About the Role

At the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, we believe a hunger-free region is possible when communities come together to nourish and uplift one another. As we expand our work at the intersection of food and health, we are launching a new Food Is Medicine (FIM) initiative. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how food access supports better health outcomes across our region.

We are seeking a collaborative, driven professional to help build and grow the Food Is Medicine initiative from the ground up. This is not a plug-and-play role. It is an opportunity to step into something new and help define what it can become.

As the FIM Program Coordinator, you will work at the intersection of public health, healthcare, and food access. You will design, pilot, and scale programs that connect nutritious food with improved health outcomes. You will collaborate with healthcare partners, translate research into real-world application, and help lay the foundation for long-term sustainability and impact.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building, problem-solving, and working across systems. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, bringing structure to complexity, and turning strong ideas into practical, working programs.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement Food Is Medicine programs that are practical, scalable, and rooted in evidence

• Build partnerships with healthcare partners, including hospitals, FQHCs, and health departments

• Integrate nutrition-forward strategies that support chronic disease management such as diabetes and hypertension

• Navigate compliance requirements, including HIPAA, data-sharing agreements, and program protocols

• Evaluate program outcomes to inform improvements, strengthen funding cases, and support policy strategy

• Contribute to long-term sustainability efforts, including exploring reimbursement pathways

• Convene and lead a cross-sector steering committee to guide the initiative’s growth

What We’re Looking For

You might be a great fit if you:

• Have experience in public health within or alongside healthcare systems

• Understand how to translate research and evidence into real-world programs

• Can build and manage partnerships across sectors

• Are highly organized and comfortable managing complex, evolving projects

• Bring both strategic thinking and a willingness to roll up your sleeves

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN), or similar background

• Familiarity with healthcare reimbursement models, including Medicaid and Medicare

• Experience working with HIPAA compliance and healthcare data

• Knowledge of food systems, food insecurity, and social determinants of health

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

What Makes This Role Unique

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new initiative at the ground level. You will not just be managing a program. You will be helping define it. Your work will directly influence how healthcare and food systems collaborate in our region for years to come.

Position Details

• Part-time, with potential for growth

• Classification, structure, and salary flexible based on experience

• Based in Chattanooga, with some travel required

If you are energized by building something meaningful and want to be part of a team working toward a hunger-free region, we would love to hear from you.

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