from you.

Job description

About the Position:
This position coordinates volunteers, resources, and a countywide network of food pantries throughout Dutchess County. The role focuses on strengthening collaboration, improving food access, and supporting local food systems. Key responsibilities include:

Pantry Network Coordination:
Support and continue to build a strong network of food pantries across Dutchess County. This includes facilitating effective communication, sharing best practices, coordinating the movement of food between programs as needed, leveraging collective purchasing power to secure favorable pricing, and fostering mutual support among partner pantries. The position serves as both the organizer of this network and an advocate for its needs, while maintaining a clear understanding of and alignment with the recommendations and goals of the Dutchess County Food Security Council.

Large-Scale Food Distribution Support:
Provide administrative oversight and on-site leadership for major off-site food distributions ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds per event. Responsibilities include planning, logistics, volunteer coordination, safety oversight, and resource management to ensure efficient, dignified, and community-centered distributions.

Local Gleaning Program Development:
Design, launch, and manage a local gleaning program to recover surplus produce from farms and other sources, increasing access to fresh, nutritious food while reducing food waste.

Farmer and Community Partnerships:
Build and maintain strong relationships with local farmers, community organizations, volunteers, and institutional partners to support local food purchasing, gleaning efforts, volunteer-based farm support, and broader collaboration across the regional food system.

Launch New Programs and Initiatives:
This position will play a key role in bringing new programs and initiatives from concept to implementation once funding has been secured. Responsibilities include developing project plans and timelines, coordinating with internal teams and external partners, assisting with budget and resource management, recruiting and organizing volunteers, establishing operational systems and procedures, and helping ensure programs launch successfully and sustainably. Initiatives may include new food access programs, local food system partnerships, mobile or community-based distributions, volunteer engagement efforts, or innovative pilot projects designed to improve food security across Dutchess County. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a dynamic environment where creativity, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential.

Requirements:
The ideal candidate will bring strong project management experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to understand and improve systems that impact food security. They will have a demonstrated commitment to food justice, a strong interest in supporting local agriculture, and the capacity to lead teams in executing large-scale food distributions. This individual is flexible, thrives in a collaborative team environment, and can adapt to evolving priorities and emerging community needs.

A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required to fulfill job duties, along with comfort operating a sprinter van and 16’ box truck. The role also requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and to work independently in off-site settings. Spanish fluency is highly desired but not required.

Compensation:
$50,000–$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

*Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Job Types: Full-time, non-exempt

Expected hours: 35 per week

Shift:

Day shift
Ability to Relocate:

Poughkeepsie, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline