Director, Impact Assessment & Research

Position:                         Director, Impact Assessment & Research Team:                              Programs Reports to:                     Vice President, Programs    Location:                        Chicago, Illinois, USA The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) works to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by launching and accelerating the development of food banks around the world. Founded in 2006, GFN now connects more than 800 food banks in 32 countries, spanning five continents, that together serve 8 million people annually. GFN is seeking  an Impact Assessment and Research Director to lead, conduct and report data for the Programs area of GFN. Projects include the periodic development and reporting of original research in the area of the food bank model of hunger relief intervention; develop a results framework that objectively measures the impact of GFN’s engagement with food banks; administer the annual Global Network Activity report and other network surveys; and conduct analysis of external research which impacts the work of food banks and food insecure populations. Impact Assessment and Research will provide:

• Demographic and Programmatic Background papers
• Country-by-country Food Bank Assessments
• A results framework that measures the impact of GFN engagement with food banking organizations
• Progress reports on measurement of strategic goals
• Annual Network Activity Report (and similar Surveys)

Research Reports (estimated at two original research projects per annum) Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Design and lead the State of Global Food Banking Annual Study – a study of the GFN Network and the network’s impact in the countries in which the food banks operate.
• Design and lead the “Waste Not, Want Not” study of the societal and environmental impact of the food banking movement throughout the globe.
• Administer and report the annual Network Activity Report and sub-surveys that support GFN’s strategic plan and advances the organization’s mission. This includes:
  • Mapping crucial capacity needs across the GFN network, identifying shared needs, and making recommendations as to which gaps should drive programmatic goals;
  • Provide analysis and strategic thinking on the types of programming support GFN can offer members, taking into account the landscape of organizations already working to address them;
  • Setting organizational cross-cutting goals and evaluation metrics for the work of the network, supportive of GFN’s strategic goals and other assessment metrics being used throughout the organization;
• Develop, implement, and maintain member-level data for analyzing organizational and programmatic effectiveness, and systemic gaps in food distribution and service.
• Develop a balanced assessment of food bank stages of development, suggests metrics to measure GFN engagement impact, evaluate member food bank performance, and develop analytics to inform members of key operational indicators to attain greater operational effectiveness.
• Supervise data collection and analysis of information required for grants as specified in applications; prepare reports as
• Create custom analyses for members and other teams at GFN on an as needed basis.
• Mobilize like-minded partners – corporate, non-profit, and university leaders- into the development and execution of the GFN impact assessments and original research on an on-going basis to enhance effectiveness and offer members a broader slate of resources and expertise.
• Create an effective process for monitoring member progress and facilitating all GFN grant reporting.
• Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree and a minimum of 15 years of experience in research related to the food bank model or similar hunger intervention programs (experience supporting work in low- and middle-income countries preferred).
• Deep experience in the conception, design and management of research projects, impact assessment and data collection methods.
• Knowledge developing, managing, and implementing projects, including partnering with the funds and grants management teams on the definition of objectives, deliverables, monitoring, and evaluation of results.
• Experience in a leadership role that requires a combination of strong analytical, writing, management, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Proven track record of building trust based relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience creating and executing strategies that persuade key stakeholders to take action that will advance shared interests and organizational goals.
• A deep commitment to alleviating hunger through food banking.

• Comfort with ambiguity, ability to work autonomously, and the willingness to take a creative approach to solving problems.

• Ability and willingness to travel internationally (anticipated travel is 10-15% of the time).
• Proficiency in Spanish or other foreign language a plus.

To Apply Please email a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to hr@foodbanking.org.  The Global FoodBanking Network embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity. Its goal is to attract, develop, and retain a talented, diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential.