Charitable trusts fundraising officer jobs

Help Shape a Fairer Food Future: Food Justice Alliance Coordinator

Food Justice Alliance Coordinator

Closing date: 11th September 2026,  5pm - We will close applications early if we receive a strong pool of applicants

Role Overview

Responsible to: Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC (host organisation), with accountability to the Food Justice Alliance Steering Group 

Location: Cambridge 

Contract: Two years, subject to funding

Salary: £36,000 FTE

Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC

Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC (CSF) is a non-profit organisation established in 2018 working to build a fairer, more sustainable food system which supports the community and the environment. We campaign to achieve healthy and sustainable food for everyone; food which is good for our health, the planet, and the local economy. 

The Food Justice Alliance

The Cambridge Food Justice Alliance is a network of local organisations working together to address food insecurity in Cambridge and take strategic, collective action for lasting food justice. The Alliance strengthens connections across the city, supports partners to share knowledge and experience, identifies shared priorities, and coordinates activity to help residents access fair, dignified and sustainable food support. Its work is guided by a steering group with representatives from Cambridge Sustainable Food, Cambridge City Foodbank, Cambridge City Council, Cambridge United Charitable Trust, Abbey People CIO, Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum and Church of the Good Shepherd. The Steering Group shapes key themes, agrees collective actions and identifies the partners best placed to lead specific areas of work. 

This is a coordination and systems leadership role, not a frontline delivery post. The Coordinator will strengthen partnership working, improve communication and shared learning, support resident involvement, and increase the Alliance's influence on policy, funding and system change. The role will help build a stronger, more connected and influential Alliance, enabling collective action to address both the causes and impacts of food insecurity.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Coordination and Development

• Coordinate and facilitate meetings of the Steering Group, wider Alliance and working groups.

• Establish and maintain an annual work plan, monitor progress and support shared accountability.

• Build strong relationships across voluntary, community, statutory, academic and grassroots organisations.

• Support partners to identify shared priorities, reduce duplication and develop collaborative approaches.

Mapping, Insight and Systems Development

• Develop and maintain a clear picture of food-related provision across Cambridge.

• Map support pathways, referral routes, gaps and opportunities.

• Improve understanding of how services connect, including emergency food, community sector provision, public health, advice services and other statutory organisations

• Use evidence and insight to inform planning, funding, communications and advocacy.

• Contribute to and reflect national learning through the Sustainable Food Places network

Lived Experience and Community Participation

• Develop meaningful ways for people experiencing food insecurity to influence priorities and decision-making.

• Remove barriers to participation and ensure diverse voices are represented.

• Support resident panels, listening events, peer research and community engagement.

• Promote lived experience as a valued source of expertise within the Alliance.

Learning, Communication and Influence

• Develop learning and peer support across the Alliance.

• Organise workshops, partner showcases and the annual Food Justice Alliance Conference.

• Act as a central point of contact and improve communication between partners.

• Support accessible resources that make the local food support system easier to understand and navigate.

• Build relationships beyond the food sector, including health, housing, education, disability, mental health, advice and community development services.

• Coordinate campaigns and influencing activity and represent the Alliance in relevant forums.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Sustainability

• Coordinate the collection and use of data, learning and lived experience evidence.

• Develop an impact framework and reporting systems.

• Produce briefings and updates for partners, funders and decision-makers.

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Alliance.

Skills and Experience

Essential

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in partnership coordination, community development, public health, network facilitation or systems change.

• Knowledge of food poverty, food justice and the wider causes of food insecurity.

• Strong communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to engage people with lived experience and support inclusive participation.

• Strong analytical, organisational and written communication skills.

• Experience supporting advocacy, campaigns or influencing activity.

• A collaborative, inclusive and reflective approach.

Desirable

• Experience of food partnerships, community networks, or resident engagement.

• Knowledge of Cambridge’s voluntary and community sector and experience working with public sector partners.

• Experience of fundraising, partnership bid development or community food initiatives.