Hiring: Youth and Farm Program Manager – Gardening the Community

Location:Springfield, Mass.
Hours: 25-30 per week

Organizational Description

Founded in 2002 in Springfield, MA, Gardening the Community (GTC), a fiscally sponsored project of Third Sector New England, is a food justice organization engaged in youth development, urban agriculture and sustainable living to build healthy and equitable communities. GTC works with youth to grow food on vacant lots and organizes to expand healthy, affordable food access in the Mason Square neighborhoods of Springfield. Their vision includes building a vibrant, healthy food system with just and equal access to it—one that recognizes and addresses inequity so racism no longer determines the health or well-being of a neighborhood or community.

Position Overview

The Youth and Farm Program Manager works closely with the Co-Director for Programs and Marketing to implement all activities related to GTC growing activities, harvesting, crop marketing and sales. This position also directly oversees youth participants and GTC’s youth development program. This position is for 25-30 hours (max) per week from Tuesday–Saturday and varies seasonally. It reports to the Co-Director for Programs and Marketing and supervises 10-30 youth participants and 1-2 volunteers.

Essential Job Duties

Manage the GTC Youth Leadership Program including:

• Recruiting youth participants to the program and managing the process of youth coming into the program including application materials, meeting with youth and their parents/guardians, orientation and training;
• Supervising the daily on-site participation of all youth involved in GTC, including farming, sales, organizing and educational activities.  This includes supervising youth and intern staffing at farmers markets and neighborhood markets;
• Supporting the leadership development of youth within GTC; developing structures to support this growth and recruiting youth participation on the GTC Board, Committees and in organizational events;
• Managing the process of youth leaving the program;
• Ensuring youth participation in program evaluation and self-assessment and reflection annually;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of a year-round youth learning and leadership development curriculum as well as a healthy eating/cooking curriculum;
• Managing monthly youth timesheet reporting and distribution of youth stipend checks;
• Managing the youth summer job application process including GTC’s partnership with New England Farmworkers;
• Coordinating and publishing a monthly youth calendar;

Manage the GTC Farm Produce Distribution and Sales including:

• Managing Farm Stand sales (currently Thursday Hancock St. Farm Stand and Saturday Farmers Market) and coordinating market displays;
• Working with Co-Director to implement production plans for GTC land including growing and working with the Farm Advisor;
• Supervising the harvest schedule;
• Managing overall distribution of crops to wholesale partners, farmers markets, restaurants and other distribution channels; ensure accurate recordkeeping of orders and invoices;
• Managing purchasing of market and distribution supplies within set budget;
• Managing production of value-added products and recipes;
• Working with the Food Access and Community Outreach Manager to develop food-related community events showcasing GTC produce including cooking demonstrations & workshops; help to oversee food safety practices;
• Assisting with other organizational activities including fundraising, events and office management as appropriate.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• 1-3 years of farm experience preferably at an organic or chemical free farm;
• 2 years’ experience working with youth aged 12-18 in youth organizing or leadership development; ability to relate easily to middle and high school aged youth and to support their growth and development as leaders, including experience teaching youth and/or adults in a farm or garden setting;
• Experience supervising paid or volunteer staff and working with diverse communities;
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of GTC and to racial justice;
• Interest and familiarity with issues relating to local food, food access, and sustainable agriculture and a genuine appreciation of the urban environment;
• Strong organization skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Sense of humor and ability to manage a sometimes chaotic environment;
• Proficiency in all MS office applications required;
• Strong knowledge of the Springfield community is preferred;
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

Pay rate is $13-$16/hour depending on experience.

To Apply

We strongly encourage online applications. Please send your resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position, knowledge of Springfield, Mass. and your commitment to the food and racial justice mission of GTC. Please include three professional references that can speak to your work ethic, commitment, and relevant work experience. Please list the name, title, email and/or phone number for each reference.

Resumes will be screened on a rolling basis – we hope to fill the position by early October.
Apply online here.

We do accept applications by mail or fax. Send to:

Third Sector New England
NonProfit Center, 7th floor
Attn: HR – 89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111

Or Fax: 617.523.2070

As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE/Gardening the Community will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identification and veteran or disability status.