Director of Hunger Relief

Second Helpings is a nonprofit organization based in Greater Indianapolis that is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of food. Founded in 1998 by three chefs, Second Helpings operates by accepting donated perishable and overstocked food, which they then prepare into nutritious meals for thousands of hungry children and adults every day. These meals are distributed free of charge through a network of social service organizations in the community. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, continually expanding its capacity to serve the community. In the most recent fiscal year alone, Second Helpings saved nearly five million pounds of food from ending up in landfills. They distributed over 1.5 million meals and redirected an additional 3.6 million pounds of food products to more than 200 area partner agencies.

The Second Helpings facility is a lively and active environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork. It relies heavily on a consistent and dedicated corps of volunteers who are present during most open hours, as well as former and current culinary job training students who contribute regularly. Food and food culture are integral to the organization's atmosphere, with lunch being available on most days. This vibrant setting reflects Second Helpings’ commitment not only to hunger relief but also to cultivating a supportive and dynamic work environment. The organization places great emphasis on community involvement, food sustainability, and nurturing future talent through its training and volunteer programs.

The Hunger Relief Program Manager plays a pivotal role in this mission. This leadership position involves managing a high-volume kitchen responsible for preparing nutritious meals to support partner agencies addressing food insecurity. The manager directs and oversees the efforts of paid kitchen staff, contracted personnel, and volunteers, ensuring efficient meal production that meets the dietary requirements of partner organizations. This role includes comprehensive oversight of all Hunger Relief operations, focusing on quality control, food safety, staffing, and logistics related to meal distribution. The position requires collaborative engagement with various departments and external partners to optimize food rescue operations and advance the organization’s mission effectively.

Responsibilities also include staff recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and mentoring. The manager plays a critical role in maintaining ServSafe certifications, leading training sessions, and complying with local health department regulations. This position also explores the integration of automation and artificial intelligence to enhance kitchen productivity and processes. The role expects active participation in Second Helpings’ community outreach efforts, fundraising activities, and educational events. Moreover, the manager develops and monitors the program’s budget and equipment needs meticulously.

Second Helpings embraces diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace, committed to creating a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. They maintain a strict equal employment opportunity policy without discrimination based on race, gender, age, or any other legally protected status. This position offers meaningful work that directly impacts the community, ideal for candidates passionate about hunger relief, food service management, and community engagement. Second Helpings also proudly holds certification as a Good Wages employer, underscoring its commitment to fair compensation and employee welfare.