Company description

Who We Are: 

We’re a grassroots organization that launched in December 2015 with support from community partners. The Council serves all of Northwest Indiana with an emphasis on regional partnerships and collaboration. We build and strengthen relationships to support Indiana local food, education, and take action for a resilient food system for all involved.

Mission/Vision: 

The NWI Food Council cultivates a just, thriving and regenerative food system for all in NW Indiana. We do this through programs and projects that equally value farm viability and just food access, with an eye towards a community driven regional food system. 

We envision a local food system where everyone has affordable access to nutritious food that is grown by regional producers using regenerative practices. Through community-based strategies, we work towards collaboration, healthy ecosystems, equity and resiliency for all in NW Indiana.

Job description

SUMMARY
The NWI Food Council and its program, Region Roots Local Farm and Food Hub, unlocks economic opportunity for farmers in our region, especially those who historically have been excluded from opportunities to make a viable living. Our unique combination of personalized support and market development promotes both economic well-being and a more sustainable, resilient, and community-centered food system. We approach our work through partnerships that create meaningful, long-lasting market access for farmers and food access for our communities. NWIFC has seen incredible growth in our wholesale program over the past three years, with over $1.8 million dollars in local procurement through our food hub since 2021.

The Wholesale Partnerships Coordinator will facilitate the wholesale market access initiatives, generate sales for local farmers, manage partnerships with current wholesale partners, develop new wholesale partnerships and secure commitments from values-aligned customers that result in increased wholesale purchasing at community institutions. You will develop opportunities for farmers to sell into Food is Medicine programs with other anchor nonprofits like the Food Bank of NWI, Meals on Wheels, CoAction, United Way and more. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate all aspects of the execution of the wholesale market access program, including partnership development with existing wholesale customers and partners, as well as developing new partnerships, particularly around community anchor institutions and building community demand for local produce and products year-round.
• Develop and coordinate an annual marketing plan (with Marketing Associate and marketing contractors) that increases overall partner engagement in purchasing, as well as other engagement opportunities with Region Roots.
• Assist in the design and development of sales collateral and materials to support partners’ buying programs, increase sales of current offerings, assist partners in establishing and/or growing buying programs at their organizations.
• Provide excellent customer service and stewardship of partnerships, including answering calls and emails, taking accurate orders, problem-solving, and responding to customer inquiries.
• Participate in demand/procurement, working with buying partnerships to forecast seasonal needs maintaining awareness of pricing and inventory.
• Support the growth of Region Roots by assisting with buyer and supplier onboarding, entering orders and working with the hub team on digital and tech needs for managing orders and relationships. 

For a complete list of required duties and preferred skills, please refer to the job listing at https://www.nwifoodcouncil.org/job-opportunities.

Location: Office hours as needed but generally remote, good portion of time spent in the field visiting new and prospective clients throughout NW Indiana.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 50k-75k

Application instructions

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Deadline

May 02, 2025