POSITION: Food Sustainability Coordinator

For Immediate Hire

Hours: max. 30 hours/week, with the potential to increase

Monday through Saturday, please note The Bulb operates in varying capacities 50 weeks per year. This takes into account a midyear and an end of year week-long break

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

OVERVIEW

The Bulb is a nonprofit grassroots social justice organization dedicated to closing gaps in fresh produce access for underserved communities. We believe that nutrient-rich, whole foods are fundamental to food security, sustainability and improved community health outcomes. Through our mobile farmers markets, we bring fresh fruits and vegetables directly into food-insecure neighborhoods, eliminating barriers and fostering long-term resilience within Charlotte’s food system.

As the Food Sustainability Coordinator, you will play a critical role in ensuring the long-term viability and impact of The Bulb’s Food Rescue and Mobile Market program. You will work collaboratively to develop strategies that reduce food waste, strengthen local food partnerships and expand fresh food access for diverse communities. This role blends logistics, outreach and sustainability efforts, making it ideal for someone passionate about food justice, environmental sustainability and community-driven solutions.

The Bulb looks for team members who are proactive self-starters and who work well independently as well as collaboratively. Please note that this is a physically demanding job requiring the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. 

This position reports to the Leadership Team.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Database Monitoring & Impact Analysis:

• Monitor and analyze trends in food rescue, produce distribution and market attendance to drive data-informed decision-making and program improvements.

• Provide key insights and monthly reports to The Bulb’s Leadership Team.

• Identify and resolve data discrepancies in collaboration with the Operations & Finance Director.

• Assist in the analysis of survey data to understand market demographics, gather community feedback and inform program decisions.

Content & Communications Support:

• Develop and contribute to Substack/blog posts, newsletters and other external marketing materials that educate, inspire action and provide thought leadership on food justice and sustainable food systems.

• Support the creation and execution of a strategic social media plan that informs The Bulb’s audience about food sustainability and justice while showcasing its impact.

• Write and edit content for marketing materials, outreach and internal communications to enhance program visibility and community engagement.

• Collaborate with staff members, volunteers, community members and partners to capture authentic stories and testimonials highlighting the impact of relationships.

• Represent The Bulb at community, corporate and fundraising events by fostering relationships, increasing organizational visibility and delivering speaking engagements to share its mission, impact and strengthen community connections.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Ensure all food storage and transportation equipment, including vehicles, coolers and carts, operate efficiently and sustainably.

• Develop and oversee a proactive maintenance schedule for vehicles, including routine inspections, repairs and servicing, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.

• Maintain a structured cooler maintenance plan, including regular cleaning of coolers and AC units to ensure food safety and equipment longevity.

• Monitor cart functionality, troubleshoot issues and coordinate timely repairs to maintain seamless market operations.

Market Operations Support:

• Assist with the setup, breakdown and seamless execution of mobile markets, ensuring efficient operations and a dignified food access experience for the community.

• Uphold food sustainability principles by minimizing waste, optimizing market logistics and ensuring rescued food is distributed effectively.

• Engage with market guests, volunteers and partners to foster a welcoming environment that promotes food education and community wellness.

Food Operations Support:

• Support the Food Operations Manager in coordinating food distribution, sorting and inventory management to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

• Pick up fresh food donations from farm and grocery partners, prioritizing sustainability and food equity partnerships.

• Assess food quality, sorting for freshness and composting unusable items to support zero-waste initiatives.

• Track and log rescued food for impact reporting and deliver surplus to approved food-access partners to maximize community benefit.

• Implement and promote best practices for reducing food waste and energy consumption in storage and transportation processes.

• Work closely with the Food Operations Team to develop strategies that improve cold chain management, prevent food spoilage and ensure maximum freshness from rescue to distribution.

Farm Support:

• Provide hands-on assistance at partner farms, including harvesting, packaging and general support as needed.

• Provide hands-on assistance and support seasonal farm tasks at partner farms.

• Assist with key activities such as seed starting, planting starter plants and harvesting fresh produce for distribution.

• Help prepare growing spaces by turning and preparing beds, hauling wood chips and compost and maintaining farm infrastructure.

• Participate in ongoing upkeep, including weeding and general farm maintenance, to support a thriving and productive space.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain Clean & Organized Workspaces: Ensure the Barn, cooler and company vehicles remain organized and sanitary by:

• Appropriately disposing of trash, compost and recycling

• Sanitizing surfaces and maintaining cleanliness in all storage and work areas

• Organizing supplies for efficiency and accessibility

• Washing tablecloths and rinsing bins to uphold hygiene standards

Team Collaboration & Skill Sharing:

• Act as a resource for intern and assistant-level staff by providing guidance, hands-on training and knowledge-sharing to support organizational growth and development.

• Foster a positive, collaborative and service-focused work environment where team members actively support one another.

• Encourage a culture of shared learning by offering insights, best practices and practical skills to optimize workflow and strengthen overall team effectiveness.

Time Management & Compliance:

• Track and submit hours accurately for timely timesheet processing

• Maintain hours at or below 60 per pay period unless explicitly authorized by the Executive Director

• Proactively communicate with the Executive Director regarding any concerns or challenges related to scheduling or workload

REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's Degree

• 2+ year(s) of professional work experience

• Background in food justice, hunger relief and nonprofit programming (preferred, not required)

• Familiarity with data collection, management, and data-driven decision making

• Experience in marketing and promotion print, digital, radio and news media channels

• Proactive, positive, solution-oriented and collaborative attitude 

• Strong communication and time management skills

• Outgoing personality, a strong public speaker

• Exceptionally organized with the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, effectively prioritize responsibilities and task shift in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in Google Suite/MS Office

• Experience in Canva

• Knowledge of AirTable or similar databases (preferred, not required)

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs 

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record 

• Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions

• Access to reliable transportation and technology (cell phone, computer or tablet)

• Conversational to fluent in Spanish (preferred, not required)

To apply, email us with your resume, a cover letter and 3+ references that include a current or former supervisor!