Capital Initiatives Analyst

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 a Capital Initiatives Analyst to join ReFED’s Capital, Innovation & Global Initiatives team—helping to grow our capital programs targeted at influencing and mobilizing much-needed capital into and sparking innovation in the food waste sector. The Analyst will contribute to the design and implementation of programs and projects that contribute to the team’s annual and longer-term goals. 

Specifically, the Analyst, working remotely and reporting to the Director of Impact Capital Programs, will contribute to key initiatives such as our funder coalition, advisory services, and trend reports, as well as essential tools like the Capital Tracker and Solution Provider Database, part of the ReFED Insights Engine.

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

• Maintain critical Capital & Innovation team assets, including ReFED’s Food Waste Capital Tracker, Solution Provider Directory, Solution Fact Sheets, and Federal Grants Database;
• Support the Director with business development activities for and the execution of custom Strategic Advisory Services projects for individual capital providers who might need support developing their investment theses and allocating their capital at the intersection of climate, nutrition, hunger, economic development, environmental and social justice, and food waste. Example deliverables include presentation decks, data analysis, and visualizations;
• Support the growth of ReFED’s Food Waste Funder Circle, including developing effective programming that educates capital providers on the investment opportunity that exists within the climate and food waste sector, curating custom funding opportunities, and facilitating collaboration and shared diligence among members that ultimately results in driving measurable capital flows to viable solutions;
• Contribute substantially to content development for ReFED’s Capital & Innovation Market Updates and investment trend reports that keep the ecosystem educated by conducting research, analysis, and insights generation that spur   action by key stakeholders, including capital providers (public, private, and philanthropic) and solution providers; 
• Own the design, management, and improvement of effective processes, systems, and tools for the team to drive greater efficiencies, productivity, and value for our partners;
• Support the exploration and execution of any new programs, products, and services for capital providers that lead to the ultimate outcome of accelerating food waste solution adoption (e.g., partnering on the development of innovative investment and funding vehicles such as DAF advisory work, network engagements such as SAFSF and Confluence Philanthropy, and paid advisory projects for asset owners and managers);
• Support the development and maintenance of trusted relationships;
• Support the Innovation Team as needed, in identifying relevant solution providers for programs including, but not limited to Innovation Challenges, the Catalytic Grant Fund open calls, and Solution Provider Services, through activities such as research, landscape analyses, and solution mapping;
• Provide input to the long-term strategy for the team that is aligned with the organization’s mission and aimed at increasing investment into and adoption of food waste solutions;
• Participate in the development of annual objectives (OKRs) for the team;
• Support supervising staff in tracking against the team and/or project-specific budgets and impact metrics, as well as help evaluate and conduct retrospectives on programmatic performance;

• The critical need to mobilize capital into the food waste sector by supporting and expanding ReFED’s capital-focused programs and tools.
• The lack of visibility and connectivity between funders and solution providers by managing resources like the Capital Tracker and Solution Provider Directory to spotlight impactful opportunities.
• Gaps in sector knowledge by contributing to data-driven insights, market updates, trend reports, and convenings that educate and activate capital providers.
• Operational barriers to capital deployment by designing and optimizing internal systems, tools, and processes that increase the team's efficiency and external value.
• Challenges in scaling innovation by helping develop and support new partnerships and customized solutions to accelerate adoption of food waste solutions.

• Are passionate about using capital as a lever for impact and excited to help drive investment toward solutions that reduce food waste and advance environmental and social goals.
• Have 2+ years of experience in fields such as investment, finance, capital advisory, climate, finance, investor relations, management consulting, data analytics, program management, or investor network management 
• Bring a systems-thinking mindset and enjoy untangling complex problems with strategic, data-driven approaches.
• Excel at analyzing, synthesizing, and visualizing data to support decision-making and storytelling for diverse audiences.
• Thrive in cross-sector environments, with the ability to communicate and collaborate with funders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and other stakeholders.
• Are energized by building and managing tools, systems, and processes that make teams more effective and partnerships more productive.
• Are a natural communicator—with strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills—that can translate ideas into action and influence outcomes.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and project management discipline while also being comfortable navigating ambiguity and adapting in a fast-moving environment.
• Have a working knowledge (or deep curiosity) about food systems, climate innovation, sustainability, or ESG and want to apply that interest in a meaningful way.
• Are committed to equity, inclusion, and ReFED’s mission, and bring a collaborative spirit to your work every day.

• Are mission-driven and energized by the opportunity to help build a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient food system through data-informed, capital-driven solutions.
• Enjoy working at the intersection of finance, innovation, and impact, and are excited to contribute to shaping how capital is deployed to solve systemic challenges like food waste.
• Are a proactive problem-solver who thrives in dynamic environments, embraces ambiguity, and is eager to roll up your sleeves to get things done.
• Bring a collaborative, team-oriented mindset and value authentic relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Have a strong sense of ownership and take pride in delivering high-quality work, whether it’s a presentation for a funder, a data dashboard, or a team process improvement.
• Value continuous learning and growth, and are excited about contributing to a growing organization where your ideas and initiative are welcomed.
• Are curious, adaptable, and motivated by the chance to make a measurable impact in a mission-aligned, remote-first environment.

• Specific degrees or credentials.
• Food systems experience.

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.