Project Officer, Food Security

OverviewJob Summary Reporting to the Director, Food Security, the Project Officer will work with the Economic Security team to implement and manage programs to strengthen access to fresh, affordable, healthy food for communities across New Jersey. The Project Officer will support the implementation of food security products and program areas including, but not limited to: Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credits, the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG), the Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, and the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auction. The Project Officer will also contribute to research on new program development, policy best practices, performance measurement, and provide analytic support for EDA’s initiatives relating to food security. As needed, the Project Officer may also support other Economic Security program areas (such as child care, charter school facilities, workforce development, and maternal and infant health). $65,484 - $81,855 Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities

Supports implementation of existing Food Security team products, including aiding in application reviews and providing support to potential applicants and existing grantees

Reviews and assesses eligibility of program applicants for Food Security programs, including timely communication with applicants via email and/or phone, adhering to department policies and procedures, and assuring accurate documentation, filing, and reporting within CRM and Enable

Researches best practices and initiatives in other states, cities, and countries to support program design for Food Security and Economic Security team policies, programs, and products.

Work with the Director, Food Security to facilitate relationships across governmental agencies and EDA departments (such as Product Operations, Closing Services, Labor Compliance, and Federal Programs Reporting and Compliance) to support development of new Food Security initiatives and products.

Assist the Director, Food Security to establish operational processes for new Food Security products, working across EDA departments as necessary.

Utilizes CRM/Enable to process applications, generate reports, verify financial records, and initiate disbursement requests

Supports varying projects and strategic initiatives to advance the goals of the Economic Security team.

Performs duties to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism

Promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative, and customer- focused work environment among division, EDA staff, and external stakeholders

Must complete annual and semiannual self-assessment as required.

Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

Enthusiasm for food security and equitable community development

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills

Ability to communicate professionally with diverse stakeholders

Commitment to collaborative problem-solving

Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to quickly research, analyze, and effectively synthesize information

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; proficient in grammar, spelling and editing

Ability to prioritize workload, organize information and tasks, and work independently within limited time constrains with little or no supervision

Attention to detail

Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff

Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.

NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred

QualificationsPreferred Qualifications Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s in relevant field and/or equivalent experience

5+ years in related field

Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience

Physical Demands

Minimal

Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed

Travel

As necessary to events, meetings, businesses, etc.

Certificates and Licenses Required

License: Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.

This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NJ SAME Program

Position Requirements

Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.

Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.

Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.

Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.

#LI-KH1

Apply or Email a FriendInterested in this opportunity?LocationUS-NJJob ID 2024-2091 Category/Department Food Security