Hunter College’s New York City Food Policy Center, established in 2012, is dedicated to fostering intersectoral, innovative, and evidence-based solutions to prevent diet-related diseases, increase awareness of food system issues, and promote food security in New York City and beyond. Situated in East Harlem—a community facing high rates of diet-related diseases and food insecurity— the Center leverages the dedication and resources of individuals and organizations committed to improving the urban food landscape. By collaborating with policymakers, community organizations, advocates, and the public; the Center promotes healthier, more sustainable food environments and integrates food policy as a catalyst for community and economic development. The Center also mobilizes multidisciplinary expertise from Hunter College’s schools and programs, including Nutrition and Public Health, Social Work, Education, Nursing, Anthropology, and Biology, to spearhead progressive food policy and nutrition initiatives.
Position Overview: The Center is seeking an Executive Director who will lead a strategic vision for the organization by building and sustaining partnerships in the food policy network, overseeing and leading evidence-based po icy and practice development and planning educational and policy-focused events for students and the public. Grant acquisition and management is a core function, with the Director having principal responsibility to identify and raise the funds for the Center’s research and programming. The Director will design and teach 1-2 courses each year as well as mentoring students. This leader will be responsible for guiding the Center’s growth and reinforcing its standing as a model for forward-thinking food policy.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Policy Leadership: Identify emerging policy issues; write policy briefs, reports, and present findings at national and international conferences on equitable food policies and sustainable food systems.
• Community Engagement and Events: Plan and execute educational and policy-focused events, leveraging networks in the food policy sector to attract key speakers and participants; Attend and participate in public hearings and legislative and executive branch meetings at the City, state and federal level to understand and help shape critical policy issues in food and agricultural systems, including policy impacts on underserved communities.
• Grant Writing and Fund Acquisition: Identify interdisciplinary, collaborative funding opportunities with governmental and non-governmental organizations, develop and submit grant and funding applications focused on food policy issues.
• Team Management: Supervise and support a team of research and administrative staff, ensuring productivity and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Teaching and mentorship: Teach1-2 courses each year and mentor graduate, and undergraduate students interested in food policy.
• Content Development: Oversee the creation of editorial content for the Center’s website, newsletters, and other communications.
• Strategic Representation: Represent the Center at external events, meetings, and conferences, solidifying its reputation and expanding its influence within the food policy community; develop and deliver presentations on relevant policy issues.
• Communications and Outreach: Draft press and media releases, manage the Center’s external communications and maintain relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and students.

Bachelor's degree in area(s) of expertise, and the ability to teach successfully. Ph.D. degree in area(s) of experience or equivalent required for Doctoral Lecturer.

OTHER QualificationS

Doctoral /Master’s degree required in public health, nutrition, or a related field with experience in

food policy research: Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, EdD, ScD, etc.) preferred

Grant Success: A minimum of five years of demonstrated success in securing and managing

research or program grants, with a robust record of dissemination of work through peer reviewed

publications, reports, and/or policy briefs, and translating findings into policy

recommendations. The candidate must have a track record of consistent grant funding to

support the Center’s projects and ensure its financial sustainability,

• Networking Skills: An established network within the food policy sector to facilitate

collaborations and elevate the Center’s reach.

• Communication: Superior written and oral communication skills, with experience engaging

diverse audiences.

• Leadership and Management: Previous experience managing research teams and

administrative staff.

• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with statistical analysis software and experience utilizing

digital communication tools and web platforms.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A demonstrated desire to work effectively in

diverse communities and advocate for equity in food policies.

The approved salary ranges for position are as follows:

Lecturer (Lect.): $74,575 - $92,878; with the new contract range expected to be $79,117 - $98,534.
Doctoral Lecturer (Doc. Lect.): $79,808 - $98,309; with the new contract range expected to be $84,668 - $104,296.

Faculty members may also earn additional compensation through grant-funded activities during the summer months (June, July, and August), with a maximum of three-ninths of their annual salary.

CUNY offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, pension and retirement benefits, paid parental leave, and savings programs. The institution is committed to faculty professional development, providing mentoring and support for research, scholarship, and publication.

Applications must be submitted online by accessing the CUNY Portal on City University of New York job website www.cuny.edu/employment or https://cuny.jobs/ and following the CUNYfirst Job System Instructions. To search for this vacancy, click on Search Job Listings, select More Options To Search For CUNY Jobs and enter the Job Opening ID number.

Click on the "Apply Now" button and follow the application instructions. Current users of the site should access their established accounts; new users should follow the instructions to set up an account.

Please have your documents available to attach into the application before you begin. Please note that the required material must be uploaded as ONE document under CV/ Resume (do not upload individual files for a cover letter, references, etc.). The document must be in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, or text format- and name of file should not exceed ten (10) characters – also DO NOT USE SYMBOLS (such as accents (é, è, (â, î or ô), ñ, ü, ï, –, _ or ç)).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Please include:

• Letter of application detailing expertise, experience, and proposed programmatic agenda.
• Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
• Names and contact information of 3 references

Upload all documents as ONE single file-- PDF format preferred.

The committee will begin reviewing complete applications on March 28, 2025. The search will remain open, and screening and review of applications will be ongoing-- until the position is filled. Applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered if the position(s) remain open after initial round.