Request for Proposals: Strategic Planning Consultant

Project Background:

The NWI Food Council’s current 2023-2026 Strategic Plan commits the organization to fulfilling its mission through leading systems change, increasing food access, supporting farm viability, and modeling nonprofit governance. The organization just completed a Community Food System Assessment to gather input from food system experts, regional decision makers, and community members, and is in the process of completing a Northwest Indiana Community Food Action Plan which is anticipated to be released this fall. More information and the current strategic plan can be found at: nwifoodcouncil.org.

Project Description:

The NWI Food Council is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or firms to facilitate its next strategic plan. The selected will work collaboratively with the NWI Food Council’s board, staff, and stakeholders to assess current operations, identify opportunities, and define strategic priorities for the next 3-5 years. For a description of the opportunity and proposal requirements, please refer to the full Request for Proposals.

Please email proposals to alicia@nwifoodcouncil.org by by 5:00pm Central Time on December 1, 2025.

Operations Associate

Position Overview

The Operations Associate plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the NWI Food Council, a nonprofit organization working to build a just, thriving, and regenerative local food system. Reporting directly to the Co-Executive Directors, this position provides administrative, operational, and logistical support to help the organization function efficiently and effectively.

This role is ideal for a proven self-starter with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic nonprofit environment experiencing rapid growth. The schedule is flexible and primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings or events in Northwest Indiana. Must have a positive, solutions-oriented attitude and ability to work with a diverse team devoted to cultivating belonging and food justice for all.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Provide daily administrative support to the Co-Executive Directors, including scheduling, correspondence with staff and stakeholders, and document organization.

• Maintain and organize shared files, digital records, and internal systems (e.g., Google Workspace, shared drives, CRMs). Support organizing archived files properly. 

• Assist with data entry, reporting, and grant documentation as needed.

• Draft and proofread correspondence, meeting notes, and internal communications.

• Place and manage orders of supplies and equipment

• Assist with establishing and monitoring software/service subscriptions and accounts

• Provide exceptional customer service when interacting with partners and stakeholders

Operations & Office Management

• Support routine operations such as vendor management, supply ordering, and expense tracking.

• Help maintain compliance and recordkeeping for insurance, contracts, and organizational policies.

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, including scheduling, agendas, and follow-up actions

• Assist with onboarding processes for staff, volunteers, or interns.

• Support basic IT and systems coordination (file organization, password management, online subscriptions).

• Support HR workflows, processes and files.

• Assist the Board of Directors as needed with meeting preparation, documentation and general communication and scheduling needs. 

Program & Event Support

• Provide occasional administrative or logistical support for NWI Food Council events, programs, and partner activities.

• Support communication and coordination between staff, board members, and partners.

• Help track key deadlines and deliverables across projects.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

• Proficiency with or a willingness to learn basic software and technology including MS Office Suite, Google Drive, Quickbooks, Canva,  smart phones, copier, webinar platforms, etc.

• Dependable and resilient self-starter with an interest and experience in taking on new challenges and overcoming obstacles with little supervision

• Eagerness to learn and commitment to asking for help when needed

• Outstanding organizational, record keeping and data management skills

• Superior listening, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills

• Commitment to developing collaborative solutions

• Ability to present information clearly and concisely to groups of farmers, buyers, etc.

• Solid business acumen

• Clean driving record

• Computer and internet access

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

• Work cooperatively with others

• Driving during the workday 

• Comply with company policies and procedures

Location

Office hours as needed but generally remote.

Type of Position

Part-time (average 10-20 hours per week)

Hours per week

varies

Pay Scale

$20.00 / hour

Benefits (eligibility dependent on full time status)

401k, Health Benefits, Workers Compensation

Please submit your resume, cover letter and list of references to anne@nwifoodcouncil.org (Anne Massie) and virginia@nwifoodcouncil.org (Virginia Pleasant, PhD). Priority deadline is November 14, 2025.