Innovation Program Manager

About The Organization

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system to take evidence-based action to stop wasting food. We do this by cultivating and convening the food community, delivering actionable evidence and insights, and seeding and accelerating food waste solutions. Starting with the 2016 Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, ReFED has produced first-of-their-kind tools and resources, providing a full-supply-chain picture of U.S. food waste, cost-effective solutions to reduce it, and methods to track progress. In 2021, ReFED launched the Insights Engine, an online data center serving as the next generation of data, insights, and guidance on U.S. food waste reduction. Reducing food waste will have a significant impact on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity. We are continuing to grow our team to further build our capacity to achieve our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow.

We are a team of doers, and we get a lot accomplished. We create outsized impact, and everyone on the team contributes to accomplishing our shared goals. Learning and professional development are heavily embedded in ReFED’s culture. We promote cross-functional work to embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills to ensure we are an inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.   

Learn more at www.refed.org. 

We are seeking an Innovation Program Manager to join our Innovation Initiatives team, playing a key role in advancing food waste solutions. This individual will primarily work with food waste solution providers—organizations offering products and services aimed at reducing food waste across the food system. The Innovation Program Manager, reporting to the Director, Innovation Initiatives, will contribute to the development and implementation of programs and projects, such as The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, Solution Provider Services, and Innovation Services, all of which are designed to seed and accelerate impactful food waste solutions.

Applications must be received by April 28, 2025 to be fully considered.

• Program management of ReFED’s Solution Provider Services, with a strong focus on helping organizations scale and grow their impact:
• Organizing a series of master classes providing critical knowledge and practical tools for scaling solutions;
• Managing intensive, cohort-based programs to accelerate emerging and scaling solution providers;
• Gathering and using critical data and information to facilitate successful connections between food waste solution providers and prospective funders and customers;
• Continuously refining and improving these services based on feedback from solution providers and other key stakeholders to ensure continuous value and effectiveness;
• Collaborating with the ReFED Data & Insights team to enhance data collection methodologies from solution providers and support impact modeling.
• Support The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, a regranting initiative designed to help organizations overcome system-level barriers, de-risk innovations, and solve agency problems—ultimately stimulating larger amounts of future funding from more traditional sources:
• Providing portfolio management support for current and past grantees, including progress reporting, tracking impact data, and ensuring alignment with ReFED’s operating procedures;
• Facilitating quarterly calls with grantees and supporting the execution and monitoring of non-financial support provided by ReFED;
• Identifying opportunities for additional support to past grantees and collecting data on their long-term impact.
• Provide operational support for delivering Innovation Services, such as Innovation Challenges, that help waste generators and capital providers identify and connect with solution providers aligned with their specific goals and priorities:
• Project planning and execution of services, ensuring smooth coordination and effective outcome;
• Conducting landscape analyses to assess market needs, identify key players, and inform challenge design.

• Delivering high-impact services that provide tailored support to food waste solution providers, helping them scale their businesses, refine their strategies, and secure funding.
• Providing operational support for the Catalytic Grant Fund’s portfolio management, including tracking impact.
• Supporting ReFED’s innovation services for waste generators and funders.

• Substantial experience (5+ years) in accelerator programs, innovation programs, incubators, startup mentorship and/or operations, or impact investing with a proven track record of helping early-stage companies scale.
• Strong business and growth strategy expertise, with experience guiding organizations on scaling operations, refining business models, securing funding, and achieving market traction. 
• A proven ability to initiate and develop relationships with solution providers, funders, food businesses, and ecosystem partners.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders while ensuring programs and projects remain on track.
• Significant experience collaborating across various teams to ensure smooth program execution and alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through on multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficiency in gathering, analyzing, and applying data to inform decisions and improve program effectiveness, especially in relation to tracking impact, refining services, and ensuring alignment with market needs.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adjust strategies and approaches in real-time based on evolving challenges or new insights, ensuring program success under changing circumstances.
• A self-starter mindset, with comfort navigating ambiguity and autonomy while prioritizing effectively in a fast-moving environment.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Commitment to ReFED’s mission to end food loss and waste across the food system by advancing data-driven solutions.

• Have experience managing programs at an accelerator, incubator, or similar organization.
• Possess strong business acumen and can provide strategic guidance on financial sustainability, growth strategies, and market positioning.
• Are passionate about leveraging data and innovation to drive social and environmental impact.
• Thrive in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment.
• Have a strong commitment to reducing food waste and advancing sustainable food systems. 

• Specific degrees or certifications.
• Experience working in the nonprofit sector.

ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed. Our organization recognizes that everyone brings unique perspectives and strengths to the team, and we are committed to considering all applicants fairly and thoroughly. If you are passionate about our mission and excited about the role, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process includes the following steps:

* Initial screening interview over video call.

* 2-3 interviews over video call with different members of the team.

* Skills assessment over video call which may or may not include an assignment to complete beforehand and present during the skills assessment meeting. All necessary information and guidance will be provided in advance.

* References, usually three, will be requested, and reference checks will be conducted.

We strive to maintain clear and frequent communication throughout the recruitment process, however, due to capacity limitations we may not be able to respond to every initial application. Our process always includes input from multiple team members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the organization.

Our Operating Environment

ReFED is a distributed organization, with a team of 30+ working remotely from various locations across the United States. We use a range of digital collaboration and connectivity tools to facilitate our work, including Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Airtable, Salesforce, Miro, MS Office, Adobe, and Insperity. 

Our remote culture is built through a variety of means, including 3-4 annual in-person gatherings. These events include our annual team retreat, department retreats and the Food Waste Solutions Summit, a national convening of the food waste movement that we host annually. We also foster team connections through informal virtual get-togethers, ask-me-anything sessions with our Board and Advisory Council members, and peer recognition on our shoutouts channel in Slack. We have a “Big Dill” spot bonus program and engage in conversation through our watercooler channel in Slack. Our in-person events are essential for team building, learning, and fun.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

ReFED is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and grow. We recognize that our success is rooted in the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our team members, and we strive to foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, training, and promoting individuals regardless of their gender identity, sex, race, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We acknowledge that systemic barriers limit opportunities for certain groups, and we are dedicated to actively working to remove those barriers and promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all aspects of our organization. Our commitment to JEDI is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuously learning, listening, and improving our practices to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.